Bermudian attorney Michelle Hunt has launched her own legal firm with the philosophy that it’s better, cheaper and less painful to talk things through than to fight.

ELM will specialise in employment law and on helping employers and employees resolve disputes — through mediation rather than litigation.

Ms Hunt said the firm aimed to help to resolve internal disputes between owners and staff, as well as to offer companies advice on all manner of employment issues.

“We are looking to take a more collaborative approach, particularly when clients are having internal disputes,” Ms Hunt said.

“Having been in private practice in an established organisation for almost six years, I have certainly seen many instances where the collaborative approach and mediation would be necessary to mend relationships and move things forward.”

Ms Hunt, who worked as Bacardi International’s corporate attorney between 2001 and 2006, is ELM’s principle attorney.

Working out of office space shared with human resources services provider Expertise Ltd., on the ground floor of Thistle House in Hamilton, Ms Hunt will be backed up by trained mediator Lisa Lowrey.

ELM will not represent clients wishing to litigate to settle disputes.

“For many businesses, mediation is an attractive alternative to litigation,” Ms Hunt said. “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.”

ELM’s services will include advice on contracts of employment, workplace policy, employee terminations, immigration processing and compliance audits.

Immigration issues are increasingly coming to the fore, particularly as six-year time limits on many work permits kick in from April this year. ELM will assist with them.

“Whenever there is a need to liaise with Government bodies, then we will assist,” Ms Hunt said. Ms Hunt, who was called to the Bermuda Bar in 1998 is a certified mediator and a founding member of the Collaborative Law Alliance of Bermuda. She is also a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.