Bay lawyer on Australasian dispute resolution board

Mark Beech from Holland Beckett

Holland Beckett Lawyers litigation partner Mark Beech has been named as deputy chair of the board of LEADR & IAMA, the biggest dispute resolution membership organisation in the Southern Hemisphere.

The board is the result of the integration of New Zealand membership organisation LEADR with the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia (IAMA) on January 1 this year - combining two of Australasia's largest membership organisations for alternative dispute resolution practitioners.

Mr Beech, (pictured), who has been involved in LEADR since 2000, told the Bay of Plenty Times the newly integrated organisation showed the growing trend for synergies across the Tasman.

"There are huge opportunities for practitioners in New Zealand to access a whole new knowledge base out of Australia," he said.

"It means we can deliver services throughout the Pacific Rim more effectively. From a New Zealand business perspective, there can be a level of confidence, there is the ability to access expertise and guidance to resolve disputes, outside the traditional route of the courts, in the wider geographic area."

Mr Beech is a litigator and experienced as an arbitrator and has developed particular skill in representing clients in mediations, LEADR & IAMA general manager Catherine Cooper told NZLawyer magazine.

"Mark has been a driving force behind the integration of LEADR NZ Inc and LEADR and has a clear vision for a strong Australasian dispute resolution organisation that provides members with wide educational and work opportunities and has a strong voice representing members," said Ms Cooper.

He will be joined by LEADR & IAMA chair Margaret Halsmith from Perth, Western Australia. A new name for the combined organisation is in the works.

Mr Beech said his new role showed Hobec's continued growth and vision in encouraging partners to pursue such opportunities, which could be time-intensive.

"From a regional lawyers' perspective, it's another reflection of the Bay of Plenty appearing on many different stages outside its home jurisdiction."