The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) has reached a landmark of 50 members on its panel following the addition of 16 new mediators.

Eversheds partner Michael Ord, Joseph Tirado of Norton Rose and Steven Williams of Nabarro are among the latest names to join CEDR's Solve direct panel.

The panel allows clients to book their chosen mediator through CEDR and is thought to be the largest grouping of mediators of its kind in Europe.

Other names to join the panel include Paul Johnson of Kings Chambers, Ian Lowe from Nabarro and Bird & Bird's Jane Player. Alan Jacobs joins from DLA Piper, Michael Cover from Charles Russell and Adrian Llewelyn-Evans from Burges Salmon.

The final new entrants are Jason Reeves (Clausen Miller); Joseph Shammah (Shammah Nicolas); and independent mediators Andrew Williamson, Jeremy Connell, Lawrence Kershen QC, John Price and Felicity Steadman.

CEDR Solve launched its direct panel just over 18 months ago with a starting line-up of 30 mediators. Members of the direct panel are also included on the 138-strong CEDR Solve select panel, which is put forward to clients seeking recommendations.

CEDR chief executive Karl Mackie commented: "This service has been increasingly successful, as CEDR Solve has responded to the legal market's requirement for direct access to quality mediators. It is also testament to the importance of alternative dispute resolution in civil justice that these well-established mediators want to base their independent practice with our direct service."