Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party — the mediator — facilitates structured negotiations between disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Unlike arbitration or litigation, the mediator does not impose a decision; the parties retain full control over the outcome.

What is Culturally Matched Mediation™?

Culturally Matched Mediation™ is IMADRI's proprietary approach that pairs each party with a culturally and linguistically aligned team member — a translator and a cultural liaison — alongside the lead mediator. This five-role Bridge Team model ensures that cultural nuances, communication styles, and underlying interests are accurately understood and respected throughout the process.

How much does mediation cost?

Mediation costs vary by jurisdiction and dispute complexity. In the United States, senior commercial mediators charge $350–$1,000 per hour. In the UK, day rates range from £750 to £2,750 depending on dispute value. IMADRI offers transparent, proportionate fee structures tailored to each matter. Contact us for a fee estimate.

Can mediation be conducted online?

Yes. IMADRI conducts mediations via Zoom and other secure video platforms, as well as in-person at over 60 locations globally and at mutually agreed venues. Online mediation is particularly effective for cross-border disputes where parties are in different countries.

What types of disputes does IMADRI handle?

IMADRI handles international commercial disputes, cross-border family matters, business partnership disputes, employment conflicts, humanitarian mediation for conflict-affected families, and online dispute resolution. IMADRI does not provide legal representation or legal advice.

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Panama

Panama City

Regulatory Body: Centro de Conciliacion y Arbitraje de Panama (CECAP); Camara de Comercio, Industrias y Agricultura de Panama

ADR Landscape Overview

Panama occupies a unique strategic position as the commercial gateway between North and South America. Its civil law legal tradition — rooted in Spanish and French codes — makes it culturally and legally familiar to parties from Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, and Central America. The Panama Canal Zone generates significant cross-border logistics and trade finance disputes. Panama City is home to the Centro de Conciliacion y Arbitraje de Panama (CECAP) and the Panama Chamber of Commerce arbitration centre. Panama is a signatory to the New York Convention (1984) and the Inter-American Convention on International Commercial Arbitration (IACAC). IMADRI is establishing its Latin American hub in Panama City to serve the US-Latin America trade corridor and diaspora family matters.

Key Resources

Associations, Training & Regulations

Association

Centro de Conciliacion y Arbitraje de Panama (CECAP)

Panama's primary ADR institution, offering mediation and arbitration services for domestic and international commercial disputes. CECAP administers cases under its own rules and UNCITRAL.

Association

Camara de Comercio de Panama — Arbitration Centre

The Panama Chamber of Commerce operates an arbitration and mediation centre for commercial disputes, particularly in trade, logistics, and real estate sectors.

Regulation

Law 15 of 2001 (Panama Mediation Law)

Panama's primary legislation governing mediation and conciliation, establishing the legal framework for voluntary and court-annexed mediation in civil and commercial matters.

Regulation

Inter-American Convention on International Commercial Arbitration (IACAC)

Panama is a signatory to the IACAC (Panama Convention), which provides for recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards across 19 Latin American countries and the United States.

IMADRI in Panama

IMADRI has confirmed its Latin American hub in Panama City. Our founder holds Italian citizenship, providing permanent residency rights across all 27 EU member states, and has established a direct IFZA relationship in Dubai — giving IMADRI confirmed physical presence on three continents: the Americas (Panama City), the European Union, and the Gulf (Dubai/IFZA). The hub serves cross-border commercial disputes, US-Latin America trade corridor matters, and diaspora family disputes. In-person sessions in Panama City and Zoom sessions are both available now. Spanish and English are both supported.

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