A report this week, released on the 20th of September called 'Dispute Resolution in London and the UK 2010' has seen a sharp increase in the use of arbitration and mediation to resolve business disputes in the UK. The report shows that the total disputes solved (through arbitration and mediation) reached 34,531 in 2009, a 78% increase on the 2007 figure of 19,384 - that's almost double!

An accredited mediation course is run through the Reading Law School via Resolve Mediation and which is unfortunately, I must stress, exclusively only open to first years. Having just recently completed the course, I would certainly recommend doing it, not only is it fun, but it’s also a great way of making new friends - not to mention the skills you develop in the end. Given the results of the survey above, you would seriously need a good reason not to consider it! It's certainly in demand - and firms would love you for it - seeing that you're accredited in it!

I must warn you though, due to its popularity, its ultra competitive and only ever 20 lucky students are picked each year!! So go ahead! What have you got to lose? Make sure you are quick to sign up to it in the pro bono week at the law school!!!

For more details contact: Amy Bennett - this year’s Pro Bono Rep for the Reading Law Society.

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