Information about mediation

I am happy to answer queries about how to start the mediation process and to assist parties to use mediation to resolve their disputes. In the last year I have answered queries about how to start mediation and I have assisted by writing to other parties to invite them to agree to mediation. On at least one occasion this has prompted communication with the other party which has resolved the dispute.

Recent Mediations

In October 2025 I mediated a dispute referred to mediation by the Court. This was about housing disrepair between a tenant and the council landlord. The parties were represented by solicitors and counsel. The mediation was conducted online. The tenant was able to participate from her home. Her claims were settled by agreement following the mediation.

In November 2025 I mediated a dispute between home owners and a contractor about defective work. The parties had agreed to the mediation without involving solicitors. The mediation took place face to face at a neutral venue. The dispute was settled and I assisted the parties in preparing a settlement agreement. This was signed at the meeting and the dispute was resolved at minimal cost. A great result!

In the last month I have had 2 very different mediations which were both held online. The first was a family dispute between the father and his son over the repayment of a loan. This had sadly already got into litigation. The parties were facing a 2 day trial and the risk of incurring costs which would have been excessive compared to the amount at stake. One party was represented by solicitors and the other acted on his own. Fortunately we were able to find a basis on which further litigation could be avoided and a settlement was agreed.

The other mediation was a dispute about building defects between the building owner and the alleged building contractor. Liability and quantum were both in issue. The parties acted without lawyers and agreed to a mediation online which was limited to 3 hours! However it was possible to manage the time so that the parties could have an informed discussion about causation and liability for the defects before negotiating and agreeing on a figure to settle the claim.

So within the last 12 months, I have had 4 mediations. All have settled. In 2 cases no lawyers were involved, in one case one side was represented and in the other, both sides were represented.