Services

Heidi Merikalla-Teir

Conflict Resolution

I act as an independent arbitrator and mediator in domestic and international commercial disputes.

In addition to my work as arbitrator and mediator, I serve as a dispute board member and act as an early neutral evaluator.

Executive & Governance Roles

Independent of my conflict‑resolution work, I am available to serve, in selected cases, as a board and advisory board member.

I also provide confidential 1:1 executive coaching for senior lawyers and leaders in professional services.

Conflict Resolution

In the dynamic landscape of business, conflicts inevitably arise due to differing perspectives and interests, both within and between organisations. Swift and effective conflict resolution is essential for organisations to focus on their core business activities. When disputes remain unresolved, they may escalate and affect relationships, decision‑making, and resources.

I act primarily as an arbitrator and mediator in domestic and international commercial disputes. In addition, I engage in early dispute prevention and resolution by serving as a dispute board member and acting as an early neutral evaluator, depending on the nature and stage of the dispute.

Effective dispute resolution enables organisations to address disputes in a structured manner and to refocus time and resources on productive activities, rather than expending them on prolonged uncertainty. A well‑chosen process can also support continuity of business relationships and constructive engagement between the parties.

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 serve as a member of Dispute Resolution Boards, also known as Dispute Review Boards and Dispute Avoidance Boards, and act as an early neutral evaluator in appropriate cases.

Dispute Resolution Boards are independent panels typically appointed at the outset of construction and other long‑term or complex projects. Composed of neutral experts, they follow the project as it progresses, provide recommendations, and assist the parties in addressing disagreements at an early stage. Their purpose is to prevent disputes from escalating and, where disputes do arise, to facilitate their efficient and structured resolution while maintaining project momentum.

Early Neutral Evaluation is a non‑binding process in which an independent evaluator provides an early, impartial assessment of key legal, factual, or procedural issues in dispute. An early neutral evaluator can assist parties and their advisors in clarifying positions, assessing risks, and making informed decisions about how best to proceed. I have completed the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution’s (CEDR) Early Neutral Evaluation Certificate Programme.

Drawing on my background in law and business, as well as my experience in senior leadership roles within expert organisations and in dispute resolution, I bring a pragmatic and commercially grounded perspective to both dispute boards and early neutral evaluation. Used appropriately, dispute boards and early neutral evaluation can mitigate the risks associated with disputes, support informed decision‑making, and contribute to the successful completion of projects and the efficient handling of emerging conflicts.

Executive and Governance Roles

Independent and clearly distinct from my roles in conflict resolution, I am available to serve as a board and advisory board member in selected cases, contributing to governance, strategic oversight, and executive‑level decision‑making. My board and advisory board work draws on a background in law and business, extensive experience in senior leadership roles within expert organisations, and formal governance qualifications. I am a Certified Board Member (CBM) and Certified Board Chair (CBM Chairperson).

I also provide confidential 1:1 executive coaching for senior lawyers and leaders in professional‑services organisations.
Further information about my executive coaching practice is available on a separate website: heidimerikallateircoaching.com

These roles are undertaken independently and are not combined with, or connected to, my work as arbitrator or mediator.

Contact me

Phone

+358 40 750 6106

Email

heidi@merikalla-teir.com

Services

Heidi Merikalla-Teir

Conflict Resolution

Executive and Governance Roles

Contact me

Phone

Email

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