Pro-bono Centre

SMU PBC Mediation Clinic

Suitability for Mediation with Us

Applicants must be from low-income and disadvantaged groups.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of some of the disputes that are mediated at the Clinic: 

  • Disagreements with family 
  • Employment disputes
  • Neighbour disputes
  • Tenancy disputes
  • Personal disputes (e.g., small loans, relationship issues)

Do note that cases involving criminal matters are not suitable for mediation at the Clinic.

After you make an application, the Clinic will inform you of the suitability of your case for mediation via email.


Frequently Asked Questions

The SMU Pro Bono Centre Mediation Clinic will arrange for a volunteer mediator to facilitate the discussion between the parties. The volunteer mediators are professional mediators accredited by the Singapore International Mediation Institute.

During the mediation session, the volunteer mediator will facilitate the discussion between both parties and encourage you to reach an amicable outcome.

You will not be able to choose your own mediator. The SMU Pro Bono Centre Mediation Clinic will, to the best of our ability, choose the mediator best suited to assist with your case according to the subject matter and your preferred language of communication.

There is no need for your lawyer to attend the mediation session with you. However, if you have hired a lawyer for your case, mediation in the clinic may be suitable depending on the nature of  your case. Please check with our Mediation Clinic Student Committee.

No, mediation is a voluntary process and it can only commence when all parties have agreed to it. However, you may contact us before getting the other party’s consent to discuss the suitability of your dispute for mediation.

Yes, it is free of charge. You will not need to pay for the mediator’s fee, the venue rental fee, and the case management fee. These fees are waived out of a pro bono spirit to give back to society.

The mediation session will be conducted at the SMU Pro Bono Centre. You will be informed of the date and time of the mediation session.

Typically, one mediation session may take around 2 to 3 hours. However, this varies depending on the progress of the session and the complexity of the dispute.

Yes, the mediation is confidential. What is discussed in the mediation session between both parties and the mediator will be kept confidential according to the Mediation Act. Mediation is also “without prejudice”, meaning matters discussed and disclosed during the mediation process cannot be used against the other party in litigation or in arbitration.

Please note that an SMU Law student will be present to help with administrative issues during the session.

If the mediation is successful, a settlement agreement will be recorded in writing and signed by both parties. The terms of the agreement shall be followed by all parties.

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