Member

The first time I have ever heard about mediation was during my internship, about 9 years ago, when I attended a conference held by the “Union of Attorneys-in-Practice and Young Attorneys of Athens’ Bar” in Nafplio, Greece. At first, I was skeptical since, in mediation, the outcome of the procedure was totally on the hands of the parties. An agreement cannot be forced. However, after practicing law for a few years, my first impression about mediation changed dramatically. The cost and the time spent from individuals and companies in court in order to obtain—what is most of the time considered—a controversial court decision, combined with the increase in the number of cases because of the financial crisis made the need of embracing a new fair, fast, and affordable procedure imperative. Mediation is a flexible and confidential procedure with a high degree of party control. But the most important thing is that, apart from its other benefits, mediation is a procedure structured to preserve and better the parties’ relationship. So, in order to provide my clients with more ways to resolve their disputes I decided to become a mediator, in 2017. I was taught, mainly, the facilitative model of mediation, which is, if I could say, the most difficult and the most exciting one. For me,  trying to discover the “hidden” needs and true thoughts behind a party’s request, and then using your skills to show the parties their common interests as well as help them without expressing your opinion to finally get to an agreement, is both challenging and exhilarating. From my point of view, being a mediator requires a plethora of skills in so many levels. And that’s what makes this profession wonderful.

Becoming a YMI member will provide me with the required knowledge  in order to develop new skills and abilities, better explore the world of mediation outside my country by interacting with other colleagues and create—with the assistance of experienced professionals—a Mediation Profile responding to the global standards. Despite the enaction of Mediation in Greece, Greek citizens and lawyers hesitate trying to resolve their own disputes. Old ideas and prejudice can be done with only by proving the efficiency of Mediation in resolving disputes in other countries. Only the increase in the numbers of smart agreements and the decrease of cases ending up in court can persuade even the most reluctant ones. For that reason, I need the assistance of experienced professionals on the field in order to be 100% prepared for when mediation gains the position it deserves in the Greek judicial system. Last but not least, through the YMI I will come closer to my goal which is the promotion of Mediation in my country as a reliable, profitable and fair alternative method of resolving disputes resolution.