WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

1WHAT KIND OF CASES DOES THE LMDC HANDLE?
Whether it be Commercial, Employment, Banking, Maritime, Energy, Information and Communication Technology, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Aviation, Entertainment and Sports, a Family or Business dispute. The LMDC provides clients and their attorneys with effective alternatives for resolving disputes.
2WHAT IS THE LMDCS EFFECT ON CASES DISPOSITION?
At the LMDC, cases are disposed of quickly and efficiently in a conducive environment, while business and other relationships are preserved.
3IF I REACH A SETTLEMENT IN ANOTHER ADR ORGANIZATION CAN I ENFORCE IT AT THE LMDC?
Yes, indeed, another interesting extension of the enforcement provisions of the LMDC Law is section 4(1)(b) which allows Terms of Settlement and Memoranda of Understanding reached by other ADR organizations to be filled at the LMDC and endorsed by the ADR Judge to become a judgment of the High Court of Lagos State.
4WILL SUGGESTING ADR TO THE OTHER PARTY NOT SEEM A SIGN OF WEAKNESS OR A PERCEPTION THAT I HAVE A BAD CASE?
Not in the least. Suggesting ADR is neither a sign of weakness nor an indication of a bad case. On the contrary, it is an indication of exposure and an understanding of the 21st century approach to Business Dispute Resolution Practice.
5IF WE DO NOT REACH A SETTLEMENT AT MEDIATION, WHAT DO I DO?
As the “doors” at the LMDC operate as a continuum, failure of the parties to reach a settlement at mediation may lead them into the Early Neutral Evaluation or Arbitration doors, as appropriate.
6IS IT TRUE THAT THE COST OF ADR PROCESSES ARE MORE THAN LITIGATION?
It is not true. Not only is the cost ultimately cheaper financially, the process saves cost in relation to time and relationships.

ADR CLAUSES

The use of Three Tier ADR CLAUSES is recommended as a Dispute Resolution tool for modern day Agreements.

1. In the event of any dispute, difference or claim arising out of or in connection with this agreement, the parties shall meet in good faith, within a month of the knowledge of the dispute, for negotiations in an effort to resolve the dispute amicably.

2. If the dispute is not settled by negotiation within 14 days of commencement of such negotiations or within a longer period as agreed to by the parties, the dispute, difference or claim shall be referred to the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse for mediation which shall be concluded in accordance with the LMDC Mediation Procedure Rules or other rules mutually agreed by the parties.

3. If the parties fail to reach a settlement via mediation within 14 days, the matter shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 1990. The Arbitration shall be conducted by a sole arbitrator to be appointed by the LMDC or such other office or body as agreed by the parties. Provided Always that the parties may by mutual agreement extend the period of time specified in their agreement or opt for the appointment of three arbitrators as against a Sole Arbitrator if considered desirable. Such appointment shall be in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, LFN, 1990.