Services

Heidi Merikalla-Teir

Conflict Resolution

As an arbitrator, mediator, and dispute board member, I help organizations resolve conflicts promptly and cost-effectively.

Board and Advisory Board Member

I am available to serve as a board and advisory board member in organizations of varying sizes and across diverse business sectors.

Conflict Resolution

In the dynamic landscape of business, conflicts inevitably arise due to differing perspectives and interests, both within and between organizations. Swift and effective conflict resolution is essential for organizations to focus on their core business activities. Unresolved conflicts can escalate, damaging productivity, relationships, and finances.

As an arbitrator, mediator, and dispute board member, I assist organizations in navigating these challenges, ensuring prompt and cost-effective conflict resolution to safeguard their success. With my background in law and business, coupled with over 20 years of experience in business law firms and expert organizations, I have a proven track record of resolving conflicts with a business-minded and pragmatic approach.

Resolved conflicts free up resources for productive activities and new business opportunities, rather than draining them in prolonged disputes. Swift conflict resolution also fosters a positive work environment and enhances collaboration within and between organizations.

I am a strong advocate for mediation as a sustainable method for resolving conflicts.

In mediation, the mediator acts as an impartial third party, facilitating communication and negotiation between conflicting parties. By guiding discussions and encouraging dialogue, the mediator helps find a mutually agreeable resolution outside of formal legal proceedings. The mediator’s role includes assisting parties in identifying shared interests, exploring various solutions, and ultimately concluding agreements that cater to their needs. This approach empowers the parties involved to achieve sustainable solutions to their disputes.

With my experience in law and business, strong people skills, and a background as both a CEO and leader in expert organizations, as well as being a versatile legal professional in business law, I bring a practical, business-oriented approach to mediation. My goal is to bring people and organizations together, blending legal know-how with business objectives to find lasting solutions through mediation.

In addition to being accredited as a mediator by the Finnish Bar Association, I am also accredited by the CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution).

Prior to becoming an independent arbitrator and mediator, I served as a member of the Finnish Bar Association’s standing committee on mediation and also actively participated as a lecturer on their courses on mediation. Additionally, while working as the Secretary General for the Arbitration Institute of the Finland Chamber of Commerce (FAI), I was a member of the task force that drafted the FAI Mediation Rules.

In complex mediations involving multiple parties, it can often be beneficial to engage multiple mediators. To address such intricate scenarios effectively, I have cultivated a strong network of experienced mediators with whom I collaborate, ensuring thorough and efficient handling of extensive mediation proceedings when required.

The successful outcome of mediation typically culminates in a settlement agreement, which not only resolves the immediate conflict but also lays the groundwork for future cooperation, if mutually advantageous. Even if a resolution is not reached during the mediation process, parties often find one shortly afterward. Importantly, mediation significantly reduces the need for lengthy and costly legal proceedings, benefiting all involved parties.

Arbitration offers a recommended alternative to court proceedings for businesses seeking a legally binding resolution to their conflicts. Arbitration involves the appointment of one to three arbitrators to legally resolve conflicts. These proceedings typically last around a year, depending on the complexity of the dispute.

I serve as the sole, presiding, and party-nominated arbitrator in both ad hoc and administered arbitration proceedings. I have worked under various arbitration rules, including the FAI, DIA, and SCC Rules, across different applicable laws and seats of arbitration.

Characterized as business-minded, determined, hands-on, thorough, and well-prepared, I approach arbitration with a pragmatic mindset. My goal is to facilitate a well-structured arbitration process that considers the parties' expectations, wishes, rights, and obligations, while ensuring efficiency in proceedings and timely decision-making.

The outcome of arbitration proceedings is a final arbitral award, which is internationally recognized and enforceable. Businesses benefit from this award as it provides a legally binding resolution, ensuring certainty and finality. This clarity enables efficient planning and resource allocation, minimizes operational disruption, and upholds contractual rights, fostering stability and confidence in commercial dealings.

I am available to serve as a member of dispute boards, also known as dispute review boards and dispute avoidance boards.

Dispute boards are independent panels typically appointed at the outset of construction or other large projects, to swiftly prevent and resolve conflicts. Comprised of neutral experts, these boards proactively oversee project developments, provide recommendations, and help resolve conflicts as they arise. Their aim is to promote fair resolutions, maintain project momentum, and minimize the need for costly and time-consuming litigation or arbitration.

Drawing on my extensive background in law and business, I bring valuable insight and skills to dispute boards. Coupled with my experience as a CEO and leader in expert organizations, and also as a legal professional with versatile expertise in business law and conflict resolution, I bring a comprehensive perspective to conflict resolution.

Dispute boards mitigate the risks associated with disputes, ultimately contributing to the successful completion of large-scale projects.

I am available to serve as a board and advisory board member in organizations of varying sizes and across diverse business sectors.

I hold certifications as a Certified Board Member (CBM) and as a CBM Chairperson.

Currently, I am chairing the Board of the Arbitration Institute of the Finland Chamber of Commerce (FAI), which includes 16 international board members. Additionally, I am a member of the Delegation of the Finland Chamber of Commerce and the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce.

I have an established track record in leading business development, driving organizational change, and improving performance. I have actively focused on strategy development and implementation, as well as revamping and restructuring functions to bolster company growth.

In good balance with financial aspects, I always emphasize the importance of positive employee and customer experiences, which serve as the cornerstone for sustainable growth. As a business leader, I derive particular satisfaction from leading and developing expert organizations.

I understand and respect the main duties of board members, as well as the legal liabilities and consequences relating to such duties.

I am a member of the Hallituspartnerit association, an organization connecting experienced and committed board members with companies.

Board and Advisory Board Member

Contact me

Phone

+358 40 750 6106

Email

heidi@merikalla-teir.com

Services

Heidi Merikalla-Teir

Conflict Resolution

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Board and Advisory Board Member

Contact me

Phone

Email

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