Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Mediation Agreement
I need a mediation agreement to facilitate a dispute resolution process between two parties, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the mediator, confidentiality terms, and a framework for reaching a mutually acceptable solution. The agreement should comply with Swiss mediation standards and include provisions for voluntary participation and termination of the process by either party.
What is a Mediation Agreement?
A Mediation Agreement sets the ground rules when two parties choose to resolve their dispute through mediation in Switzerland. It outlines how the mediation process will work, who will serve as the mediator, and how costs will be shared between the parties.
Under Swiss law, this binding contract establishes confidentiality obligations, schedules mediation sessions, and specifies each party's commitments to the process. It differs from arbitration agreements by keeping control in the parties' hands rather than giving decision-making power to a third party. Many Swiss businesses now include mediation clauses in their contracts to avoid costly court battles.
When should you use a Mediation Agreement?
Consider using a Mediation Agreement when business relationships hit a rough patch but you want to avoid expensive court battles. This agreement works especially well for Swiss commercial disputes where maintaining business relationships matters more than winning at all costs, like conflicts between long-term trading partners or disagreements over contract terms.
The timing is right for a Mediation Agreement when tensions start rising but before positions become too entrenched. Swiss companies often include these agreements in their initial contracts or turn to them during disputes involving intellectual property, employment issues, or partnership conflicts. They're particularly valuable when privacy is important, as mediation keeps disagreements confidential.
What are the different types of Mediation Agreement?
- Pre-dispute Mediation Agreements: Built into commercial contracts before any conflict arises, setting the framework for future dispute resolution
- Post-dispute Agreements: Created after a conflict emerges, tailored to address specific issues at hand
- Single-session Agreements: Designed for straightforward disputes with clear-cut issues
- Complex Multi-party Agreements: Used when multiple Swiss entities are involved, defining roles and cost-sharing arrangements
- Industry-specific Agreements: Customized for sectors like banking, manufacturing, or construction, incorporating relevant regulatory requirements
Who should typically use a Mediation Agreement?
- Business Partners: Often the primary parties to a Mediation Agreement, including companies, suppliers, or joint venture partners seeking to resolve disputes amicably
- Legal Counsel: Draft and review agreements, ensuring compliance with Swiss law and protecting client interests
- Certified Mediators: Professional neutrals who facilitate the mediation process and help shape agreement terms
- Industry Experts: May join as technical advisors in complex commercial or construction disputes
- Corporate Executives: Sign and implement agreements on behalf of their organizations, committing resources to the process
How do you write a Mediation Agreement?
- Party Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and authorized representatives of all involved parties
- Dispute Scope: Define the specific issues to be mediated and any excluded matters
- Mediator Selection: Identify preferred mediator qualifications and potential candidates from Swiss mediation bodies
- Timeline Planning: Set realistic deadlines for mediation sessions and document exchanges
- Cost Allocation: Determine how mediator fees and associated costs will be shared
- Confidentiality Terms: Specify the extent of privacy protection and any permitted disclosures
- Agreement Review: Use our platform to generate a customized, legally-sound document that meets Swiss requirements
What should be included in a Mediation Agreement?
- Identification Section: Full legal names and addresses of all parties, including the chosen mediator
- Scope Definition: Clear description of disputes covered by the agreement and mediation objectives
- Mediator Powers: Specific authority and limitations of the mediator under Swiss law
- Confidentiality Clause: Detailed privacy obligations and permitted information sharing
- Cost Distribution: Clear allocation of mediation expenses among parties
- Process Rules: Timeline, location, and format of mediation sessions
- Termination Terms: Conditions for ending mediation and next steps
- Governing Law: Explicit reference to Swiss law and jurisdiction
What's the difference between a Mediation Agreement and a Conciliation Agreement?
A Mediation Agreement differs significantly from a Conciliation Agreement in several key aspects, though both aim to resolve disputes outside of court. The main distinctions lie in the process, the third party's role, and the level of formality.
- Third Party Role: Mediators facilitate communication but don't suggest solutions, while conciliators actively propose settlement terms
- Process Structure: Mediation is more flexible and party-driven, whereas conciliation follows a more structured approach under Swiss law
- Legal Framework: Mediation agreements focus on process guidelines and confidentiality, while conciliation agreements typically include specific settlement terms
- Outcome Control: In mediation, parties maintain complete control over the outcome; conciliation involves more direct guidance from the conciliator
- Enforceability: Mediation outcomes become binding only when parties draft a separate settlement agreement, while conciliation recommendations often have immediate legal effect
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.