ELM Barristers & Attorneys was launched today offering a unique form of resolution to employment disputes on the island.

The firm?s principal attorney is Michelle Hunt . A Bermudian, she formerly served as corporate attorney for Bacardi International Limited, and brings a wealth of experience in employment law.

?ELM is truly a unique firm,? she explained. ?There are currently no other law firms in Bermuda that focus solely on Bermuda employment law and resolving business disputes using a collaborative, solution-oriented approach.?

Ms Hunt was first introduced to the concept of mediation a few years ago. With companies increasingly taking a more collaborative approach to employment law, she was quick to recognise its potential value.

?For many, business mediation is an attractive alternative to litigation,? she said, in outlining the concept?s many benefits.

?Litigation as a means of resolving disputes is often very costly, time consuming and damaging in terms of public and employee relations. Consequently, many businesses are seeking to embed alternative dispute resolution procedures in their contracts ? particularly employment agreements.

?ELM will consult with organisations to construct and implement appropriate dispute resolution processes and will offer third-party mediation services when conflicts arise.

?With mediation, parties have the opportunity to work together to preserve respect and encourage co-operation ? they?re working to a win-win situation.

?Mediation also allows for a more timely resolution than if dictated by the legal system. The parties control when they meet ? in order to collaborate they?re not dependent on the courts? time.

?And they have confidentiality as the parties have to preserve the content of information. It?s a bonus to organisations, especially if they?re trying to preserve their integrity on the island.

?The last thing a company that?s working towards being recognised as a good corporate citizen would want is to have a conflict dragged through the courts. Also it could prove discouraging for attracting potential employees.?

Ms Hunt was called to the Bermuda Bar in 1998. A certified mediator and notary public, she is a founding member of the Collaborative Law Alliance of Bermuda and a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals ? a group ?committed to resolving disputes in ways that promote respect, privacy, and the wellbeing of children and other affected parties?.

?ELM will offer a variety of employment services including providing advice on contracts of employment, workplace policy, employee terminations, immigration processing and compliance audits,? she said.