Mediation Services

Sometimes, in business, disputes arise. This can be with your clients or suppliers, or with members of staff, partners or other shareholders.

If you have a well-drafted agreement with any of these, and you will if we drafted it, then mediation is likely to be the first, and hopefully last, step. The alternative is costly and time consuming litigation, which is rarely in either party’s interests.

Once each side agrees to use mediation, one is appointed. If we haven’t worked for you before, our qualified mediator will be happy to help. If we have, someone independent will need to be appointed; we can help with that.

Both sides are generally encouraged to set out their version of events in writing - nothing too formal - and send to the mediator any evidence that they have.

The mediator will consider those documents, and set a time and date for a meeting at which things will hopefully be resolved. Those meetings can be face to face, or by video. It might be appropriate for everyone to be in the same room or, if feelings are running high, for the mediator to ‘shuttle’ between the different sides.

The mediator will discuss with each side the strengths and weaknesses of both positions, and the best and worst case outcomes for them, should the dispute go to court or a tribunal.

This independent voice can help each party to see the other’s side, and generally speaking, some common ground can be found. The mediator may be able to suggest potential resolutions that neither side had thought of before, once they get to know you, and what is important to each party.

If agreement is reached, the mediator will draw up a binding agreement setting out what the resolution is. Generally this will include confidentiality clauses, so that the rest of the won’t get to see your dirty linen.

If agreement is not reached, unusually, at least the mediator will have been able to narrow down the issues in dispute, saving costs if the matter does proceed to litigation.

What is mediation?

Mediation is designed to be a relatively informal, and completely confidential method of resolving disputes. The precise way it is handled can be varied to suit each situation but, generally it goes something like this -

What does it cost?

Our rates for mediation are based on £1,000 per day. So a straight-forward dispute might involve half a day of reading for the mediator, and half a day of actual mediation; in other words £500 each - a lot less than going to court! Naturally, the more complex the dispute, the longer it will take to resolve, and therefore costs will be higher.

We will be able to offer a fixed fee once we know more about your particular situation, so that both sides will know that costs won’t keep going up.

FAQs

Q: What is mediation and how does it work?

A: Mediation is a voluntary process where a trained, neutral mediator helps parties reach an agreement without going to court. It’s often faster, cheaper, and less stressful than litigation.

Q: Will the outcome be legally binding?

A: If an agreement is reached, we can turn it into a binding contract or consent order. It gives you a formal, enforceable solution without the courtroom battle.