The Evolution of Commercial Mediation: Lessons from 25 Years and the Impact of AI

Commercial mediation has evolved dramatically over the past quarter century. What began as an emerging alternative to litigation has become a central tool for resolving complex commercial disputes across industries and jurisdictions. But where is mediation heading next?

In this webinar, Bill Wood KC, one of the world’s leading commercial mediators, reflects on the lessons learned from more than 25 years of practice and explores the future of mediation in a rapidly changing technological landscape. In particular, he will consider how artificial intelligence may shape dispute resolution, influencing the way mediators prepare, analyse disputes and support negotiation processes.

Drawing on his extensive international experience, Bill Wood will share insights from mediating complex disputes involving financial services, construction, technology, international trade, professional negligence, and many other sectors.

Bill Wood KC is a member of Brick Court Chambers in London and a founding member of Maxwell Mediators in Singapore. He has been recognised globally for his work in mediation, including Mediator of the Year (2018) and #1 Mediation Silk in WWL’s UK Bar Guide (2019). He has appeared in the Who’s Who Legal global top ten commercial mediators every year since 2011 and conducts around 80 mediations annually across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

He also serves as an ADR representative on the UK Civil Justice Council, where he chairs the ADR Working Group, and acts as mediator and arbitrator for several international institutions including the ICC, SIMC, and KLRCA.

This session offers a unique opportunity to hear from one of the most experienced voices in international commercial mediation as he discusses how the field has changed, what practitioners have learned, and how technology may transform mediation in the years ahead.