Mediation & Arbitration in Johannesburg
Mediation allows parties to explore a possible resolution with an independent neutral. Hugh Raichlin is accredited as a mediator in terms of Rule 86(2) of the Court-Annexed Mediation Rules and is approved for appointment in Rule 41A Court-Annexed matters, with experience across commercial, workplace and family disputes.
The initial telephone discussion is free and helps us understand whether the firm can assist. A paid consultation is arranged where appropriate. We aim to respond within one working day after receiving your enquiry.
Which issue brings you here?
Family or relationship arrangements
Explore whether facilitated discussions are suitable for a family dispute.
View serviceWorkplace conflict
Independent facilitation of appropriate workplace disagreements.
View serviceBusiness, contract or partnership dispute
Commercial dispute-resolution options and distinct neutral roles.
View serviceAn applicable court-connected process
Advice on the applicable process for Gauteng High Court civil trials; not a rule for every dispute.
View serviceMediation and arbitration services
Divorce & Family Mediation
Explore whether facilitated discussions are suitable for a family dispute.
Workplace Mediation
Independent facilitation of appropriate workplace disagreements.
Commercial Mediation & Arbitration
Commercial dispute-resolution options and distinct neutral roles.
Court-Linked Mediation in Gauteng
Advice on the applicable process for Gauteng High Court civil trials; not a rule for every dispute.
Why clients enquire about Hugh's mediation practice
A neutral mediator helps the parties explore their own resolution; an attorney advises and acts for one party. Hugh can be appointed as the independent mediator or instructed as your attorney, but not both in the same dispute.
| Role | Purpose | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Independent mediator | Facilitates the parties' own discussion of a possible agreement. | Does not decide the dispute, represent either party or guarantee settlement. |
| Attorney for one party | Advises on your position and proposed terms, and can act for you in formal steps. | Is not a neutral; conflicts must be checked before any mediator appointment is accepted. |
Hugh combines 40 years of legal experience with court-annexed and international mediation credentials — Rule 86(2) accredited mediator, approved for appointment in Rule 41A Court-Annexed matters, an Associate Member of the Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa) NPC, a member of the South African Association of Mediators, and internationally accredited through the Society of Mediators (UK). His broader commercial, property and family-law experience helps him understand the context in which disputes arise; that experience is not a promise of settlement, and it does not change a mediator's duty to remain independent.
Choose the role, not just the label
Mediation
An independent mediator helps parties explore their own resolution. A result is not guaranteed.
Arbitration
A different adjudicative process, with the appointment and authority determined by the applicable framework and agreement. Ask the firm whether it is appropriate and available for the matter.
Legal representation
An attorney advises and acts for one client. Independent advice can remain important during a neutral process.
Legal advice, mediation and arbitration serve different purposes. The appropriate process depends on the dispute and the issues that can lawfully be resolved through it.
How a mediation enquiry begins
Tell us the nature of the dispute, the parties involved at a high level, whether proceedings have started and whether a court date or direction is relevant. The firm must consider conflicts, the proposed neutral role, suitability and practical arrangements before confirming an appointment. Fees and the scope of the process are discussed separately. Do not send one-sided confidential evidence to a prospective neutral mediator without agreement on the process. If you need advice solely for yourself, say so at the outset.
Court-linked matters need the right scope
Where a court-linked mediation process is relevant, the applicable court, type of proceedings and current directions matter. The Gauteng High Court civil-trial process is not a universal requirement for every dispute, CCMA matter or Labour Court proceeding. Tell us whether proceedings have started and whether a court date or mediation direction applies to your matter.
Attorney authority
Hugh Raichlin
Principal Attorney & Accredited Mediator
Rule 86(2) accredited mediator; approved for appointment in Rule 41A Court-Annexed matters. Internationally accredited through the Society of Mediators (UK).
View profileFrequently asked questions
Will Hugh represent me in the mediation?
Do I need the other party's details?
Does mediation guarantee an agreement?
Can we enquire even if proceedings already exist?
Related practice areas
Mediation and consultation fees
R3,500 per hour — no VAT.
The hourly rate is not a fixed price for the entire mediation. The duration, preparation or drafting to be included, payment arrangements and any other agreed work should be confirmed before the appointment.
This is the mediation rate, not an arbitration fee or a fee for representing a party.
Feedback on Hugh's mediation services
Selected feedback shared about HRA. Excerpts are labelled. Every matter is different.
“I would like to thank Hugh for his excellent mediation services. He handled the session with so much patience, humility, integrity and professionalism. Everything, from helping us understand the process to facilitating through to a joint agreement, was well managed and kept us at ease throughout the process. Thank you Hugh.”
Angela Lundie
Facebook recommendation
Explore whether mediation is appropriate for your dispute.
Start with an enquiry that makes clear whether you need a neutral mediator or advice for one party.