In a bold move to reshape how justice is accessed, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Courts have launched a Pro Bono Mediators Panel—a fresh chapter in its court-annexed mediation journey that began in 2019 and has quietly delivered an 80% annual settlement success rate.
The newly unveiled panel isn’t your typical legal lineup. It’s a curated group of internationally certified mediators stepping in not for profit, but for principle. These mediators bring a wealth of global experience and sector-specific knowledge, offering their time and expertise for free—while sharpening their skills inside a world-class commercial judicial system.
This initiative is built for two audiences: those entangled in disputes who seek swift, amicable resolution without the high cost of drawn-out litigation, and the next wave of global mediators looking to make their mark in a complex, cross-border arena. For those under ADGM Courts’ jurisdiction, this means earlier doors to settlement, less formality, and more autonomy—with the added reassurance that any written, signed agreement carries the legal weight of a court order.
It’s mediation with muscle. Confidential, binding, enforceable—and now, accessible to more than just the well-resourced.
Beyond individual cases, ADGM Courts see this as part of a broader mission: promoting mediation as not just an alternative to litigation, but a preferred pathway, especially as disputes grow more complex with the rise of AI, fintech, and climate-linked commercial conflicts.
Linda Fitz-Alan, the force behind ADGM Courts’ transformation, captured the moment: “We’re not just solving disputes—we’re shaping how the world resolves them. This panel deepens the bench of talent and widens the bridge to justice.”
More application rounds are on the horizon. For now, the first cohort is in place—ready to mediate, mentor, and move the needle.