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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.
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