Today, Professor Marco Giacalone, Research Professor and Co-Director of the Digitalisation and Access to Justice (DIKE) research group at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, participated as a panelist in the 4th Annual Procedural Law Unit Symposium, held at the University of Nicosia on Saturday.
The event, a cornerstone gathering for legal scholars and practitioners, featured a series of discussions on contemporary procedural law challenges. Among the symposium's highlights was the third panel, titled "Small Claims & ADR”, where Prof. Giacalone joined an impressive roster of experts to explore innovative approaches to small claims resolution and the role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in enhancing access to justice.
This thought-provoking panel brought together legal experts from diverse backgrounds:
- Eleni Tzounakou: Judge of First Instance, Greece, who provided a judiciary perspective on managing small claims efficiently within traditional legal systems.
- Nevi Agapiou: Lecturer in International Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution at UCLan Cyprus, who shared academic and practical insights into the evolution of ADR in international commercial contexts.
- Charis Demetriou: Advocate, Managing Director of Charis D. Demetriou & Co LLC, and Board Member of the Cyprus Arbitration & Mediation Centre (CAMC), who emphasized the role of private ADR centers in fostering accessible dispute resolution.
- Theano Mavromoustaki: Senior Legal Counsel at the Attorney General’s Office, who discussed institutional and governmental support for ADR mechanisms.
- Agis Georgiades: Partner at CGA and CAD Co-chair, who highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting ADR solutions across various sectors.
Prof. Giacalone’s participation brought a unique focus on the intersection of digital transformation and justice systems. Drawing on his work with the DIKE research group, he underscored how technology can be leveraged to streamline small claims procedures and expand access to fair and efficient ADR options.
The panel engaged in a wide-ranging discussion that addressed:
- The integration of digital tools in small claims resolution to simplify procedures and increase accessibility.
- The effectiveness of ADR mechanisms in reducing court backlogs and promoting timely dispute resolution.
- The challenges of harmonizing ADR practices across jurisdictions with different legal traditions.
- Ensuring fairness and equity in the digitalization of dispute resolution processes.
Prof. Giacalone’s contributions highlighted the transformative potential of legal technology while advocating for a balanced approach to ensure these innovations benefit all users equitably.
The 4th Annual Procedural Law Unit Symposium once again provided an invaluable forum for the exchange of ideas among leading professionals in the field of procedural law. Prof. Giacalone’s involvement in the event reinforced his reputation as a thought leader in digital access to justice and ADR innovation, inspiring future collaborations to address global justice challenges.