Conflicts don't have to end up in court. In many cases, an out-of-court settlement is recommended. Mediation and the collaborative law process result in a solution that satisfies both parties.

Specially trained lawyers, who can be found at the AVM, offer one or both methods. They, and the nine Austrian bar associations, are among the members of the non-profit organization which was founded in 1997.

What we do

The AVM is the lawyers’ society for mediation and collaborative negotiation. We promote an awareness and understanding of extrajudicial conflict resolution both within the legal profession and the wider public. We offer basic and advanced training programmes. We also support the development and establishment of mediation procedures in society. The AVM networks for its members and represents their interests with regard to institutions and politics.

A European trend

The amicable resolution of conflicts is a trend in Europe. Both at EU level and in other countries, the number of standards and regulations that demand or require the mediation process is growing. Legislation and courts increasingly tend to encourage members of the legal profession to use extrajudicial methods. The AVM keeps you regularly informed of these developments, which offer lawyers additional opportunities in new areas of business.