Welcome to Breakthrough Mediation.
We are a mediation practice providing dispute resolution services to help you navigate conflict, clearly and calmly. Our goal is to use respectful communication that can secure a positive outcome and eliminate the risks associated with litigation. All mediation is carried out by Gerard Rees. Gerard is a mediator registered with the Australian Mediation Association and accredited by the Federal Attorney-Generals Department as a Family Law Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
What is mediation?*
Mediation is a process by which a neutral third party called a mediator helps people in conflict negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. The parties to the mediation control the outcome.
A mediator facilitates communication, promotes understanding, assists the parties to identify their needs and interests, and uses creative problem solving techniques to enable the parties to reach their own agreement.
Unlike court or arbitration, no one imposes a solution on a party. If all of the parties do not agree to the result, the dispute remains unresolved.
Mediation gives parties much more control over the way their dispute or difference is dealt with and over the outcome. If negotiations have so far failed, mediation provides an alternative to pursuing litigation or other more formal processes. The scope for solutions is usually greater than the remedies available in courts and tribunals, or even in prolonged negotiation.
Email or call Gerard Rees today on 0412 183 481.
About Gerard Rees
Gerard is a veteran legal practitioner with over 30 years experience. He began his career with a law degree from the Australian National University in Canberra 1981.
He was employed by the ACT Legal Aid Office in 1982 and remained there until 1987. During that time he undertook work in criminal and general law areas and was appointed the senior legal practitioner for the office. His time with the ACT Legal Aid Office involved extensive court work and acting/advising in many areas of law including family, personal injury, employment, probate and the like.
In 1987 Gerard joined Gary Robb and Associates, a prominent private practice in Canberra and became a partner in that firm in 1990. In 2006 the firm was purchased by Slater and Gordon and he continued as a principle legal officer and State Manager until 2013. His work at both firms was extensive. He acted for many unions ( and associated entities such as Licensed Clubs, charitable institutions and apprentice organisations) and their members. This varied work involved working and giving advice in many areas of law including industrial, employment, commercial, personal injury compensation, other forms of compensation, family, wills , probate and more. During this time Gerard also acted for organisations like the Foster Care Association of ACT.
Throughout his legal career, Gerard participated in many mediations and settlement conferences. He is acutely aware of the large impact court proceedings have on individuals both financially and emotionally and the benefit of attempting mediation to resolve matters. He is a firm believer that all parties need to be heard for there to be a real chance of a fair resolution.
In 2014 Gerard left Slater & Gordon and moved to Northern NSW to have time with his young family and establish a post law firm career as a mediator.
Evidence of Gerard’s authentic community minded ethos is his involvement in many voluntary boards including:
- AFL Canberra (Chairman for 3 years and Chairman of the appeals board for 11 years)
- Directions ACT (Board member of this important drug and alcohol NGO for 28 years with the last 15 as chairman)
- For You and Me (Chairman of this disabled workshop for 3-4 years)
- AFLQ Northern Rivers (Board member for 4 years the last 2 as chairman)
- Fox Street preschool (Board member and Vice President for over 3 years)
He has a real and passionate interest in people and assisting in early resolution of disputes where possible. During his varied career in both a professional and voluntary capacities, Gerard has acted and been involved with a wide range of organisations, people and their particular situations. Gerard is well placed to combine his experience, knowledge of the law, extensive mediation training and keen communication skills to deliver positive outcome via the mediation process.
Gerard is a committed family man with both adult children and now young children and lives in Ballina NSW.
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