The Legal 500

Jane Andrewartha of Clyde & Co LLP has built an outstanding reputation for facilitating settlements in legally and factually complicated cases. Her approach to mediation is ‘imposing and analytical’, based on ‘meticulous preparation’. Described as ‘purposeful and effective’, clients applaud her ability to ‘build confidence, find and tackle the points in issue’, and ‘steer the process to a successful conclusion’.

David Cornes is a figure of some stature in the mediation community. Clients credit him with a ‘relaxed but firm’ style and ‘an incisive approach’. While able to digest large volumes of technical details quickly, his ability to recognise strengths as well as weaknesses in parties’ cases is appreciated, as is ‘his blend of charm and honest analysis’. His style is ‘methodical, breeding reassurance and confidence’.

Former City litigator and joint managing partner of Lovells LLP, Charles Dodson of Independent Mediators continues to inspire confidence and enthusiasm. Now handling an increasing caseload, he wins plaudits for being ‘pleasant, plausible, well prepared’ and ‘hard working’. Clients also appreciate his facilitative style, tenacity and ‘clever tricks’ to break deadlock.

Phillip Howell-Richardson of SJ Berwin LLP ranks among the few to be gaining an international following. Equally in demand in the regions as well as the City, he is rated as ‘outstanding’, with his blend of ‘charisma, dedication and enthusiasm’ widely noted. He ‘balances being approachable with being authoritarian, doesn’t talk down to parties’, and uses his personality to great effect in ‘keeping dialogue alive’.

‘Exceptionally capable and learned’, Mark Jackson-Stops of In Place of Strife rises to the top tier this year, having won the confidence of the legal profession who normally prefer their own. In doing so he has consistently demonstrated ‘the ability to get on top of a large amount of complicated paper-work’ and to ‘grasp the legal and commercial issues underlying disputes’. He has ‘no difficulty in imposing his authority and personality on a large group of senior people, and he has a very informal and inclusive style of dealing with different groups’; ‘inventive and persistent in devising strategies’, he continues to impress.

Former head of Littleton Chambers, Michel Kallipetis QC of Independent Mediators ‘exudes charm and courtesy’, but does so from a position of ‘great authority’. Capable of switching styles as the dispute demands, he manages a substantial caseload with apparent ease. Described as ‘sympathetic, a good listener, and focused on achieving an outcome’, he conveys ‘wisdom, gravitas and deep experience’ with an ‘extremely approachable style’.

Mark Lomas QC of Independent Mediators also rises to the top tier this year, based on a consistent level of outstanding feedback over several years. His manner is ‘amiable, polished and gentlemanly. He has a good sense of humour, and clients enjoy his company’. He nevertheless ‘asks tough questions, forces confrontation of issues’, and wins confidence through a ‘phenomenal grasp of detail’. Strategically he has demonstrated outstanding creativity with great ‘persistence and resilience’.

While coming from a legal background, Bill Marsh of Independent Mediators is considered a ‘classical facilitative mediator’. Described as ‘experienced, personable, and well prepared’, he is an ‘excellent shuttle diplomat’. He swiftly ‘generates an atmosphere of trust’ and ‘puts a lot of effort into listening’. He remains ‘calm and in control in a crisis’, and is ‘able to identify and deal with the real points in contention to defuse the most acrimonious disputes’.

Philip Naughton QC of 3 Serjeants’ Inn is one of the field’s outstanding practitioners, described as ‘sensitive, insightful and measured’. Possessed of ‘quiet authority’, his reputation is built on ‘total preparation, strong analysis’ and a gentle, calming manner. Described as ‘cerebral’ in his approach, he exudes a confidence in the process that allows him to let others take centre stage. He ‘handles the parties with tact, but has a firm handle on where he is going’.

A ‘big hit with demanding clients at the higher end of the market’, Nicholas Pryor of Independent Mediators is widely praised for ‘an impressive ability to assimilate the complex legal arguments of the parties’. Not afraid to be interventionist where necessary, he is ‘proactive and determined’ and will ‘drive the parties to settlement’ if required.

Stephen Ruttle QC of Brick Court Chambers has long been a senior figure in mediation, and one of the Brick Court triumvirate who dominate high-value and complex commercial mediation. Clients find him ‘quick, bright and on top of all the issues’. He projects an ‘air of authority’ but does so ‘without appearing aloof’. He has ‘great people skills’ and ‘a sincere commitment to the process’.

Former managing partner of Clifford Chance and now chairman of the PIM Senior Mediators, Tony Willis of Brick Court Chambers remains the biggest brand name in commercial mediation. His services are much sought after both in the UK and internationally. Clients identify ‘rigour, intellect’ and ‘professionalism’ as his key attributes.

William Wood QC of Brick Court Chambers is ‘first class’, described as a ‘very able lawyer, strong on legal and factual points’ and a ‘problem solver’. While charismatic, his approach is low-key and facilitative. Clients credit him as being a dependable performer: ‘incisive, creative’ and ‘well prepared’.

Described as ‘patient, well briefed, authoritative’ and ‘persuasive’, Tony Allen of CEDR Solve matches exceptional personal qualities with longstanding experience of mediation, and is especially recommended in cases where the emotional temperature is high.

‘Pragmatic, thorough’ and ‘sympathetic’, Heather Allen boasts wide commercial experience, and draws particular praise for employment work. Clients laud her pre-mediation preparation and ability to call on different techniques to break deadlock or progress stalled mediations.

Philip Bartle QC of Littleton Chambers is a popular mediator, credited with ‘immense courtesy’ and a strong sense of what is appropriate in terms of process. His ‘gentle but authoritative’ style plays well with both representatives and clients, and he is especially sought after in commercial and professional indemnity matters.

Former City trader Amanda Bucklow of In Place of Strife has established a first-class reputation in all sizes and types of dispute. Clients value her ‘creativity’ and ‘commercial flair, talent for lateral thinking’ and considerable persuasive powers. Among mediators she is known for her facilitative, psychology-based approach to unlocking disputes, and enjoys an enviable settlement record.

Described as ‘tough, rigorous’ and ‘possessed of a very strong intellect’, Elizabeth Jones QC of Serle Court is a resourceful, well-respected mediator known for a probing style of reality testing. She is also credited with strong people skills, tact and diplomacy.

Lawrence Kershen QC of In Place of Strife is an ‘exceptional listener’, a ‘truly great people person’, and someone who’s ‘never afraid to get stuck in’. Clients like his relaxed attitude, and respect the fact that he is ‘time conscious’ and ‘drives the process forward’.

‘Young, exceptionally bright’ and ‘commercially sound’, Jon Lang of In Place of Strife has quickly established the confidence of large swathes of the legal profession. They find him ‘an honest broker’, able to ‘engender trust without trying to be matey, a good lawyer, tenacious where necessary’ and ‘always well prepared’.

Jonathan Lloyd-Jones of Blake Lapthorn has a construction background and ‘a very good commercial brain’. ‘Really likeable’ and ‘very bright’, his style is orientated towards business impact. Clients like his combination of charm and intellect and his ability ‘to move people on with a smile’.

CEDR chief executive Karl Mackie of CEDR Solve is as experienced and accomplished as any in the market, and routinely handles large and complex mediations. Clients find him to have ‘a quick appreciation of the issues, an easy manner’ and a ‘steely determination to bring the parties together’.

Frances Maynard of CEDR Solve is held in high regard for her ability to channel hostile and aggressive behaviour in a positive direction. Her style is based on ‘quiet authority’; described as ‘calm, collected, sensible and sensitive’, she ranks highly among non-lawyer mediators who have won the confidence of the legal profession.

The reputation of Hammonds LLP’s Charles Middleton-Smith continues to rise. Lauded for his professional bearing, calm manner and technical finesse, he is ‘quick to see the real issues in a case’, and engages the parties in ‘a firm but effective way’.

Christopher Newmark of Spenser Underhill Newmark LLP is ‘solid and serious’, and widely tipped to make top-tier status in years to come. His gentle manner, combined with ‘a total grasp of the issues’, quickly wins confidence, laying the groundwork for settlement.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s Andrew Paton has a convivial manner, facilitative style and commercial focus which combine to make him among the country’s most sought-after mediators. Clients credit him as showing ‘mastery of the detail, unwavering commitment to the process, charm, pragmatism’ and the ability to ‘read a dispute well and know where to apply pressure’.

While best known as the UK’s leading trainer of mediators, David Richbell of In Place of Strife is a ‘gracious, self-effacing’ and accomplished mediator. His ‘ability to switch with ease from empathy to real toughness’ enables him to push parties together and bring about settlement in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

Beverly-Ann Rogers of Serle Court is ‘a sensitive, intelligent and authoritative mediator’. In complex trust and probate matters, she is ‘top of the tree: super-bright, highly skilled’ and ‘sympathetic’ to the partiesinvolved.

Michael Shane of Atkin Chambers is a proactive, interventionist mediator, described as ‘measured’ and ‘thoughtful’ but at the same time ‘challenging’ and ‘commanding’. With ‘charm’ and ‘good humour’, he has an ability to ‘get on the same wavelength as the parties, notwithstanding different perceptions and expectations’. Considered ‘as good as anyone at unlocking intransigent positions’, he ‘homes in on the issues most likely to get a deal’, and ‘gets to the money fast’.

Quentin Smith has a well-honed, highly effective style. While ‘convivial’ and ‘self-deprecating’, he is considered ‘hugely clever, a skilled and intuitive negotiator’, and a ‘tireless’ worker’. ‘A good operator’, and ‘generous with his time’, he has ‘a clever way of bringing parties to settlement’ which rarely fails.

John Sturrock QC of Core Solutions Group Limited is considered outstanding. His reputation extends widely from his Edinburgh base, such that he is increasingly sought in after complex, high-value City disputes. Considered more than just a ‘great ambassador’ for mediation, he is ‘creative and insightful, skilful in identifying the issues in dispute, forthright in bringing parties together, and sympathetic where required’.

Alex Bevan of Bevans is emerging as a skilful, personable mediator. Considered ‘devoid of legal stuffiness’, and ‘uninhibited by the size of the dispute or the eminence of the lawyers involved’, he is ‘determined’ and ‘adept’, and ‘has achieved commercial settlements in the most unlikely of circumstances’.

Eileen Carroll is widely considered the ‘mother of modern mediation’. With 20 years’ experience in the field, she is one of CEDR Solve’s most sought-after and prolific mediators with a client base that includes a number of sovereign states. Clients admire her ‘energy and ability to take a firm stance on ethical issues’. Regarded as ‘a very strong character’, she can ‘really control a process, without this looking imposing in any way’.

Michael Cover of Charles Russell LLP is a ‘rigorous, demanding’ mediator. While ‘thoroughly prepared’ on the legal issues, his ‘commercial acumen’ and the fact he knows the intellectual property field ‘inside out’ make him an obvious choice for complex commercial matters.

As possibly the UK’s most experienced mediator and probably the most prolific, Andrew Fraley’s style and approach are unique and enormously popular. Described as ‘refreshingly direct’, he ‘quickly builds confidence’ and rapport and ‘presses parties for sensible settlement offers early in the process’. Offering availability for half-day mediations extends his range far wider than many listed here.

Notwithstanding the gentle persona of Nabarro LLP’s Gerard Khoshnaw, he is an ‘absolutely formidable, brazenly tough litigator’. The combination of these attributes makes him a solid, dependable choice across a range of commercial disputes. He is ‘a good listener’, and ‘a problem solver’.

Regarded as a man of ‘outstanding intellect, natural gravitas and evident integrity’, Adrian Llewelyn-Evans is ‘quick to win the parties’ respect and confidence’. His understanding of key issues is ‘exceptional’, and his ‘ability to get the parties to see sense and compromise is quite remarkable’. With solid experience as a commercial litigator, he enjoys a first-class reputation in the South West and beyond.

Littleton Chambers’ Colin Manning is a highly adept and possibly underrated mediator. Regarded as ‘thoughtful, courteous and respectful’, but nevertheless able to ‘command authority’, he has ‘a complete mediator’s skill set’. Able to offer strategic advice when asked, clients find him ‘truly excellent’.

David Miles of Glovers Solicitors LLP was among the first in the UK to realise the potential of mediation 20 years ago, and has been closely involved ever since. In particular he handles construction disputes and does so with ‘good sense, sound judgement’, and ‘great finesse’.

Jane Player of Bird & Bird LLP is a highly experienced commercial litigator with a longstanding commitment to mediation. While strong on legal and commercial analysis, she ‘excels at winning the trust and confidence of the parties, which enables her to be tough without making the client feel victimised’.

Richard Price OBE QC of Littleton Chambers is a ‘big character’ who brings a broad ‘range of skills to bear’. Described by one client as ‘brilliant at absorbing all the negative stuff and extracting constructive proposals’, he has a ‘can-do approach, and a great mind’ which enables him ‘to see a way through that others might have missed’.

Colin Russ is ‘an exceptional mediator’ with ‘a knack for building rapport’. He ‘blends an easy-going style’ with ‘forensic attention to detail’. Clients applaud his ‘meticulous preparation’, and ability to ‘find the issues and secure a settlement within a sensible time frame while avoiding any feeling of coercion’.

Roger Tabakin of In Place of Strife is a former accountant who has proved himself exceptionally adept at mediating disputes. He has captured the confidence of City lawyers, who applaud his ‘technical skill’, and ‘creative approach’.

Patrick Walker is an extremely able mediator with a fast-growing reputation. He ‘combines a strong intellect, great personal skills with an absolute determination to bring about a successful resolution’. More than this, he is ‘proactive, sensible, thorough’ and ‘focused’.