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CCCA_V3No4_ADR-FIN.qxd:CCCA_V1No1_DriversSeat-FIN.qxd 11/24/09 12:28 PM Page 35 are typically recorded in minutes of settlement. Even if the media- ADR Option 4: Med-Arb Feature tion is unsuccessful, the parties may narrow the issues and obtain a Sometimes businesses cannot resolve disputes through media- better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of their posi- tion, despite their best efforts. Having invested significant time tion. That may result in further negotiations or even a further and resources, they may want to avoid an impasse. mediation that may resolve the remaining issues. One way of doing so is through “med-arb.”As the name sug- Mediation differs from early neutral evaluation in that it assists gests, med-arb involves both mediation and arbitration: if the the parties in arriving at their own resolution of the dispute and mediation is unsuccessful, it is converted into an arbitration and typically does not include an evaluation by the mediator.In addi- the mediator/arbitrator resolves the impasse by making a bind- tion, although mediation can be employed at any stage, it is often ing decision on all outstanding issues. undertaken after litigation has been commenced and all or some There are pros and cons to this approach.The obvious pro is portion of the pre-trial discovery process has been completed. that by agreeing to med-arb, the parties can rely on the fact that Mediation differs from arbitration in that it does not involve one way or another, the dispute will be resolved — if not by formal fact-finding and does not require a complete evidentiary mediation then by arbitration. record. Subject to the relevant rules of court, mediation should However, there are significant cons. It is one thing for a business obviously be deferred until the record is sufficient. However, one to make a decision concerning the resolution of a dispute on the of the key advantages and efficiencies of mediation is that the par- basis of information that it considers sufficient. It is quite another to ties to the dispute,rather than the court,decide what constitutes a have the dispute arbitrated on that basis. However,if businesses insist sufficient record.This reflects an essential difference between judi- on a complete record, the utility of med-arb for early dispute reso- cial decision-making, which entails a formalized, elaborate and lution may be compromised. In addition, med-arb may also be painstaking search for the truth, and business decision-making, inherently inefficient, in that it may make it less likely that the dis- which involves a practical and informal process of finding and pute will be resolved by mediation and more likely that it will require implementing solutions. Mediation is therefore ideally suited to arbitration. After all, successful mediation requires meaningful dia- business: it provides an opportunity to resolve a dispute on the logue in which the parties acknowledge, at least in private caucuses, basis of information that the business deems sufficient,without the the potential weaknesses of their positions.That kind of dialogue may formality, expense and delay of either litigation or arbitration. not happen if the parties know that the mediation, if not successful, Affaires et résolution de conflits Dans le climat économique actuel, les entreprises doivent agir rapidement e nos jours,les actionnaires exigent que clause exigeant que les parties se tournent découle aucune obligation. Dla compagnie prenne des décisions vers l’arbitrage en cas de différend d’opinion. Pour qu’une évaluation précoce neutre stratégiques dans un court laps de temps et en Ces clauses ont leur raison d’être : ce moyen atteigne son objectif, cependant, il est disposant souvent de peu d’informations. a fait ses preuves et est rapide et confidentiel, important que toutes les parties reconnais- C’est la nouvelle réalité des affaires.Et elle a en plus de lier les parties. sent la crédibilité et la compétence de la un impact direct sur la résolution des conflits. Mais il n’est pas idéal pour toutes les situa- personne retenue. Des attentes similaires existent en effet pour tions. Comme un litige, c’est un processus que les entreprises puissent résoudre leurs adversaire qui peut avoir des répercussions Option 3 : La médiation conflits le plus rapidement possible et selon les néfastes sur les relations d’affaires. Il peut aussi La médiation est bien connue et souvent ren- meilleures conditions. Or, pour satisfaire ces être plus lourd et long, puisqu’il requiert le due obligatoire par les règles de procédure de attentes,les entreprises doivent,quand cela est dépôt et l’analyse d’un épais dossier de preuve. plusieurs juridictions. Les parties échangent approprié,abandonner le modèle traditionnel des déclarations étayant leur position et y de résolution de conflits et se tourner vers les Option 2 : L’évaluation joignant quelques documents importants, le alternatives. Quelles sont-elles? précoce neutre cas échéant. Après une séance initiale, le Cette deuxième option est un processus médiateur rencontre les parties en privé pour Option 1 : L’arbitrage volontaire qui consiste à nommer un média- discuter de leurs points de vue respectifs et C’est le mode alternatif de résolution de teur ou un expert, ou les deux, afin qu’il recevoir leurs propositions de règlements. conflits (MARC) le plus connu, plusieurs examine la position de chaque partie et qu’il Même si le processus ne parvient pas à contrats commerciaux ayant même une leur fournisse une évaluation, sans que n’en régler le litige, souvent il en restreint le HIVER 2009 CCCA Canadian Corporate Counsel Association 35