Most libel actions turn on what the words complained of actually mean. If “meaning” is not resolved at the outset, you could be locked into very public and extremely expensive litigation for months, if not years. Many key issues in libel actions can be dealt with by voluntary arbitration, enabling parties to resolve them fairly, quickly and cheaply outside the Court system. There may also be cases where it is useful for the parties to meet and for a dispute to be mediated with the help of an expert in this field.

We have drawn up a list of libel experts who can act as arbitrators — assisted by lay assessors when necessary — to decide the meaning of an article, editorial or blog posting — or any other key issue in a libel action. We have also drawn up a list of trained mediators who are likewise expert in this field or allied fields. They may well be able to help you resolve a libel or privacy complaint before costs escalate and relations break down.

Benefits of Early Resolution schemes

	Arbitration	Mediation
Quick Cases are typically resolved within a month of agreeing to the scheme
Discreet Proceedings are private, avoiding the public spectacle of the law courts
Inexpensive Legal costs are kept to a minimum
Final The outcome is binding, appeals can only be made in exceptional circumstances
Flexible You meet the other side but how you play it is up to you