Working With Lawyers
For lawyers referring a case to mediation can be a difficult step. For it be effective you need to make the right choice.
For over 30 years I have been dealing with divorce and mediation at the highest level. I have always been at the heart of the legal community whether chairing regional committees or implementing and devising policy at national level.
For the last few years many of my clients have been lawyers – primarily solicitors and barristers. When they have their own problems to resolve many chose me.
Why Lawyers Trust Me
Most of the work referred to me also comes from fellow lawyers. Why is that? Lawyers like the way I operate. If you refer a mediation to me as far as I am concerned that is a team effort from the beginning. I expect us all to work together. I am not one of those mediators you will not hear from until the end of the mediation. As far as I am concerned you are integral to the process.
Let’s work together
1.
At the end of each session I will produce a detailed note and that note will be sent to you at the same time as it is sent to your client. So when your client contacts you, you will be fully appraised with regard to the relevant issues and able to offer advice
2.
I will also prepare an asset schedule which will be updated at each session and sent to you.
3.
If experts are needed I will normally convene a meeting with the solicitors to discuss the appointment of an expert so that this matter is dealt with promptly and by agreement. This avoids the mediation being put ‘on hold’ when active steps need to be taken to make sure it continues to progress.
4.
If I think lawyers are needed to advise at the time when the parties are close to settlement then I will invite you in to the final session. If appropriate, I may also invite you to bring a draft consent order so that matters can be finalised without the need for a memorandum of understanding.
Reaching Agreement
A.
If the parties reach agreed terms without lawyers present then I will summarise fully those terms in a way that meets lawyers requirements and covers all the necessary elements which need to be incorporated into a consent order.
B.
I will as far as possible cover all the points you need to address.
C.
Many lawyers and their client now like to work within a hybrid/integrated mediation. I am dual qualified as both a family and civil mediator and have effectively been practising hybrid mediation long before it was given that title.
D.
If following full disclosure a one-off mediation is preferred I can provide half day and full day cost estimates.
Flexible Venues
Through my previous links with Paris Smith LLP I have access to offices in Bournemouth, Southampton and Winchester where I am able to mediate. I am also happy to meet clients at their lawyers offices or at their barristers chambers-whatever they prefer. This means that I am able to mediate at numerous locations throughout the country subject to prior agreement.
I hope you like my approach and look forward to working with you and with your clients.
Why Work With Me
I specialise in high-value, high-stakes mediation where property portfolios, pensions, trusts, and business assets must be carefully considered. My experience ensures settlements are not only legally sound but also financially robust.
Why Work With Me
If you are a solicitor or barrister looking for a mediator you can trust, I would be delighted to work with you and your clients. Get in touch today to discuss how I can support you and your clients in reaching clear, fair, and lasting settlements.
