Marlen Estévez new President of CIAM-CIAR Mediation Service
The International Arbitration Center of Madrid – Ibero-American Arbitration Center (CIAM-CIAR) has appointed Marlen Estévez as the new president of its mediation service. The decision, made by the institution’s governing body yesterday, Wednesday 6th February, under the leadership of José María Alonso, aims to enhance the autonomy of the mediation service and strengthen its role as a key dispute resolution mechanism in the Ibero-American region.
Marlen Estévez is a highly regarded expert in the field, currently serving as president of the Madrid Business Mediation Center (CMEM) and a partner at Rocajunyent, where she leads the litigation, arbitration, and mediation department.
Following her appointment, Estévez emphasized the importance of mediation as a strategic tool for conflict resolution. “It is an honor to take on this role at such a crucial time for the consolidation of mediation. CIAM-CIAR Mediation is now entering a new phase with a distinct identity, reinforcing its autonomy and positioning within the Ibero-American alternative dispute resolution ecosystem,” she stated.
A Milestone for Mediation in Spain
The announcement comes at a time when Spain is making significant legislative advancements in mediation. A new legal mandate requires citizens and businesses to attempt out-of-court dispute resolution before initiating litigation, a change set to take effect on April 3.
CIAM-CIAR was founded in March 2024 as a merger between the Madrid Arbitration Center (CIAM) and the Ibero-American Arbitration Center (CIAR). Under Alonso’s leadership, the institution has actively promoted the inclusion of CIAM-CIAR arbitration clauses in contracts between Ibero-American businesses and the use of Spanish as a preferred language in arbitration proceedings.
With Marlen Estévez’s appointment, CIAM-CIAR takes a decisive step toward consolidating its mediation services, reinforcing its commitment to fostering business development and legal stability across the Ibero-American region.
