Mediation in Lithuania: challenges and opportunities Dr. Rimantas Simaitis Associated Professor of Vilnius University, Attorney-at-law, Mediator, former president of CEPEJ-GT-MED Vilnius, 25 October 2012
Potential positive impact Establishment of universal means of dispute resolution Promotion of interest-based sensible culture Better satisfaction with the result Expediency and cost-efficiency Alleviation of burden of courts’ caseload Ease of social tensions 2
Development Community mediation and analogous projects from 1998 Court conciliation from 2003 In-court mediation pilot project from 2006, extended in 2007 Law on Mediation in Civil Disputes adopted on 15 July
Education Established mediation programs at universities Continuous education and mediation training for professionals (judges, attorneys, bailiffs, others)
Challenges Pro-litigious approach Low level of mediation awareness Mediation projects’ budgetary restraints
Trends Culture of amicable resolution is improving Mediation awareness is growing Knowledge and experience as well Success stories 6
Opportunities Further evolution of in-court mediation Establishment of State supported family, labour and/or penal mediation schemes Promotion of commercial mediation at Vilnius Court of Commercial Arbitration Increase of financing for public schemes Financial support for private mediation initiatives 7
8 I is worth trying...
Thank you! 9