COUNTY-wide law firm Morton Fisher has taken part in the launch of a global network of solicitors committed to the use of mediation to solve disputes.

The launch brings the six-office practice, already a member of mediation provider ADR Group, in line with 80 more law firms operating from 101 cities across 50 countries.

Morton Fisher has three trained mediators including senior partner Jim Quinn, civil litigation partner Tim Jones and commercial and company partner Peter Copsey.

ADR Group chairman Richard Schiffer said the service was aimed at setting an international standard, as well as equipping solicitors world-wide at a time when international litigation was increasing.

"With the advent of the internet bringing greater cross-border trade, and therefore more cross-border disputes, there is a demand from lawyers and their clients for a high standard of mediation which can be acceptable in whichever jurisdiction the dispute occurs," he added.

Mr Quinn said the global network of lawyers could now access case studies, training, examination papers and advice on managing mediation.

"Like many firms, we have a growing number of overseas clients and they require a high standard of all legal services, including mediation," he said.

"This new service means that in a dispute with a lawyer in another jurisdiction, we can work to the same internationally accepted standards for the mediation and deliver a settlement to suit both sides."