Jane Andrewartha – Clyde & Co
Active senior Clyde & Co partner and chair of an international insurance company's London subsidiary, Jane Andrewartha, is 'the best. No ifs or buts. She is always bright, insightful, tough when she needs to be, and there until the bitter end.’ Andrewartha maintains a substantial mediation caseload involving financial services, employment, transport, technology, and contractual disputes; and given her high-level management, regulatory and boardroom experience, she is frequently sought out for corporate and boardroom conflicts. Andrewartha's mediation practice has experienced an almost complete return to in-person mediations since the lifting of post-Covid restrictions, but she is also available for remote mediations.
Mediators in London
Clyde & Co
Work highlights
CEDR Chambers
Eileen Carroll KC (Hon) – CEDR Chambers
Co-founder and principal mediator of CEDR Chambers, Eileen Carroll KC (Hon), is 'on top of the detail and a really skilled and experienced practitioner, who is capable of bringing even the most alienated parties closer together'. Carroll's experience includes mediating high-stakes disputes in the financial services, IT and telecoms sectors, as well as property, employment, infrastructure, IP, and shareholder conflicts (among several others). Recent work ranges from a professional negligence claim involving a global accountancy body, to a hospitality sector breach of contract and conspiracy matter, and a music industry-related competition law and unpaid royalties dispute.
Work highlights
Independent Mediators
Stuart Chapman – Independent Mediators
Stuart Chapman at Independent Mediators 'shows a high degree of empathy, but with sufficient steel to challenge views in order to get the parties to accept the reality of their respective positions'. Chapman's practice covers a broad range of practice areas, including general commercial, construction and insolvency disputes, along with insurance, partnership, professional negligence and shareholder claims. A former partner and head of litigation in Pinsent Masons LLP' Leeds office, Chapman has handled over 650 mediations since he began mediating in 2008, including several remote mediations.
Work highlights
CEDR Chambers
Fiona Colquhoun – CEDR Chambers
With a track record of over 500 mediations to date, CEDR Chambers' Fiona Colquhoun is 'hugely experienced, and has a calm, unflappable style that is effective in progressing discussions as needed.' Colquhoun is well known for mediating complex employment, business-to-business (B2B), clinical negligence and commercial disputes, as well as public funding and education-related cases. Recent commercial matters include a neighbourhood dispute over a joint shared driveway, and a building contract-related conflict. Other significant mediations include a high-value, life-changing clinical negligence case, and a matter involving transgender issues.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Chris Fitton – IPOS Mediation
Mediating over 50 high-value claims during 2022, IPOS Mediation's Chris Fitton's practice predominantly covers commercial, insurance and banking disputes; and he is 'open and friendly and puts clients at ease, whilst also having a firm grasp of the facts and legal aspects of the dispute'. Although he mostly mediates UK-based claims, Fitton handled, in a recent 12-month period, over a dozen matters involving overseas attendees. Recent workloads include a dispute between competing factions of a deceased’s family concerning the distribution of a London property business; and a claim by the owners of a Scottish shopping centre against the construction company that built and maintained it.
Work highlights
Independent Mediators
Phillip Howell-Richardson – Independent Mediators
Independent Mediators ' Phillip Howell-Richardson 'has great empathy with the parties. He is able to convey to them that he is invested in the outcome of their dispute, building trust and confidence'. A full-time independent mediator since 2005, Howell-Richardson's recent experience includes the mediation of commercial contract claims, and international disputes involving governments, companies and individuals, as well as finance, banking and insurance disputes. Additional areas of strength include professional negligence claims, and mediations concerning insolvency, engineering, oil and gas, IP, and property. Of the cases that Howell-Richardson mediated during 2022/23, claim values ranged from tens of thousands of pounds, to tens of millions of pounds, along with a mega-value claim for between $3bn and $4bn.
Work highlights
Independent Mediators
Kate Jackson – Independent Mediators
'One of the very best mediators around', Kate Jackson at Independent Mediators 'quickly gains the trust of parties with her friendly approach. Her calm manner, keen intellect and common-sense pragmatism, mixed with quiet steeliness (when necessary), help resolve disputes that appear intractable'. Qualified as a lawyer both in England & Wales and New York, Jackson recently mediated over 40 high-value, complex commercial mediations, including multi-party and multi-day mediations. In addition to her thriving commercial mediation practice, Jackson mediates specialist areas, such as media, sports, art, aviation, trusts and online gambling; and of the cases that she mediated in 2022/23, the claim values ranged from hundreds of thousands of pounds to £800m.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Mark Jackson-Stops – IPOS Mediation
IPOS Mediation's chambers leader Mark Jackson-Stops is 'very calm, collected and personable. He makes the client feel like their views are being heard, but also seeks to explain the other side’s point of view. He works hard during a mediation to bring about a commercial settlement'. Mediating over 1800 cases to date, Jackson-Stops is a go-to mediator for professional negligence, property and construction disputes. He also handles claims concerning insurance, financial services, commercial contracts, and probate and inheritance. Recent matters include a construction claim by the owner of a high-value residential property against a developer, in relation to the leaking basement of a newly-built house; and a professional negligence claim against a solicitor firm for losing the opportunity to bring a personal injury claim.
Work highlights
Keating Chambers
Rosemary Jackson KC – Keating Chambers
A widely-respected commercial mediator in the UK, abroad and online, Keating Chambers‘ Rosemary Jackson KC is able to leverage her previous roles as barrister, part-time judge, arbitrator and adjudicator. As 'a stand-out star of international construction mediation', Keating KC consistently mediates challenging construction, engineering and offshore conflicts, as well as commercial, multi-party disputes, professional negligence and insurance disputes, and mediations requiring careful project management. Jackson’s track record includes mediating and co-mediating disputes that comprise up to 10 parties and disputed sums of up to $2bn.
Work highlights
Independent Mediators
Michel Kallipetis KC – Independent Mediators
Averaging approximately 80 mediations a year and appointed in approximately 1430 mediations since joining Independent Mediators, Michel Kallipetis KC is ‘practical and has the gravitas to compel clients to consider the upsides and downsides of litigation seriously. This is invaluable in mediation settings, particularly when emotions are running high‘. The former head of Littleton Chambers, Kallipetis mediates a wide range of disputes, in relation to partnerships banking, insurance and re-insurance, employment claims and pension rights, and solicitors and valuers’ negligence. Other areas of strength are medical negligence, personal injury, and construction, engineering and commercial disputes; and several of Kallipetis’ mediations are multi-party disputes, while some involve international companies and the laws of other countries.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Jon Lang – IPOS Mediation
Jon Lang at IPOS Mediation 'clearly works incredibly hard from the beginning, and is prepared to continue that approach until settlement, whether during or after the mediation day. This sets the standard for the approach for the parties to follow'. A full-time mediator since 2005, notable growth areas for Lang, a former chair of the IBA's Mediation Committee, range from professional negligence, property, and insolvency, trusts and probate, to procurement (particularly Covid-related disputes), banking, partnership, construction and shareholder claims. Lang is also increasingly instructed in complex multi-party and multi-jurisdictional cases, as well as matters involving hundreds of claimants and several defendants.
Work highlights
Independent Mediators
Jonathan Lloyd-Jones – Independent Mediators
Qualified as a commercial mediator in 1991, Independent Mediators' Jonathan Lloyd-Jones 'earns the trust of parties quickly and retains warmth and humour. He doesn't give up'. Lloyd-Jones has been appointed in over 850 mediations during his mediation career, his practice particularly focused on professional negligence claims against solicitors, accountants, architects, surveyors, IFAs and insurance brokers. He is also experienced in claims for fraud-based restitution, breaches of restrictive covenants by departing employees, insolvency disputes, and construction and property matters. Lloyd-Jones' career also includes serving on the ADR Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales for six years.
Work highlights
Independent Mediators
Mark Lomas KC – Independent Mediators
Appointed in approximately 1105 mediations since joining Independent Mediators as a full-time mediator in 2009, Mark Lomas KC has the 'ability to grasp the key issues quickly and encourage the parties to consider both the strengths and the weaknesses of their case'. Other clients appreciate Lomas for being 'thorough, calm, personable, and hugely experienced'. An accredited mediator since 2001, Lomas averages approximately 70-80 mediations a year; and his recent mediation work includes disputes involving professional negligence claims against solicitors, accountants, architects, financial advisers, and insurance brokers, as well as claims concerning insurance, probate, property, trusts, commercial matters, and insolvency.
Work highlights
CEDR Chambers
Karl Mackie CBE – CEDR Chambers
'Enormously experienced and skilled across most areas of mediation', founder president of CEDR Chambers, Karl Mackie CBE, is particularly focused on disputes concerning business and human rights, but he also maintains a broad commercial and civil practice. 'Astute at judging the parties' objectives and the dynamics of mediation on the day', Mackie has mediated over 1000 disputes to date; and in addition to being a highly-rated commercial mediator in the UK and Europe, he routinely trains other mediators. Mackie's recent caseload incorporates complex class actions and multi-party disputes, as well as commercial and regulatory matters with national and international dimensions.
Work highlights
Independent Mediators
Bill Marsh – Independent Mediators
Independent Mediators' Bill Marsh has the 'ability to engage with difficult personalities and maintain a pragmatic and holistic approach'. A full-time mediator since 1991, Marsh's busy mediation practice covers a broad range of commercial disputes, including commercial contracts, product liability, insurance, professional negligence, and shareholder issues. His experience further extends to sports, medical negligence, pensions, IT and shipping-related mediations. Marsh also maintains a robust international practice that incorporates parties from over 30 countries, including India, France, Canada, US, Switzerland and Spain; and he is founding director of consulting firm Conflict Management International, through which he has worked with over twenty governments on dispute resolution issues.
Work highlights
Independent Mediators
Andrew Paton – Independent Mediators
Andrew Paton at Independent Mediators is 'particularly good at understanding the drivers and personal motivations, and targeting them to resolve the issue'. A former partner at Pinsent Masons LLP, Paton has mediated approximately 1360 mediations to date; and during 2022 he handled over 65 cases, more than half of which concerned professional negligence claims against solicitors, barristers, accountants, architects, engineers, surveyors, financial advisors and insurance brokers. An accredited mediator since 1990 and former chairman of the Association of Midland Mediators, Paton is also highly active in relation to construction disputes, with the balance of his practice split between disputes over insurance, property, shareholders, torts, Trusts, and commercial issues.
Work highlights
Independent Mediators
Jane Player – Independent Mediators
A mediator since 2001, Independent Mediators' Jane Player's 'manner is perfect for making parties see the sense in settling a case. She is not overbearing, but she does emphasise the real issues inherent in the parties' respective cases'. Appointed directly by corporations and in-house counsel, as well by approximately 30 law firms that repeatedly instruct her, Player's practice covers general corporate and contractual claims, fraud and project-related disputes, as well as Pharma, energy, technology, IP, and media-related claims. With notable experience in international dispute resolution, Player is also widely respected for her management of the cross-cultural aspects of joint venture and international shareholder conflicts.
Testimonials
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Charles Powell – IPOS Mediation
IPOS Mediation‘s Charles Powell is a former Freeths LLP partner, who ‘seems to have the magic touch. He convinces parties that they really do want to settle. Even parties who are going through the motions or are poles apart find themselves shaking hands at the end of a day with Charles‘. A founder member of both Hexagon Mediation Limited and The Association of Midlands Mediators, Powell has approximately 30 years’ experience as a mediator, and conducted over 600 mediations to date. He specialises in commercial and partnership disputes, professional negligence, and property claims. Other key areas are banking, asset finance and insolvency-related mediations.
IPOS Mediation
Alistair Pye – IPOS Mediation
IPOS Mediation's Alistair Pye 'has a terrific grasp of complex documents, and quickly communicates these concepts in straightforward terms to clients and lawyers alike. He can adapt his approach and personality to a range of clients, across a range of legal issues, and has a terrifically disarming nature that unlocks even the most vehement of disputes.' Regularly appointed by both Magic Circle firms, litigation practices, major contractors and local authorities, Pye conducted 59 mediations during 2022, with approximately 30% of his frequently multi-party caseload concerning construction or engineering-related matters. Pye is also increasingly active in relation to mediations held in Scotland, including large civil engineering claims, as well as the mediation of sports disputes.
Work highlights
Serle Court
Beverly-Ann Rogers – Serle Court
Also mediating through IPOS Mediation, Beverly-Ann Rogers of Serle Court is 'always enormously well prepared and arrives with a clear road map towards a potential settlement. Clients and lawyers value her calm, knowledgeable approach to mediation, and she can deal with pretty much any kind of dispute'. Particularly noted for her expertise across the full range of Chancery and commercial law, Rogers' mediation practice covers trusts, estates, property, partnership, company, and professional negligence, as well as general commercial and employment disputes. Recent appointments include a complex dispute over a family estate, and a shareholder conflict involving film animation companies in England and California.
Work highlights
Colin David Russ
Colin Russ – Colin David Russ
Colin Russ at Colin David Russ 'combines affability with friendly authority. This is invaluable when dealing with long-running contentious disputes involving sensitive, personal allegations. His personal approach combined with excellent technical legal skill makes for a persuasive and effective mediator'. Russ is particularly experienced in mediation disputes over contracts, construction and insolvency issues. Other areas of expertise include shareholder and partnership conflicts, along with financial services, professional negligence, IP, and real estate-related claims. Well known for his general affinity with technology, Russ established CDR Remote at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and (to date) it remains a popular option for Russ' clients.
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
Stephen Ruttle KC – Brick Court Chambers
In practice at Brick Court Chambers since 1978, Brick Court Chambers‘ Stephen Ruttle KC
ceased practising as a barrister in 2002, since which time he has operated as a full-time commercial mediator. Ruttle mediates the gamut of legal work in both the public and private sectors. His mediations frequently involve significantly large sums, and although he practises predominantly in London, he also mediates regularly in other parts of the UK and Ireland, as well as in several overseas jurisdictions. A longstanding chair of Trustees of Wandsworth Mediation Service, Ruttle is also increasingly active as a mediator of community and faith-based disputes.
IPOS Mediation
Patrick Walker – IPOS Mediation
'The most effective and easiest mediator to work with on the circuit', IPOS Mediation's Patrick Walker's 'ability to deal with clients is truly first rate'. Walker maintains bases in both London and Leeds, but is also an active provider of online mediations. With an enviable property and commercial background, Walker's current mediation practice encompasses professional negligence, contentious probate, and share purchase and construction disputes. As a full time mediator, Walker mediates frequently high-value matters twice or three times a week; and recent mediations include a bankruptcy-related claim and the unlawful roof space development at a London high-rise.
Work highlights
S Walker Mediation
Stephen Walker – S Walker Mediation
S Walker Mediation's Stephen Walker is 'braver than many mediators who remain too neutral, and often back off asking the really challenging questions or properly testing the parties on their position, so as to inject a dose of realism into the day'. A full-time mediator since 2011, Walker has mediated over 850 mediations to date; and during 2022, he was appointed as lead mediator in 93 mediations. Although he maintains a broad practice, Walker has developed niche specialisms in the mediating of insolvency and professional negligence disputes,, as well as claims involving shareholders, art law, contentious probate, IT, construction, and property.
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
William Wood KC – Brick Court Chambers
Handling approximately 70 disputes a year, Brick Court Chambers‘ William Wood KC
‘s global practice encompasses a vast array of business disputes, including insurance, banking, oil and gas, and construction and engineering-related claims. Wood, who is also the current deputy chair of the Judicial/ADR Liaison Committee, additionally mediates conflicts concerning product liability, Pharma, and professional negligence, and is increasingly involved in human rights cases, as well as remote mediations. In recent highlights, Wood mediated a £200m dispute over an expiring ten-year software contract; and a $2bn claim by a nation state against a major bank for facilitating a corrupt payment.
CEDR Chambers
Heather Allen – CEDR Chambers
A founding member of CEDR Chambers, Heather Allen is 'assertive, organised and easy to work with, as well as being good with clients'. Allen is increasingly active in the meditation of clinical negligence claims, while her track record further extends to mediations concerning commercial contracts, employment, and inheritance issues. Allen is also notably experienced in relation to multi-cultural and cross-cultural contexts; and her recent caseload encompasses a clinical negligence claim, which arose from the delay to a diagnosis of hypothyroidism that resulted in permanent brain damage. Allen additionally mediated a personal injury claim, brought by an ex-employee, which was based on employer's liability .
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Rebecca Attree – IPOS Mediation
'A star mediator, who can navigate the choppiest of waters to get the parties to settlement', Rebecca Attree at IPOS Mediation 'demonstrates a deep understanding of the parties' cases'. Attree regularly mediates a broad range of disputes in relation to commercial contracts, corporate, partnerships, family businesses, aviation, and property. With over 35 years’ experience in assisting global businesses and individuals to resolve conflicts, she also handles mediations involving professional negligence, insurance, art, probate, trusts, and workplace issues. Attree was also recently engaged to assist senior members of the judiciary in the Cayman Islands with refreshing their mediation skills.
Work highlights
Independent Mediators
Rebecca Clark – Independent Mediators
Rebecca Clark is described as ‘tenacious, energetic and articulate in encouraging the parties to narrow the gaps between them and reach an agreement‘. Clark mediates a wide range of commercial disputes, but is particularly well known for her financial services expertise and disputes involving SMEs. In addition to being appointed as a member of the Court of Appeal specialist mediator panel in October 2021, Clark became the Chair of the Civil Mediation Council in June 2022, the first female mediator and non-judicial holder of such office.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Andrew Hildebrand – IPOS Mediation
IPOS Mediation's Andrew Hildebrand 'does not give up on cases. He always wants to see them through and keep the process going for a long as possible. This is a valuable quality when enthusiasm starts to flag on the day'. A widely-respected entertainment, sports and licensing mediator, Hildebrand's experience covers the mediation of high-stakes conflicts involving Hollywood studios, broadcasters, agents, managers, distributors and producers. He also mediates disputes involving financiers, event organisers, sports, franchises, brands and rock bands. Hildebrand additionally specialises in conflicts between businesses (and disputes within businesses), including between shareholders, partners and family members.
Work highlights
The Property Mediators
Jacqui Joyce – The Property Mediators
A founding member of The Property Mediators, Jacqui Joyce is 'very good at considering matters from different angles, allowing the parties to consider options of settlement they may not have considered and what is not possible in a court process, yet might result in a workable solution/settlement for the parties'. A full-time mediator since 2012, Joyce has completed over 400 mediations to date, and averages approximately 40 mediations each year. She conducts mediations in relation to all aspects of property disputes, from multi million-pound commercial deals to disputes between neighbours, and is one of the few mediators to be active in relation to telecoms disputes.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Lawrence Kershen KC – IPOS Mediation
With 'gravitas and wide-ranging, cross-disciplinary experience', IPOS Mediation‘s Lawrence Kershen KC is appreciated for his 'combination of calmness and rigour'. Mediating for over a quarter of a century, Kershen's recent experience includes mediating an aviation-related joint venture involving private jet sales; a construction case concerning housing development defects, and insurance and indemnity issues; a breach of confidence and data protection claim concerning the unauthorised disclosure of information; and a matter regarding accountants’ professional negligence, in relation to advice on offshore investments. Kershen also regularly trains mediators from across the UK, as well as internationally.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Mark Linnell – IPOS Mediation
A commercial mediator since 2005, IPOS Mediation's Mark Linnell 'understands the importance of adapting his style of mediation to best suit the parties and the nature of the dispute'. Linnell's focus remains fixed on the mediation of disputes involving commercial contracts, financial services, property and insurance. Recent highlights include a commercial property claim, a shareholder dispute between the owners and loan holders of an aviation engineering company, and a breach of contract matter. Linnell also mediated a surrogated claim that was made by an insurer, as well as a landslide-related damages claim.
Work highlights
CEDR Chambers
Eve Pienaar – CEDR Chambers
Mediating over 300 commercial cases to date, CEDR Chambers' Eve Pienaar is 'able to understand the issues at hand quickly and concentrate mediation on the issues that matter'. Pienaar's caseload comprises high-stakes, multi-party mediations; and she specialises in property, construction, professional negligence, and partnership and shareholder claims. She also conducts workplace and employment-related mediations. Accredited in 2007, Pienaar spent approximately 100 days mediating commercial cases during 2022; and her recent representative cases include a breach of warranty claim (joined with negligence claim) against an accounting firm, and an insolvency claim that was brought by a liquidator against a previous director and shareholder.
Work highlights
The Property Mediators
Sara Benbow – The Property Mediators
Sara Benbow, a founding member of The Property Mediators, is also a member of Gatehouse Chambers. Benbow is 'tenacious and hardworking. She gets into the details of the underlying dispute and works hard to bring parties to an agreement, often staying late into the evening if necessary'. Mediation work has formed the vast majority of Benbow's practice since 2014; and although she mediates a wide range of civil and commercial disputes, she is best known for property-related claims.
CEDR Chambers
Gillian Caroe - CEDR Chambers
Gillian Caroe at CEDR Chambers 'has a wonderful sense of humour that defuses any bad feeling during mediations, and she is very easy to talk frankly to'. Accredited in 2005, Caroe's recent caseload includes employment, workplace, property, healthcare, and education-related disputes, as well as conflicts involving probate, insurance, and construction and engineering.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Michael Cover – IPOS Mediation
IPOS Mediation's Michael Cover 'adds terrific value to a case through his experienced and balanced approach. His wealth of experience means that his commercial, yet empathetic, handling of difficult high-net-worth matrimonial disputes gives him the edge on other mediators'. Handling both commercial and family business disputes, Cover is actively building up his practice to incorporate Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, in addition to London and the UK generally.
Work highlights
CEDR Chambers
Neil Goodrum – CEDR Chambers
Neil Goodrum at CEDR Chambers 'has a very calm approach, with a clear focus on maintaining momentum and goodwill, and a good grasp of the details of the issue'. A former senior litigation partner at McCormicks), Goodrum's recent highlights include a dispute over unpaid invoices, a clinical negligence matter, and a workplace-related conflict.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Charles Gordon – IPOS Mediation
IPOS Mediation's Charles Gordon is 'a top-class mediator. He is able to unravel thorny issues with patience and rigour'. Gordon's practice focuses on insurance and reinsurance, with many recent cases concerning coverage for Pandemic claims. Gordon's experience also includes mediating a major aviation dispute, a global lottery case, and several property and construction claims. The scope of his appointments are also becoming increasingly international.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Jane Gunn – IPOS Mediation
Jane Gunn at IPOS Mediation 'has an inner calm that is so deep that she can handle anything. She has so many ways of addressing situations that there is never a time that she is stuck. There is nothing she can't handle'. Particularly focused on highly complex and emotional matters, Gunn's representative caseload includes mediating a workplace and disability discrimination-related matter, a personal injury case, a sexual discrimination claim, and boardroom and partnership conflicts.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Tim Hardy – IPOS Mediation
IPOS Mediation's Tim Hardy, a former CMS commercial litigation group leader, is 'extremely affable and has the crucial ability to get on with all to put them at ease‘. Hardy is a go-to mediator for complex commercial, corporate, investor, partnership and financial disputes.
Work highlights
Freeths LLP
Mark Keeley – Freeths LLP
Nottingham-based Mark Keeley at Freeths LLP is 'a top-notch mediator. He is wonderful with clients and puts everyone at ease, but also combines this with a razor-sharp mind. He can crack cases that nobody else can'. Undertaking 53 mediations in 2022, Keely specialises in contentious trust and probate disputes, as well as professional negligence claims.
Exchange Chambers
Paul Kirtley – Exchange Chambers
Exchange Chambers‘ Paul Kirtley is 'approachable, sensible, and able to explain issues to clients in a language they will understand'. Kirtley mediate commercial, employment and public sector matters, as well as solicitors and valuers’ negligence claims, and medical negligence and personal injury-related disputes. Other key areas are probate, trusts, property and boundary disputes. Kirtly has also developed a thriving offshore mediation practice, particularly in the Isle of Man.
Work highlights
Concentus Mediation
Samantha Lowe – Concentus Mediation
Concentus Mediation's Samantha Lowe is 'very down to earth, and mixes gravitas and knowledge with empathy and commercial nous, thriving in difficult mediations where her input can be the difference'. Mediating full time since 2018, Lowe specialises in mediating private client and private wealth-related disputes.
Work highlights
2 Temple Gardens
Andrew Miller KC – 2 Temple Gardens
A member of both 2 Temple Gardens and IPOS Mediation, Andrew Miller KC is 'one of the elite mediators in London. He is focused and to the point, and has a unique ability to see the route to the resolution of a dispute, getting there with as little fuss as possible'. Practising as a lead mediator since 2017, Miller is a go-to mediator for heavyweight commercial disputes, as well as insurance and construction industry-related claims.
Work highlights
The Property Mediators
Sue O’Brien – The Property Mediators
Former dispute resolution head at legacy firm Pitmans, Sue O’Brien at The Property Mediators 'puts parties at ease in what is usually a very stressful situation. She is very clear about what her role is, and works hard to achieve an outcome'. A full-time mediator since 2016, O'Brien mediates up to three mediations a week, including small, emotionally-charged conflicts that involve vulnerable individuals, as well as sizeable commercial conflicts.
CEDR Chambers
Nick Pearson – CEDR Chambers
CEDR Chambers' Nick Pearson's 'communication is exceptional before, during and after mediations. He is calm and measured throughout'. Specialising in corporate, commercial and family disputes, the track record of Pearson, a former Baker McKenzie global dispute resolution head, includes mediating hundreds of commercial mediations, both in the UK and abroad, as well as multi-party matters.
Work highlights
5 Stone Buildings
Penelope Reed KC – 5 Stone Buildings
Penelope Reed KC at 5 Stone Buildings is lauded for 'her ability to develop relationships with parties quickly, putting them at ease and helping them through the process calmly, but firmly when required'. Reed was accredited in 2009, since which time she has undertaken over 200 mediations, predominantly involving probate claims, trust litigation, applications under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, and Court of Protection and proprietary estoppel claims.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Liz Rivers – IPOS Mediation
IPOS Mediation's Liz Rivers, the first woman in the UK to become a CEDR-accredited mediator in 1992, is 'able to build a real sense of trust from the outset. She has the ability to help business leaders see their common aims, helping to repair relationships'. A qualified psychotherapist, Rivers is typically appointed by GCs or HR departments to resolve boardroom and senior team disputes.
Work highlights
The Property Mediators
Gary Webber – The Property Mediators
A founder member of The Property Mediators, Gary Webber is appreciated for his 'knowledge of property law, his ability to calm angry people down, and his willingness to tell someone politely, who is being unrealistic, that they probably need to change their goals'. Mediating over 550 disputes to date, Webber mediates a range of commercial and property disputes, including complex and high-value cases, as well as family disputes.
Work highlights
5 Stone Buildings
Miranda Allardice – 5 Stone Buildings
Qualified as a mediator in 2005, Miranda Allardice at 5 Stone Buildings is 'clear, calm and very straightforward. She perceives early on how a claim is likely to settle and works hard to achieve it'. Allardice routinely mediates complex succession disputes, her practice covering Inheritance Act Claims, trusts and estates, proprietary estoppel, Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 matters, and associated professional negligence claims.
Work highlights
Squaring Circles
Rachael Bicknell - Squaring Circles
Squaring Circles ' Rachael Bicknell is 'personable but direct. She is tenacious in ensuring that parties carefully consider and face up to the risks that they face in litigation, and does not let them off the hook when it comes to answering difficult questions'. Mediating 25 disputes in a recent 12-month period, Scotland-based Bicknell is particularly experienced in professional negligence, construction, company, contract, insolvency, and real estate disputes, as well as family business-related claims.
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
Lyndsey de Mestre KC - XXIV Old Buildings
Lyndsey de Mestre KC at XXIV Old Buildings is 'an excellent mediator. Not only is she extremely bright and knowledgeable, she also has huge empathy and is brilliant with clients'. De Mestre is a go-to mediator for both senior insolvency practitioners and specialist liquidation funders. She has also been appointed mediator in highly contentious probate matters.
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
John de Waal KC – Gatehouse Chambers
Also at The Property Mediators sine May 2023, Gatehouse Chambers' John de Waal KC is a go-to mediation silk for property and professional negligence matters.
Emma Gooding (independent)
Emma Gooding (independent) is 'calm patient and professional. She encourages open discussions, and clearly sets out the risk areas that need to be considered to achieve a successful outcome'. Accredited as a mediator in 2008, Gooding is a former Allen & Overy LLP (London) and Herbert Smith Freehills (Hong Kong) litigator, who maintains a wide-ranging civil and commercial mediation practice.
Mediation Consulting Ltd
Andrew Goodman - Mediation Consulting Ltd
Mediating several hundred mediations to date, Andrew Goodman at Mediation Consulting Ltd covers commercial, property, trusts, and construction disputes, as well as conflicts concerning oil and gas, partnership, franchising, farming, and professional negligence.
TLT
Kerry Gwyther – TLT
Bristol-based Kerry Gwyther at TLT is 'an expert mediator who prepares properly and fully for any mediation, understanding not only the complex fact patterns underlying a dispute, but also what motivates the parties in dispute, providing them with the best possible opportunity to reach resolution'. Gwyther is a category A* (elite) mediator on ADR's group panel of mediators.
Work highlights
Morton Fraser MacRoberts
David Hossack – Morton Fraser MacRoberts
Edinburgh-based David Hossack at Morton Fraser MacRoberts ‘genuinely cares and takes an interest in people. He listens carefully and allows people to speak and feel heard'. Focused on employment and commercial matters, Hossack has conducted over 110 mediations to date; and is one of only five lawyers to be accredited as a commercial mediation specialist by the Law Society of Scotland.
Work highlights
CEDR Chambers
Alan Jacobs - CEDR Chambers
One of CEDR Chambers' most popular mediators in 2022, Alan Jacobs' 'emotional intelligence is far superior to many of the market's other mediators, and he has good technical knowledge of the practice areas in which he mediates'. Jacob's mediation work covers a broad range of clinical negligence and personal injury claims.
ASK Mediation Limited
Amrik Kandola - ASK Mediation Limited
'Tenacious in getting a deal out of the parties', Amrik Kandola, the former head of legacy firm Eversheds' construction and engineering team in the Midlands, established ASK Mediation Limited in 2019. Kandola is experienced in mediations across a wide range of commercial sectors.
Work highlights
Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors LLP
Neil Largan – Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors LLP
Neil Largan at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors LLP is ‘unflappable and extremely personable, yet can be firm when he needs to be. He takes the time to get to know the parties and what makes them tick, and then does his utmost to find a way to untangle the knot between them‘. Mediating for over 15 years, Wilkinson has mediated hundreds of commercial and civil disputes, as well as workplace and employment claims.
Work highlights
Gill Mansfield - Gill Mansfield Mediation
Gill Mansfield at Gill Mansfield Mediation is praised for her 'attention to detail and ability to get to the nub of the issue'. Mansfield's commercial mediation practice encompasses particular expertise in disputes concerning IP, TMT, retail, brewing, leisure and hospitality. She additionally mediates property, company, and shareholder and director conflicts; and is frequently instructed in cross-border matters and cases with international features.
Atkin Chambers
Michael Shane – Atkin Chambers
A full-time mediator for approximately 25 years, Michael Shane at Atkin Chambers has mediated over 1,500 major disputes in the UK, US, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa. Shane maintains a broad commercial disputes practice, his track record including successfully mediating disputes involving hospitals, luxury hotels, and large infrastructure projects.
Work highlights
Blackstone Chambers
Mark Shaw KC – Blackstone Chambers
Also at IPOS Mediation, Mark Shaw KC at Blackstone Chambers
is 'a very approachable mediator, who exudes authority and unsurpassable knowledge of public law. It is a rare quality to be able to make people feel comfortable and get parties to open up in a mediation, while still maintaining mastery over the mediation process'. Shaw's experience covers the mediation of disputes involving contracts, torts, costs, employment, family law, pensions, and financial services, as well as public sector and public procurement-related claims.
Work highlights
Lamb Chambers
Stephen Shaw – Lamb Chambers
Stephen Shaw at Lamb Chambers' is 'a highly experienced property lawyer and the master of persuasive understatement. He is an extremely effective mediator'. Shaw mediates a broad range of property and commercial disputes, as well as insurance-related personal injury and professional indemnity claims.
Work highlights
IPOS Mediation
Harry Spurr - IPOS Mediation
Harry Spurr at IPOS Mediation 'has all the skills of an effective mediator. He has an impressive knowledge of the law and an equally-impressive commercial awareness'. Spurr is widely respected for mediating disputes across the commercial and civil spectrum, and is increasingly known for cases concerning land, property and environmental issues.
Work highlights
CEDR Chambers
Felicity Steadman - CEDR Chambers
CEDR Chambers' Felicity Steadman is 'very calm and collected, listens to clients attentively, and encourages the parties to come to an amicable solution'. Mediating over 500 matters to date, Steadman particularly focuses on the mediation of employment and workplace conflicts, as well as commercial disputes.
Work highlights
One Essex Court
Ian Terry – One Essex Court
At One Essex Court since 2016, Ian Terry is a former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP dispute resolution leader, who recently mediated a complex professional negligence matter that was brought against a global law firm.
Work highlights
The Property Mediators
Iain Travers – The Property Mediators
The Property Mediators' Iain Travers is 'friendly and pragmatic, but not afraid to push and give the parties a reality check'. A full-time mediator since 2018, Travers is a former Ashurst real estate disputes head, who receives mediation appointments at the rate of up to three per month.
Work highlights
Atkin Chambers
Sir Robert Akenhead – Atkin Chambers
Since retiring as a judge, Sir Robert Akenhead at Atkin Chambers acts as mediator, arbitrator, adjudicator, expert and conciliator in disputes throughout the world. Construction law expert Akenhead is routinely appointed to mediate conflicts that are either factually complex or have several parties involved (including insurers and local authorities).
Enterprise Chambers
Jonathan Arkush – Enterprise Chambers
Jonathan Arkush at Enterprise Chambers is 'an exceptional mediator who strikes the perfect balance between being authoritative (such that clients and their lawyers respect his views and guidance) and empathic (such that clients feel heard and respected). Clients really couldn't ask for more in a mediator'. Arkush, who has conducted over 350 mediations to date, is a member of the mediation panels of the Chancery Bar Association, Property Bar Association, Property Law UK, Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Practitioners, and Dispute Mediation.
Work highlights
Freeths LLP
Paul Balen – Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP's consultant Paul Balen conducted over 40 mediations during 2022. Balen is widely respected for his experience in mediating clinical negligence and personal injury matters.
4 New Square Chambers
Cyril Chern - 4 New Square Chambers
The mediation workload of 4 New Square Chambers' Cyril Chern is a natural adjunct to his substantial arbitration practice. Chern acts in significant mediations across the globe, his experience including mediating a dispute involving the construction of a large undersea tunnel connecting Germany and Denmark.
Landmark Chambers
Rupert Cohen - Landmark Chambers
Rupert Cohen at Landmark Chambers is 'a superb mediator, who is willing to provide an indication of how he thinks an issue would be resolved in court. These indications can be very persuasive, given his knowledge of the law and his wealth of experience before judges'. His track record includes multi-party disputes over terminal dilapidations, and challenging family conflicts involving proprietary estoppel and Inheritance Act claims.
Testimonials
IPOS Mediation
Peter Crossley - IPOS Mediation
Peter Crossley at IPOS Mediation is 'calm under pressure and able to manage difficult parties'. Mediating for over 25 years, Crossley's recent caseload includes a joint venture-related dispute between two lifelong friends.
Serena Davis - Latitude Mediation
Latitude Mediation's Serena Davis 'has the ability to build rapport quickly with a wide range of people'. A Commanding Officer in the Royal Navy Reserve, Davis has specialist experience in commercial marine disputes. She also regularly handles workplace mediations.
Keating Chambers
Robert Evans - Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers' Robert Evans is 'very thorough and has a detailed appreciation of technical issues'. Evans specialises in construction, engineering and energy disputes, as well as professional negligence matters.
Work highlights
John Gosling (Independent)
John Gosling (Independent) is 'very accomplished, having seamlessly transferred his impeccable commercial litigation credentials into an excellent and professional mediation practice'. Accredited since 2017, civil and commercial mediator Gosling is a former Addleshaw Goddard partner, who is appointed to mediate a wide range of disputes by law firms in London, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds and Liverpool, among others.
Oliver Hallam (Independent)
Oliver Hallam (Independent) 'has endless patience, even in the most trying situations. He listens carefully, and can be trusted only to reveal what the clients want to say'. A former Wrigleys Solicitors LLP partner, Hallam specialises in private wealth disputes.
Serle Court
Jennifer Haywood - Serle Court
Recently moving into full-time ADR work, Jennifer Haywood at Serle Court is 'a calm and constructive presence, even in fraught and emotive mediations'. Haywood conducts mediations across the spectrum of Chancery and commercial disputes, particularly in relation to trusts, partnerships, company law, and commercial disputes.
Serle Court
Elizabeth Jones KC – Serle Court
Appreciated for her 'understated approach, which conceals a steely determination', Serle Court's Elizabeth Jones KC has a longstanding mediation practice that covers a broad array of complex disputes.
Work highlights
College Chambers
Derek Marshall - College Chambers
College Chambers' former head Derek Marshall 'has vast experience, and a calm and personable style. He is also authoritative, so quickly gains the trust of the parties in a mediation'. Qualifying as a civil dispute mediator in 2006, Marshall has since carried out hundreds of mediations in England and abroad.
McCormicks
Peter McCormick OBE – McCormicks
McCormicks' senior partner Peter McCormick OBE is nationally recognised for his expertise in sports-related mediations. McCormick is chair of the Premier League since 2022, and is regularly delegated by its board to resolve disputes through mediation.
Work highlights
Keating Chambers
Fionnuala Mccredie KC - Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers' Fionnuala Mccredie KC is 'well prepared and adopts a no-nonsense approach that greatly assists'. Mccredie routinely mediates public procurement, and construction and engineering disputes, as well as insurance, energy, environmental and professional negligence-related claims.
Work highlights
Berry Smith
Nick Parker – Berry Smith
With over 250 civil and commercial mediations conducted to date, Berry Smith's Nick Parker is 'calm, realistic, and capable of empathising with a wide range of people. He is able to tell people things that they don't want to hear in a way that they will listen'. Parker predominantly handles mediations across Wales, South West, Midlands, and London.
Work highlights
9 St John Street Chambers
Richard Price - 9 St John Street Chambers
9 St John Street Chambers's mediation group head Richard Price is 'personable and skilled at drawing out the best in clients to achieve compromise'. Price's mediation practice focuses on probate and property disputes. He also handles a broad mix of commercial and professional negligence disputes.
Work highlights
CEDR Chambers
Joe Shammah - CEDR Chambers
A practising mediator for over 15 years, Joe Shammah of CEDR Chambers has mediated over 200 disputes to date. Shammah's practice covers a wide spectrum of commercial and corporate disputes throughout the UK.
11 South Square
Michael Silverleaf KC – 11 South Square
11 South Square‘s Michael Silverleaf KC is 'personable and technically excellent, but also direct in his manner. This allows him to cut through the noise and connect with clients. Michael is not afraid to challenge a party's position where appropriate, which is especially useful in a difficult dispute where parties are entrenched'. A member of the Nominet Dispute Resolution Service Expert Panel since 2008, Silverleaf QC is a go-to mediator for IP-related disputes.
Keating Chambers
Alice Sims - Keating Chambers
Alice Sims at Keating Chambers is 'meticulous, patient, and willing to assist the parties in overcoming deadlocks when they arise'. In receipt of over 20 appointments in a recent 12-month period, Sims has a growing construction mediation practice.
Gatehouse Chambers
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC - Gatehouse Chambers
Acting as a mediator since 2003, Brie Stevens-Hoare KC at Gatehouse Chambers is a specialist property and private client mediator.
Suzanne Tager Limited
Suzanne Tager – Suzanne Tager Limited
Suzanne Tager at Suzanne Tager Limited ‘really gets to grips with each party’s motivations‘. A senior member of Hogan Lovells International LLP’ commercial litigation team until 2019, Tager, who is experienced in disputes in a range of commercial sectors, mediated over 40 disputes in a recent 12-month period.
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Laura Tweedy - Gatehouse Chambers
Laura Tweedy of Gatehouse Chambers routinely mediates disputes concerning property, trusts of the family home, housing, and landlord and tenants’ issues.
Radcliffe Chambers
Simon Williams – Radcliffe Chambers
Simon Williams at Radcliffe Chambers is 'a calm and collected mediator, who is approachable and clear'. Accredited in 2006, Williams is an expert in disputes concerning commercial contracts, companies, shareholders, and partnerships. He also mediates conflicts involving landlord and tenant issues, trusts and probate, rights of way, restrictive covenants, adverse possession, and professional negligence.