ABSTRACT

Lawyers’ alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practice is an important part of legal practice and education. In this research project, we explored the views of planning lawyers in Melbourne, Australia who were engaged in the ADR processes of mediation and compulsory conferencing. The participants interviewed endorsed the use of ADR in planning disputes and spoke of the need to adopt a collaborative approach drawing on their negotiation and communication skills. They also spoke of their role providing legal expertise in a complex jurisdiction. The lawyers reflected on the nature of planning disputes where conflict can be emotional as disputes deal with the communities’ lived experience of the built environment and the wider concerns of the planning of cities. The lawyers showed the ability to focus on the larger justice issues that affect the jurisdiction. Additionally, the study explored the lawyers’ views on their training in ADR. While some participants appreciated ADR training courses, many pointed to the benefits of learning from those lawyers experienced in planning law disputes. The research presented here suggests the need for ongoing peer support and mentorship for lawyers in the use of ADR, in addition to training, that is particular to their jurisdiction.

摘要

律师的替代性争议解决（ADR）实践是法律实践和教育的重要组成部分。在本研究项目中，我们探讨了澳大利亚墨尔本从事 ADR 调解和强制会议过程的规划律师的观点。接受采访的参与者赞同在规划争议中使用 ADR，并谈到需要利用他们的谈判和沟通技巧采取协作方法。他们还谈到了他们在复杂司法管辖区提供法律专业知识的作用。律师们反思了规划争议的性质，其中冲突可能是情绪化的，因为争议涉及社区对建筑环境的生活体验以及更广泛的城市规划问题。律师们表现出专注于影响司法管辖权的更大司法问题的能力。此外，该研究探讨了律师对 ADR 培训的看法。虽然一些参与者对 ADR 培训课程表示赞赏，但许多人指出向那些在规划法律纠纷方面经验丰富的律师学习的好处。此处介绍的研究表明，除了培训之外，律师在使用 ADR 方面需要持续的同行支持和指导，这在他们的管辖范围内是特别的。