1. COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES QUEENSLAND CONFERENCE 8 MARCH 2018
MEDIATION

2. Background BCLS commenced operations 1992
First 15 years volunteer Solicitors and Barristers
Part-time Solicitor employed two/three days per week
In 2016/2017
Advices 643
Information 407
Referrals 252
Casework 100
Mediation 24

3. Strategic Planning
5 years ago Management Committee thought we could do better
Commenced informal mediation process using volunteers
Then worked on a more formal process
3 years ago developed a series of supporting documents
Worked with various universities, mediators and organisations
Now offer clients an option to consider mediation
8 Mediators on list, 4 are FDRP Accredited mediators
Another 6 have shown interest, waiting for paperwork

4. Mediation - Intake
Mediation targeted on those without the financial capacity to pay
Clients offered mediation during the intake process
Primarily as an option in Family Law matters - parenting
We do not offer it for property related matters or where there is an allegation of domestic/family violence
Also offered for civil type disputes including neighbourhood – fences etc.

5. Mediation - process Letter to other party
Second letter to other party where no response
Seek expressions of interest from panel of mediators
Mediators contact parties
Mediators arrange time and location (usually BCLS office)
Mediation conducted
Parties provided with signed agreement, where settlement
Where parties do not wish to mediate, s.60i Certificate supplied

6. Questions Further information Michael Stubbins President
Bayside Community Legal Service
105 Florence Street Wynnum