The Mediators' New Breakfast Club continued its trend with guest speaker Matthew Rushton of JAMS International. On 15th November 30+ mediators met at the Punch Tavern on Fleet Street, London for breakfast and networking. Matthew was able to give an engaging if not controversial talk as a talented legal reporter with a unique ADR background.
In 2007 Matthew founded Empirical Publishing, an online legal publisher focused on ADR. Matthew was the publisher of the Mediator Magazine and later The Mediator Directory, the latter becoming the UK's first national feedback repository for users of commercial mediation. In 2009, Matthew launched an ADR brokerage site, DisputesLoop.com, designed to bring together ADR users and practitioners. In tandem with the above, Matthew worked as a consultant advising in relation to a number of ADR-related events.
Matthew spoke on the delicate matter of what UK mediators can learn from the Americans, which he treated with his trademark insensitivity. It was certainly a lively session as Matthew ignited a debate amongst all in attendance.
The next Mediators' New Breakfast Club will be held on 17th January 2012 at the Punch Tavern, Fleet Street. Michael Cover will be leading the session looking back at what has been learnt over the 2011 discussions and encourgaing open debate. All mediators and those interested in dispute resolution are welcome.
