Marking a New Chapter: Reflections on the First CMC Academic Lecture

Author: Paula Rathjen Published on: December 11, 2025 Published in: For the Public

Marking a New Chapter: Reflections on the First CMC Academic Lecture

The process of mediation hinges on trust, and last night’s inaugural CMC Academic Lecture cast a bright light on why confidentiality sits at its very heart. In a compelling address delivered by Michel Kallipetis KC, the evening explored both the legal framework and the human stories that reveal why protecting the mediation process matters now more than ever.

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA HARRIS

Last night marked an important moment for the Civil Mediation Council as we held our inaugural Academic Lecture for Mediation, delivered by the distinguished Michel Kallipetis KC. The lecture was hosted by UCL’s Centre for Dispute Resolution at Bentham House.

“If parties choose or are ordered to resolve their disputes by mediation, they have a right to expect that the courts will safeguard them from any consequences of fully engaging in the mediation process.”

His lecture “No Mediation Privilege, as yet… Why Not?” explored the legal landscape with characteristic clarity, grounding the discussion in case law that shapes current thinking on whether there ought to be a discrete mediation privilege. That rigorous analysis is fully captured in the written lecture which will soon be published.

But what truly brought the topic to life were the anonymised stories from mediations past. These stories illustrated why confidentiality is not simply a legal technicality but a cornerstone of trust. Michel reminded us that not only parties, but also those who accompany them, must feel safe to speak openly and explore options honestly.

Michel also emphasised the unique nature of mediation, a setting where individuals are encouraged to share their secrets, needs, wishes, and fears; a level of openness that can only occur when confidentiality is fully protected. As he put it, “the most important party is the process and we must protect it.”

The evening began with a welcome by the Dean of UCL Laws, Professor Eloise Scotford followed by an introduction of our speaker by CMC Chair Kelly Stricklin-Coutinho. After closing remarks from Professor David Ormerod KC everyone who was able to join us in-person attended a drinks event generously provided by UCL.

Our sincere thanks go to UCL’s Centre for Dispute Resolution for hosting the event, and in particular to Professor John Sorabji and Dr Anna Howard for their generous support both before and during the event.

And a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us both in person and online. Your engagement helped to make the inaugural lecture both lively and memorable. We hope that events such as these will spark debate and awareness of key issues, to further the practice of mediation.

Finally, our deep gratitude to Michel Kallipetis KC, whose insight, generosity, and storytelling set an exceptional standard for this new lecture series and powerfully reminded us why the protection of confidentiality remains essential to effective mediation.

The lecture will shortly be published on the CMC website where a recording will also be made available.