Statistics

As of 1 April 2009, more than 1,400 matters have been referred to the SMC. Of those mediated, about 75% were settled. The types of cases include (but are not limited to) banking disputes, construction disputes, contractual disputes, corporate disputes, contested divorces and divorce ancillary matters, employment disputes, family disputes, information technology disputes, insurance disputes, negligence claims, partnership disputes, personal injury claims, shipping disputes and tenancy disputes.

The SMC's institutional partners and supporters have benefited from its services in the form of tremendous savings in costs and time. For example, the Supreme Court alone recorded savings of more than $21 million and 3,356 court days as at 1 April 2009. Individual disputants benefit extensively as well. The figures provided by the Supreme Court show that the savings in legal costs for the parties are substantial. In a High Court case involving 2 parties, it is not uncommon for parties to save as much as $80,000 in total.

In a study conducted at the end of 2008, 1,884 disputants who mediated at the SMC and provided feedback, 81% reported costs savings and 85% reported time savings.  The feedback from 1,563 lawyers who represented their clients and provided feedback was similar - 82% reported savings in costs and 81% reported savings in time.  These numbers were consistent with the informal feedback the SMC had been receiving from lawyers that mediation at the SMC was a useful process and had the support of the bar.