GEMME Ireland showcases mediation in action
A large audience gathered at the Law Society’s main lecture theatre for GEMME Ireland’s mediation moot exhibition this week (14 October).
Held in collaboration with the Law Society and the King’s Inns as part of International Mediation Awareness Week, the event featured a simulated mediation.
This centred on a fictional dispute between an Irish actor and an AI company that launched an app featuring a remarkably similar voice to the well-known actor.
Simulation
The simulation highlighted the practical workings of mediation as a dispute-resolution process and demonstrated how structured dialogue, guided by neutral mediators, could help parties reach understanding and potential agreement.
Trainee solicitors Elaine Dunne (DLA Piper), Aoife O’Carroll (Arthur Cox) and King’s Inns graduates Peter McMahon and Sarah Jones took on the mediator and lead counsel roles.
The clients involved in the dispute were played by judicial assistants Adam O’Carroll, Kyle Egan, Dorian Jaros, and Patricia O’Reilly.
Chaired by Ms Justice Sara Phelan (GEMME Ireland chair), the event concluded with expert commentary from Mr Justice David Barniville (President of the High Court), and Helen Kilroy (partner at McCann FitzGerald LLP).
Both commended the participants for their professionalism and realism, noting that the session effectively showcased the value of mediation in resolving complex disputes.
GEMME Ireland is a national non-profit organisation comprising judges and is part of a European network of judges from EU member states or of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) .
GEMME members are committed to promoting mediation and all forms of dispute resolution, including restorative justice.