MEDIATION
Mediation is a voluntary and private process in which a properly trained, impartial, and independent mediator facilitates the parties in dispute, reaching an amicable settlement that is responsive to their needs and acceptable to all parties.
Work towards settlement while keeping relationships intact.
Clauses
AALCO-HKRAC model mediation clause
Model Mediation Clause
Any disputes or differences arising out of or in connection with this contract (including any subsequent amendments to this contract) shall first be referred to mediation in accordance with the Mediation Rules of the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre.
Optional Clause
If the subject matter is arbitrable, parties may consider adding an escalation clause:
If the mediation is abandoned by the mediator or otherwise concluded without resolving the dispute or difference, then such disputes or differences shall be referred to and resolved by arbitration in accordance with the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre Platform Arbitration Rules in force at the time of filing the Request for arbitration. Any disputes about whether the mediation was duly attempted to fulfil the pre-arbitration requirement shall be treated as a matter of admissibility, and shall be finally decided by the arbitral tribunal.
Med–Arb Escalation Clause
If the mediation is abandoned by the mediator or otherwise concluded without resolving the dispute or difference, then such disputes or differences shall be referred to and resolved by arbitration in accordance with the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre Platform Arbitration Rules in force at the time of filing the Request for arbitration. Any disputes about whether the mediation was duly attempted to fulfil the pre-arbitration requirement shall be treated as a matter of admissibility, and shall be finally decided by the arbitral tribunal.
Benefits
Why Choose Mediation?
Control — parties stay in charge of both the process and the outcome
Confidentiality — the proceedings and any settlement remain private
Win–win — mediation can deliver a result all parties accept
Relationships — helps preserve ongoing commercial relationships
Flexibility — can run alongside arbitration or court proceedings
Efficiency — narrows the issues in dispute, saving time and legal costs
Industries
How Your Industry Benefits
Mediation helps organisations across every sector resolve disputes quickly, privately and without damaging the commercial relationships they depend on — from cross-border trade to sports and family businesses.
International Trade
Cross-border sales, supply chain and distribution disputes across AALCO member states.
Finance & Investment
Banking, securities and investment disagreements resolved without disrupting business.
Construction & Infrastructure
Greater Bay Area and Belt & Road project disputes kept on schedule.
Intellectual Property
IP, technology and e-commerce disputes — expressly covered under Hong Kong law.
Sports Industry
Sports-related disputes handled under our dedicated mediation pilot scheme.
Family Business
Family office, partnership and succession matters handled with discretion.
Panels
Our Panels
Our Panel of Mediators and Panel of Sports Mediators are trained, impartial and independent — selected for industry expertise and cultural fit.
Panels List
Panel of Mediators — accredited commercial mediators
Panel of Sports Mediators — sports industry specialists
Independence & neutrality verified by our committees
Work Flow
Typical Flow of Mediation Services?
Request for Mediation
Either party files a request with the Centre. Once both sides agree, the Centre arranges the mediation under the AALCO-HKRAC Mediation Rules.
Appointing the Mediator
A trained, impartial and independent mediator is appointed from our Panel of Mediators — or the parties may agree on their own choice.
Mediation Sessions
Confidential sessions — physical, online or hybrid — where the mediator facilitates a voluntary settlement responsive to both parties’ needs.
Settlement or Next Steps
Settlements are recorded in writing; unresolved disputes may proceed to arbitration under a med-arb escalation clause.
Fee Calculator
Estimate the Mediation Fee
Mediation fees are transparent and typically shared equally between the parties under our published Mediation Schedule of Fees — try the calculator for an estimate.
CalculatorClauses
AALCO-HKRAC model mediation clause
Model Mediation Clause
Any disputes or differences arising out of or in connection with this contract (including any subsequent amendments to this contract) shall first be referred to mediation in accordance with the Mediation Rules of the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre.
Med–Arb Escalation Clause
If the mediation is abandoned by the mediator or otherwise concluded without resolving the dispute or difference, then such disputes or differences shall be referred to and resolved by arbitration in accordance with the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre Platform Arbitration Rules in force at the time of filing the Request for arbitration. Any disputes about whether the mediation was duly attempted to fulfil the pre-arbitration requirement shall be treated as a matter of admissibility, and shall be finally decided by the arbitral tribunal.