Jane Andrewartha – Clyde & Co 

Clyde & Co‘s Jane Andrewartha, is ‘an exceptional mediator who can make the mediation. The parties, including lawyers and clients, can feel her commitment to seeing the mediation through to a settlement’. Accepting up to two mediation instructions per week, alongside her busy international litigation and arbitration practice, Andrewartha is highly respected for her expertise in insurance and reinsurance disputes. She is also experienced in relation to areas that are served by the financial services sector, such as aviation and maritime, as well as professional liability, fraud, product recall, mis-selling, contractual, and public and employers’ liability disputes.

Eileen Carroll KC (Hon) – CEDR Chambers 

CEDR Chambers' co-founder and principal mediator Eileen Carroll KC (Hon) is 'an exceptionally experienced mediator. She is patient with parties and their representatives, and in control of the mediation environment. She recognises the personalities of those involved in mediations, and works hard with parties to resolve disputes’. Regularly involved with international clients, Carroll’s track record encompasses high-value and complex disputes in the banking, insurance, pensions, IT, and telecoms sectors. Her experience also covers appointments in the public sector, as well as disputes over property, employment, infrastructure, pensions, partnerships, joint ventures, shareholders, media, and IP. Other areas of expertise are energy pricing and railway industry franchising.

Stuart Chapman – Independent Mediators 

A former partner and litigation head at Pinsent Masons LLP‘ Leeds office, Independent Mediators‘ Stuart Chapman is ‘an excellent commercial litigation mediator – a go-to choice for cases of value or of complexity. Stuart is always well prepared, and has the ability to get to the heart of the dispute and adapt his approach to fit both the issues in the case and the parties’. Conducting over 700 mediations since he began mediating in 2008, Chapman mediates general commercial, construction, insolvency and insurance claims. A mediation Fellow of the Civil Mediation Council, he is also appointed to resolve partnership, professional negligence and shareholder disputes.

Fiona Colquhoun – CEDR Chambers 

Mediating since 2004, Fiona Colquhoun at CEDR Chambers is ‘calm, knowledgeable and patient. It is easy to put trust in her and she is a straightforward communicator‘. Colquhoun mediates challenging employment, business to business (B2B), clinical negligence, commercial, public funding, and education-related cases. She is particularly well known for her handling of vulnerable and emotional individuals, as well as parties with entrenched positions. Colquhoun also has a strong market reputation for complex cases that are in the public domain. In 2023, Colquhoun mediated disputes that concerned national political parties, and a conflict between an insurance company and an NHS Trust that concerned the funding of an insurance claim.

Chris Fitton – IPOS Mediation 

Chris Fitton at IPOS Mediation is ‘always well prepared and shows clear insight into each party’s position, getting to the nub of the dispute and enabling parties to resolve their differences. He is also particularly determined and robust in his efforts to achieve settlements‘. In 2023, Fitton mediated over 60 high-value cases in relation to professional indemnity claims involving solicitors, accountants, and construction professionals. He also recently mediated property-related conflicts, as well as cases that were brought against shareholders and directors by liquidators and banks. Highlights include a recovery claim of approximately $30m, commenced by the liquidators of 15 overseas companies that were allegedly involved in laundering the proceeds of a $1bn banking fraud.

Phillip Howell-Richardson – Independent Mediators 

Phillip Howell-Richardson at Independent Mediators is ‘an extremely personable mediator, who gains all parties' trust quickly and has a very polite and helpful demeanour, which is very useful in mediation contexts’. Mediating since 1991, and full-time since 2005, Howell-Richardson’s experience includes claims over commercial contracts, international disputes involving governments, banking and finance issues, fraud, and insurance matters. He also mediates in relation to professional negligence claims, insolvencies, engineering, real estate, IP, sport, employment, and oil and gas-related disputes. Howell-Richardson’s expertise additionally covers group actions involving both large and small numbers of claimants.

Kate Jackson – Independent Mediators 

Qualified as a lawyer both in England and Wales and New York, ex-Magic Circle litigator Kate Jackson of Independent Mediators‘ is ‘a first-class mediator. She is exceptionally well prepared, bright, grasps the issues quickly, and explains points well to the parties‘. Increasingly mandated to resolve high-value, high-profile cases, Jackson recently mediated over 40 commercial mediations in a 12-month period. Such appointments included multi-party and multi day mediations, both in the UK and internationally. In addition to her enviable commercial mediation practice, Jackson mediates specialist areas such as technology, private client, sports, art, and media.

Mark Jackson-Stops – IPOS Mediation 

‘One of the most experienced and best mediators in the market’, IPOS Mediation‘s chambers leader and founder Mark Jackson-Stops has ‘a winning manner that encourages dialogue. He is well organised and diligent in moving discussions forward, rather than allowing things to drift’. Mediating approximately 2000 cases to date, Jackson-Stops has longstanding experience in mediations concerning professional negligence, insurance, property, construction, and probate and inheritance. He is also appointed to assist with financial services disputes, including mis-selling and commercial contract claims. Jackson-Stops recently mediated a subrogated recovery case, which involved an industrial building that was destroyed by a fire, allegedly caused by a neighbouring occupier.

Rosemary Jackson KC  – Keating Chambers 

A silk since 2006, Keating Chambers‘ Rosemary Jackson KC is a widely respected commercial mediator, both in the UK and abroad, as well as online. Drawing upon her previous experience as a barrister, part-time judge, arbitrator and adjudicator, Jackson’s track record includes an array of high-stakes commercial disputes, including mediating and co-mediating matters that comprise up to 10 parties, and where the sums in dispute are valued at up to $2bn. She is particularly experienced in construction, engineering, energy and offshore disputes, along with professional negligence and insurance conflicts. Jackson additionally specialises in mediations that require especially careful project management.

Paul Johnson - Serle Court 

A mediator since 2004, Paul Johnson of Serle Court is ‘a highly capable mediator, who is extremely likeable and a master at getting into the nitty-gritty’. Conducting over 1000 disputes to date, Johnson’s wide-ranging practice covers banking, fraud, commercial and contract disputes, as well as construction, professional negligence, partnership and shareholder-related matters. Other areas of expertise for the ‘very approachable’ Johnson are inheritance, trusts, IP, sport, and personal injury. Johnson recently mediated a substantial shareholder dispute between two parties; a damages claim concerning the wrongful repudiation of a multi-million-pound contract; and a high-value contract termination dispute between a local authority and an external services provider.

Jacqui Joyce – The Property Mediators 

Involved in over 400 mediations to date, The Property Mediators' Jacqui Joyce is ‘not only an experienced and effective mediator, but she is also an excellent property lawyer, which is vital for any property mediator. She gives parties confidence that she can see and understand legal points (for good or bad) and respond accordingly’. A mediator since 2001, and full-time since 2012, Joyce conducts approximately 40 mediations each year in relation to both the commercial and residential property sectors. Her practice ranges from high-value property disputes over commercial transactions, to disputes between entrenched neighbours. A former partner at legacy firm Thomas Eggar LLP, Joyce is also developing a practice in telecoms-related mediations.

Michel Kallipetis KC – Independent Mediators 

The former head of Littleton Chambers, Independent Mediators' Michel Kallipetis KC is ‘an extremely capable mediator with both gravitas and empathy. He cuts through to the nub of claims and can sift through quantities of documents to get to the key points’. Kallipetis mediates disputes concerning partnerships, banking, insurance and re-insurance, as well as employment matters involving racial and sex discrimination claims and pension rights. He also assists with disputes over solicitors and valuers’ negligence claims, medical negligence, personal injury, construction, engineering, and large-value commercial disputes. Averaging approximately 80 mediations a year, Kallipetis has been appointed in over 1,750 mediations during his career.

Jon Lang – IPOS Mediation 

A former disputes partner at White & Case LLP, Jon Lang at IPOS Mediation ‘gets to the crux of a case really quickly, while keeping the parties focused on the economics of the dispute (rather than letting them get bogged down in the legal arguments)’. Mediating regularly since 2001, and full-time since 2005, Lang is routinely appointed in matters involving parties from different jurisdictions, including the US, Middle East, Australia, and throughout Europe. He mediates across the gamut of commercial matters, including professional negligence, property, insolvency, procurement and banking, as well as partnership, shareholder, aviation, and trust and probate disputes. A former chair of the IBA’s Mediation Committee, Lang mediates between 80 and 90 cases each year.

Jonathan Lloyd-Jones – Independent Mediators 

Practising exclusively with Independent Mediators since 2012, Jonathan Lloyd-Jones is ‘unflappable – determined to do all that he can to help achieve resolutions, he is able to gain the trust of different types of client’. Lloyd-Jones’ caseload covers a wide range of commercial areas, including negligence claims against a range of professionals, from solicitors, accountants, IFAs and insurance brokers to architects and surveyors. He also mediates insurance industry disputes and is experienced in claims for fraud-based restitution, breaches of restrictive covenants by departing employees, insolvency disputes, and construction and property matters. A qualified commercial mediator since 1991, Lloyd-Jones has been appointed in over 900 mediations to date.

Mark Lomas KC – Independent Mediators 

A full-time mediator since 2009, Independent Mediators‘ Mark Lomas KC is ‘a truly excellent mediator. He has gravitas and he works hard to analyse and understand the issues in the case. This allows him to be very effective in getting the parties to face the reality of their situation‘. Averaging approximately 70 to 80 mediations each year, Lomas’ recent appointments concern professional negligence claims against solicitors, accountants, architects, construction professionals, financial advisers, and insurance brokers. He is also experienced in insurance, probate, property, trust, commercial and insolvency disputes. Also an associate tenant of Littleton Chambers, Lomas took silk in 2003.

Karl Mackie CBE – CEDR Chambers 

A ’consummate professional mediator’, Karl Mackie CBE of CEDR Chambers is ‘calm and highly experienced. He is able to ask the tough questions in a way that is never aggressive, and helps parties think about both their arguments and the other party’s views. He definitely enables the parties to reach agreements where possible’. Mediating over 1000 disputes to date, Mackie’s recent appointments include disputes over business and human rights, as well as commercial, engineering, energy, employee, property and shareholder disputes. His other areas of mediation expertise cover family businesses, insurance, insolvency, property, media, and banking and finance. Mackie additionally frequently mediates complex cases in Europe, ranging from class actions and multi-party disputes to regulatory matters.

Bill Marsh – Independent Mediators 

A full-time mediator since 1991, Bill Marsh at Independent Mediators has ‘every tool at his disposal as a mediator. He puts all parties at ease, talks common sense, and gets results using his intellect and skills‘. Marsh’s wide-ranging experience encompasses commercial disputes, both in the UK and internationally, in relation to commercial contracts, product liability, professional negligence, and shareholder issues. His track record also includes mediating disputes over sports, medical negligence, personal injury, pensions, IT, shipping, and insurance and reinsurance. At an international level, Marsh’s track record includes disputes in India, France, Canada, US, Switzerland and Spain, as well as Italy, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and the Balkans.

Andrew Paton – Independent Mediators 

A former partner at Pinsent Masons LLP, Independent Mediators‘ Andrew Paton ‘develops a great rapport with clients. He won’t allow mediations to flounder, rather he keeps parties laser focused on achieving a deal‘. With approximately 1365 mediations to date, Paton regularly mediates over 60 cases per year. In a recent 12-month period, half of Paton’s mediations concerned professional negligence claims in relation to solicitors, barristers, accountants, architects, engineers, surveyors, financial advisors, and insurance brokers. CEDR-accredited since 1993, Paton also maintains a highly active construction mediation practice, and is regularly appointed for insurance, property, shareholder, tort, trust and commercial law-related mediations.

Jane Player – Independent Mediators 

Appointed directly by corporations, in-house counsel and leading law firms, Jane Player of Independent Mediators is a ‘superb, go-to mediator for her no-nonsense and direct style. Her willingness to challenge parties and not shy away from asking difficult direct questions is very refreshing’. A full-time mediator since 2017, Player focuses on general corporate and contractual claims, and fraud and project-related disputes, as well as pharmaceutical, energy, technology, IP, and media-related claims. A former King & Spalding LLP partner, Player also has notable experience in international dispute resolution, including the management of the cross-cultural aspects of joint venture and international shareholder disputes.

Charles Powell – IPOS Mediation

A former Freeths LLP partner, IPOS Mediation‘s Charles Powell is ‘amiable, professional and mild-mannered, such qualities enabling him to build a rapport with the parties and their legal representatives easily’. Retiring from private practice in May 2023, veteran mediator Powell specialises in high-stakes commercial disputes and partnership issues, as well as professional negligence matters, property claims, and banking and asset finance conflicts. CEDR-accredited since 1996, Powell, who has conducted over 600 mediations to date, is also a founder member of both Hexagon Mediation and The Association of Midlands Mediators.

Alistair Pye – IPOS Mediation 

Consistently appointed by both leading law firms and large UK and international companies, Alistair Pye of IPOS Mediation is ‘very good at identifying the key issues that require addressing, in order to progress as quickly as possible towards a commercial settlement. He is persistent, energetic, and imaginative in his will to find solutions‘. Conducting 69 mediations in 2023, Pye is particularly well known for high-value, multi-party construction and engineering disputes. He has recently also mediated disputes in the sports and entertainment industries, such matters frequently involving high-profile household names. Pye is additionally sought out for appointments in commercial disputes, professional negligence, and inheritance and shareholder conflicts.

Beverly-Ann Rogers – Serle Court 

Experienced in handling multi-party and cross-cultural disputes, Serle Court‘s Beverly-Ann Rogers is ‘extremely patient and recognises that a successful mediator must pay attention to parties’ emotional needs. She has the skills to encourage parties to compromise, without them feeling pressure to do so‘. Also mediating through IPOS Mediation, Chancery and commercial law specialist Rogers is well known for her expertise in trust and probate disputes, including international trust conflicts. Her experience also encompasses company and shareholder claims, a range of commercial disputes, property litigation, professional negligence, and charity-related issues. Rogers recently mediated claims against trustees and professional advisors in relation to alleged breaches of duty.

Colin Russ – Colin David Russ 

Completing over 1800 mediations to date, Colin Russ at Colin David Russ ‘has gravitas, his experience is palpable, and he takes no nonsense. He quickly builds rapport with parties, and is able to ensure that everybody in the mediation room feels heard and that everyone has the opportunity to speak‘. A former litigation head in global law firm DLA Piper's Birmingham office, Russ has significant expertise in high-value, multi-party mediations. His expertise covers defective cladding claims, insolvency issues, construction disputes, professional negligence, and commercial contracts. Russ also mediates conflicts involving shareholders, partnerships and real estate.

Stephen Ruttle KC – Brick Court Chambers 

Brick Court Chambers‘ Stephen Ruttle KC is ‘one of the handful of absolutely pre-eminent mediators, about whose appointment parties can generally agree, suggesting his appointment is never contentious since he is such a hugely gifted mediator’. A full-time commercial mediator since 2002, Ruttle has mediated approximately 2000 cases to date, with most of his matters involving sizeable sums in dispute. In addition to being a longstanding chair of Trustees of Wandsworth Mediation Service, a local community mediation charity, Ruttle is increasingly active as a mediator of community and faith-based disputes. Recent mediations include a wrongful death claim in relation to the murder of a social worker by the inmate of a psychiatric rehabilitation accommodation unit.

Patrick Walker – IPOS Mediation 

A longstanding commercial mediator, IPOS Mediation‘s Patrick Walker is ‘quickly able to establish a rapport with parties and build up trust in the room with his confident and assuring manner. His no-nonsense attitude means that both sides take a realistic approach when it matters’. Walker conducts mediations within both his specialist area of property law and a range of commercial disputes. Examples include mediations concerning IP, statutory undertakers, personal injury, nuisance, and family and trust matters. Working at national levels, Walker is also experienced in multiparty disputes, and additionally sits part-time as Recorder and Deputy High Court Judge.

Stephen Walker – S Walker Mediation 

A full-time, independent mediator since 2011, S Walker Mediation‘s Stephen Walker is ‘a great mediator because he is able to help clients see all of the realistic options available to them, which allows them to resolve their disputes’. Experienced in disputes across a wide variety of disciplines, Walker has mediated over 1000 mediations to date, his specialisms covering insolvency, professional negligence, shareholders, and art law. He also assists with contentious probate, IT, construction, and property disputes. In 2023, Walker was appointed as lead mediator in 112 mediations. Recent appointments include mediating a claim by a liquidator for breach of a previous litigation’s settlement agreement.

William Wood KC – Brick Court Chambers 

William Wood KC of Brick Court Chambers is ‘so experienced that he knows mediation inside and out, and is skilled in every facet of the process’. Handling approximately 60 major disputes each year, Wood’s caseload covers a range of business disputes, including in relation to insurance, banking, construction, engineering, product liability, and oil and gas. He also assists with conflicts concerning the pharmaceutical sector, as well as professional negligence and human rights-related mediations. Wood is additionally highly involved in mediating disputes arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine. Other recent highlights include a follow-on damages claim against multiple pharmaceutical companies for drug pricing.

Heather Allen – CEDR Chambers 

A professional mediator since 1995, CEDR Chambers' Heather Allen is ‘an exceptional mediator with a diverse skill set and a proven track record of successfully resolving a wide range of disputes‘. Mediating over 400 claims to date, Allen has notable expertise in clinical negligence claims, as well as disputes concerning commercial contracts, and employment and inheritance issues. In a recent 18-month period, Allen was appointed for approximately 60 days’ mediation work. Recent experience includes a clinical negligence claim, which was brought by a woman whose obstetric anal sphincter injury was missed during childbirth.

Rebecca Attree – IPOS Mediation

Rebecca Attree of IPOS Mediation is ‘extremely thorough in her preparation and approach to mediation. She brings a deep sense of empathy and care to her cases, and her clients respond by trusting her to help them resolve their disputes’. Active in disputes in the UK and internationally, Attree handles mediations involving property, construction, commercial contracts, shareholders and corporate matters. She is also appointed to mediate conflicts concerning partnerships, family businesses, trusts, aviation, financial institutions, including insurance and insolvency matters, and workplace and employment issues. Attree is additionally experienced in mediating disputes between parties from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Sara Benbow – The Property Mediators 

A mediator since 2003, The Property Mediators‘ Sara Benbow, also a member of Gatehouse Chambers, is ‘a straight-talking, clever mediator, who can quickly assimilate the facts, understand the personalities, and identify the opportunities for settlement‘. Undertaking over 60 mediations in a recent 12-month period, Benbow’s civil and commercial mediation practice is particularly focused on property and property-related issues. Examples include developments, party walls, inheritance and professional negligence, as well as landlord and tenant, boundary, easement, covenant and title disputes.

Gillian Caroe – CEDR Chambers

Gillian Caroe of CEDR Chambers is ‘a highly skilled professional, who is adaptable in her style and ensures that an inclusive approach is adopted, so that those involved genuinely have an equal opportunity to participate’. CEDR-accredited in 2005, Caroe’s experience includes hundreds of successful interventions. She is one of only a few mediators to be awarded Fellow status by the Civil Mediation Council for both employment and workplace and commercial mediation. In a recent 12-month period, Caroe’s caseload covered commercial contracts, employment, workplace, property, and healthcare-related mediations, as well as education, probate, and construction and engineering disputes.

Rebecca Clark – Independent Mediators 

Joining Independent Mediators in 2023, Rebecca Clark is ‘calm, but forceful when required. She has a great grasp of the detail and issues within cases, and is very good at challenging a party’s position in a measured and balanced way’. Chair of the Civil Mediation Council, Clark mediates commercial disputes involving shareholders, insolvencies, warranty claims, and breaches of contract and duty. Leveraging her former role as litigation head at UK Asset Resolution, she is particularly experienced in financial services, professional negligence and regulatory litigation. Clark is also sought after for her SME and family business mediation experience.

Jane Gunn – IPOS Mediation 

Particularly focused on complex and emotional matters, IPOS Mediation‘s Jane Gunn is ‘very open minded, gets deeply involved in her subjects, and constantly energises the parties in order to improve their relationships with each other’. Accredited as a commercial mediator in 1996, Gunn’s mediation track record encompasses commercial, business, partnership and boardroom disputes. He is experienced in professional negligence and conflicts concerning joint ventures, family businesses, trusts, and employment and workplace issues. Gunn’s specialism also covers diversity and inclusion, medical negligence, personal injury, and property and construction.

Tim Hardy – IPOS Mediation 

IPOS Mediation‘s ‘commercially savvy and hard-working’ Tim Hardy is ‘very experienced, which comes across in his considered approach. He is very adept at working his way around any problem and taking the parties with him’. A former CMS commercial litigation head, Hardy is regularly appointed to mediate a range of complex commercial, corporate, investor and partnership disputes. Receiving his first mediation appointment in 1998, Hardy also conducts financial, insolvency and insurance coverage-related mediations.

Andrew Hildebrand – IPOS Mediation 

One of the UK’s most sought-after mediators, Andrew Hildebrand of IPOS Mediation is ‘an exquisite mediator – a go-to for anything tricky. He is the ideal mix – inherently commercial, he finds creative routes to settlement, and is interested in what makes people and businesses tick. Absolutely at the top of his game’. In addition to mediating commercial and civil cases, Hildebrand, who is also a Fellow of the Civil Mediation Council, specialises in mediating disputes involving multiple international parties, as well as business partners, shareholders, supply chains, and family businesses. In the entertainment industry, he is particularly well known for film, TV, music, sport, fashion, and brand management.

Alan Jacobs – CEDR Chambers 

CEDR Chambers‘ Alan Jacobs ‘has a great understanding of the issues between parties and a great ability to break down barriers to settlement‘. A former partner at Mills & Reeve LLP, Jacobs’ mediation practice encompasses an array of clinical negligence and personal injury claims, as well as a range of commercial areas. To date, Jacobs has completed over 450 mediations.

Lawrence Kershen KC – IPOS Mediation 

Lawrence Kershen KC of IPOS Mediation conducts mediations with ‘skill and commercial awareness‘. A longstanding CEDR-accredited mediator, Kershen’s mediation experience encompasses commercial contracts, banking, financial services, construction, defamation, engineering, inheritance, IP, and insurance. He is also experienced in mediating disputes involving manufacturing, media, partnerships, professional negligence, property, shareholdings, and voluntary organisations. Kershen additionally handles workplace and employment mediations, as well as cross-cultural matters. Recent highlights include a film finance scheme that was disallowed by HMRC; an aviation joint venture for private jet sales; a pharmaceutical-related supply contract; and a construction claim concerning housing development defects and insurance and indemnity issues.

Mark Linnell – IPOS Mediation 

Mark Linnell of IPOS Mediation has the ‘ability to build rapport with all parties prior to the meeting and manage the mediation meeting or day in a cordial and effective way’. CEDR-accredited in 2005, Linnell’s track record includes a range of commercial, agricultural, financial and family mediations. In a recent 12-month period, he mediated a property dispute involving a freeholder’s management company; a conflict over the breach of a shareholder purchase agreement; a breach of contract and trade mark patent and copyright matter; and a commercial and business management dispute within a family. Linnell is also an expert consultant at dispute resolution company Moot Hill, which he co-founded in 2016.

Colin Manning – 4-5 Gray's Inn Square 

An accredited CEDR mediator since 1997, Colin Manning co-heads the mediation group at 4-5 Gray's Inn Square. He mediates a broad range of commercial disputes, including contract, tort, professional negligence, partnership, company, and shareholder matters. Manning, who is also a Fellow of the Civil Mediation Council, is additionally appointed to assist with construction, property, international trade, and trust and probate disputes. Manning’s recent experience includes mediating a claim for damages, further to the non-repayment of a loan to a trust, and a dispute over the alleged unlawful termination of two construction contracts.

Andrew Miller KC – 2 Temple Gardens 

A member of both 2 Temple Gardens and IPOS Mediation, Andrew Miller KC mediated approximately 50 cases in 2023. Miller ‘encourages parties to identify their lines in the sand early on in a mediation, which saves time and focuses minds around the table’. Miller specialises in mediating disputes involving insurance, construction, property damage, and shareholder conflicts, as well as high-profile employment and general commercial law matters. In 2023, Miller experienced notable growth in private cases involving wealthy parties that had fallen out with employers, partnerships, directors or family businesses.

Nick Pearson  – CEDR Chambers 

Specialising in corporate and commercial disputes, CEDR Chambers‘ Nick Pearson is ‘personable and builds trust to move parties towards settlement, but without them ever feeling rushed or pushed’. A former Baker McKenzie global dispute resolution head, Pearson has mediated approximately 400 commercial mediations to date, both in the UK and overseas. He generally mediates three to four cases each month. Disputes in a recent 12-month period include insolvency sector matters; family, wills and probate issues; and professional negligence, shareholder, partnership, contract, and banking and finance-related mediations.

Eve Pienaar – CEDR Chambers 

Full-time mediator Eve Pienaar at CEDR Chambers‘ is ‘very calm, but at the same time very positive and enthusiastic. She is also very determined – this is a great mix and just what parties need‘. Conducting over 350 commercial cases to date, Pienaar specialises in property, construction, professional negligence, partnership and shareholder disputes. She also maintains a notable contentious probate practice, and regularly handles workplace and employment mediations. CEDR-accredited in 2007, Pienaar’s workload encompassed approximately 150 commercial mediation days in 2023. Recent examples include a dispute concerning compliance with planning conditions, as well as a defamation and malicious falsehood claim.

Stephen Barker – 4-5 Gray's Inn Square 

Mediating through both 4-5 Gray's Inn Square and CEDR Chambers, Stephen Barker was recently notably active in relation to high-value mediations involving shareholder disputes, insolvency claims, professional negligence, particularly those involving complex tax schemes, and commercial contract conflicts. Barker is also increasingly mandated to mediate international cross-border mediations that comprise parties in different jurisdictions. Recent highlights include a professional negligence claim against a firm of accountants for tax investigation-related losses, along with a cross-border cryptocurrency dispute.

Stephen Bate – CEDR Chambers 

Stephen Bate of CEDR Chambers is ‘personable, bright, and has the ability to bring parties to the table’. An accredited mediator since 2003, Bate has mediated approximately 250 civil and commercial disputes to date, with claim values of up to £250m. In a recent 12- to 18-month period, Bate spent approximately 40 days on mediations involving partnerships, shareholders, supplies of goods and services, sales commissions, IP, IT, and sports.

Rachael Bicknell – Squaring Circles  

Rachael Bicknell of Squaring Circles ‘prepares assiduously and spares no effort in trying to secure an agreement. She responds well to any concerns that parties may have about the overall process and is able to keep parties on board, even when emotions are running high‘. Mediating over 90 commercial and civil disputes since 2020, Bicknell currently mediates approximately 25 high-value cases each year. Recent matters include a highly contentious, multi-party family partnership dispute.

Michael Cover – IPOS Mediation 

IPOS Mediation‘s Michael Cover has significant expertise in information and communications technology disputes, as well as IP-related conflicts. Cover also has notable experience in international and cross-cultural disputes. In addition to his CEDR accreditation, Cover is accredited as a mediator by the International Trade Mark Association, and as a family and family business mediator.

Emma Gooding (independent) 

Emma Gooding (independent) is ‘empathetic, insightful and a clear, effective communicator. She handles difficult disputes with tact and sensitivity‘. Mediating over 40 disputes a year, Gooding is consistently sought out for cross-cultural mediations and disputes with international elements. Examples include recent mediations in Asia, Australia and the Middle East, as well as the UK.

Neil Goodrum – CEDR Chambers

Neil Goodrum of CEDR Chambers is ‘an enthusiastic mediator who is eager to grapple with the core issues early, which is very effective in generating meaningful progress. His challenge of the grounds upon which a party resists such progress is careful and effective’. As a lead mediator, Goodurum has mediated over 250 cases to date. In a recent 12-month period, he was involved in cases concerning commercial contracts, employment, franchising, shareholders, and clinical and professional negligence, as well as personal injury, sport, workplace, probate, and commercial property-related disputes.

Charles Gordon – IPOS Mediation

Charles Gordon of IPOS Mediation is ‘very good at bringing parties together. Patient, but prepared to force the pace if needed‘. Focused on insurance and reinsurance, Gordon is particularly experienced in international disputes and mediations involving offshore jurisdictions. His recent experience includes mediations concerning insurance coverage for pandemic losses, as well as claims against insurance brokers for failing to advise on appropriate pandemic-related insurance cover.

Paul Kirtley – Exchange Chambers 

Accredited civil and commercial and workplace mediator Paul Kirtley of Exchange Chambers mediates in relation to commercial matters, medical negligence, personal injury, and solicitors and valuers’ negligence claims. Kirtley is also experienced in probate, trusts, property and boundary disputes, and employment matters, including race and sex discrimination. He is increasingly mandated for high-value offshore mediations, especially in the Isle of Man.

Samantha Lowe – Concentus Mediation 

Samantha Lowe at Concentus Mediation has been mediating full-time since September 2018. ‘Parties love that she is approachable and a good listener; and lawyers appreciate that she is collaborative and flexible to the needs of the parties, but will also not hesitate to push back or challenge advocates where necessary’. Specialising in private client and private wealth litigation, Lowe’s mediation practice ranges from two-party estate disputes to high-value, multi-party estate disputes involving complex tax issues and overseas assets.

Gill Mansfield – Gill Mansfield Mediation 

Gill Mansfield of Gill Mansfield Mediation has ‘a unique ability to draw out the core issues that the parties need to discuss as part of the journey to resolution; and she is thorough in her preparation’. A full-time commercial mediator, Mansfield has particular expertise in disputes over IP, TMT and competition law, as well as retail, brewing, leisure and hospitality sector conflicts. She additionally mediates company, partnership, property, and shareholder and director disputes, and is increasingly instructed in cross-border cases and matters containing international aspects.

Sue O’Brien – The Property Mediators 

A member of the RICS specialist boundary disputes panel of mediators, The Property Mediators‘ Sue O’Brien has mediated hundreds of disputes to date. O’Brien covers a broad range of mediation areas, from small, emotionally charged disputes involving vulnerable individuals, to very large commercial cases.

Liz Rivers  – IPOS Mediation 

Specialising exclusively in workplace and employment disputes, IPOS Mediation‘s Liz Rivers has notable expertise in cases involving sex discrimination and sexual harassment. Also a qualified psychotherapist, Rivers is regularly mandated by HR professionals to handle sensitive team issues, such as the breakdown of key working relationships.

Michael Shane – Atkin Chambers 

Atkin Chambers‘ Michael Shane ‘does the work and speaks with real confidence, and his experience and expertise both as a US and international commercial lawyer set him apart’. Shane mediates a range of commercial, IP and banking disputes, as well as international conflicts involving major governmental infrastructure projects and transnational M&A that frequently involve insurance coverage and suretyship issues.

Mark Shaw KC – Blackstone Chambers 

Mark Shaw KC of Blackstone Chambers ‘possesses a diverse array of mediation expertise and skills and consistently demonstrates his ability to navigate complex disputes across a broad spectrum of legal and regulatory contexts’. Also at IPOS Mediation, Shaw is increasingly mandated to mediate high-stakes, multi-party, international mediations. His recent track record includes a workplace and industrial relations mediation involving pension changes for thousands of public sector workers.

Caroline Sheridan – CEDR Chambers

Caroline Sheridan of CEDR Chambers ‘spends more time than most understanding the dispute and the personalities involved. She then spots areas for resolution that few others would consider, and brings the parties together. She is phenomenal’. During her career, Sheridan has mediated over 600 workplace relationship and commercial disputes. She frequently mediates cases involving parties with neurodiverse, mental health and other complex emotional needs. In 2023, Sheridan spent approximately 80 days on cases, such matters often involving both multi-party and multi-cultural stakeholders.

Harry Spurr – IPOS Mediation 

IPOS Mediation‘s Harry Spurr ‘never gives up, and is excellent at keeping the parties engaged and open minded’. Currently mediating at least once a week, mediator Spurr is sought after for challenging disputes involving property, shareholders, boardrooms, and inheritance matters, as well as corporate and commercial law. He also handles disputes related to defamation, harassment, discrimination, negligence, employment, financial services, and education.

Patrick Taylor – 4-5 Gray's Inn Square

Patrick Taylor of 4-5 Gray's Inn Square is experienced in a range of disputes, from construction, property, agriculture, shipping to professional negligence. Taylor also mediates company, commercial and partnership disputes, as well as wills and trusts-related matters. He recently successfully mediated a dispute between a builder and employer in relation to the redevelopment of a residential property.

Beverley Vara – Maitland Chambers 

Beverley Vara of Maitland Chambers joined the IPOS Mediation panel in 2023. Vara is ‘able to command the respect of all the parties in a room, and really does get them on board. She unlocks the key issues, so that they are sufficiently aired and able to be brought to a conclusion’. A former real estate litigation head at legacy firm Allen & Overy LLP, Vara mediates across a range of commercial disputes on behalf of both domestic and international parties.

Gary Webber – The Property Mediators 

Mediating over 48 matters in 2023, Gary Webber at The Property Mediators is ‘one of the best mediators around – totally lacking in ego, thoughtful, quietly charismatic, and very sensible‘. Webber mediates a range of commercial and property disputes, including the growing area of disputes between telecoms providers and site owners. Webber also handles family disputes, including family business dissolutions, and trust and inheritance-related conflicts.

Lyndsey de Mestre KC – XXIV Old Buildings 

XXIV Old Buildings‘ Lyndsey de Mestre KC is ‘a calm, well-prepared and extremely hard-working mediator, who is prepared to be creative to resolve a dispute‘. De Mestre is an experienced commercial mediator, who has particular expertise in complex insolvency and probate matters. She is also an expert in directors’ disqualification.

John de Waal KC – Gatehouse Chambers

Gatehouse Chambers ‘ John de Waal KC is ‘calm and pragmatic, and gently steers parties towards common ground’. Also at The Property Mediators, de Waal is a property silk with an established mediation practice, who has acted in over 150 mediations to date.

David Hossack – Morton Fraser MacRoberts 

Morton Fraser MacRoberts‘ Edinburgh-based David Hossack ‘guides parties through complex issues and helps them find their own solution to their dispute‘. Employment and commercial law specialist Hossack has conducted over 110 mediations to date. He is one of only four lawyers who are accredited as commercial mediation specialists by the Law Society of Scotland and is also a mediator at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Derek Marshall – College Chambers 

Derek Marshall at College Chambers is ’a great communicator, and happy to challenge mediation parties as to their positions’. Marshall has carried out hundreds of mediations in England and abroad, both by private appointment and court direction as the nominated mediator.

Nick Parker – Berry Smith 

Nick Parker at Berry Smith, who to date has completed over 250 civil and commercial mediations, ’does his utmost to ensure a successful outcome and settlement for all‘. Parker routinely acts in mediations across Wales, the South West, the Midlands and London, including complex and high-value disputes.

Richard Price – 9 St John Street Chambers 

Richard Price of 9 St John Street Chambers is ‘able to establish a rapport with the parties quickly, getting to the heart of the issues and understanding what the parties want to achieve and why’. Conducting over 350 mediations to date, including 84 in 2023, Price routinely mediates probate and property disputes, as well as a broad range of commercial and professional negligence matters. Recent experience includes a rights of way dispute between neighbouring landowners.

Joe Shammah – CEDR Chambers 

Recent mediation highlights for CEDR Chambers‘ Joe Shammah include: a claim for payment by a building contractor and a competing claim for damages for defective workmanship; and a dispute between shareholders in a limited company.

Stephen Shaw – Lamb Chambers 

Lamb Chambers‘ Stephen Shaw ‘exudes empathy, patience, impartiality, adaptability, integrity, and professionalism, and he has the ability to build rapport and trust with the parties involved in the mediation‘. Shaw’s practice covers a range of property and property-related disputes, including both residential and commercial property-related mediations.

Felicity Steadman – CEDR Chambers 

Felicity Steadman of CEDR Chambers‘ is ‘a good listener and understands the situation quickly. She is empathetic to all parties involved, which builds trust’. Steadman has notable experience in mediating employment and workplace matters, along with civil and commercial disputes. Her recent experience includes mediating a dispute between a large franchised property group and an estate agency franchisee.

Brie Stevens-Hoare KC – Gatehouse Chambers 

Gatehouse Chambers‘ Brie Stevens-Hoare KC‘s ‘sharp, no-nonsense approach is a huge asset during mediations. She is able to ascertain the key drivers for each party and use these efficiently to ensure settlements are achieved’. Stevens-Hoare’s mediation expertise covers property litigation, property-related probate, professional negligence, and franchising.

Suzanne Tager – Suzanne Tager Limited 

Suzanne Tager at Suzanne Tager Limited has longstanding experience in high-value, cross-border commercial disputes, both domestically and internationally. ‘Straight-talking and tenacious in trying to help parties reach a compromise’, Tager mediates disputes in a range of commercial areas, including banking and finance, contentious insolvency, corporate conflicts, commercial fraud, and private client. She also handles IP, insurance, employment, real estate and professional negligence mediations.

Iain Travers – The Property Mediators 

The Property Mediators‘ Iain Travers is ‘always very well prepared. It is obvious that he puts a lot of effort into understanding the key issues and position of the parties prior to the mediation‘. A former Ashurst real estate disputes head, Travers has conducted approximately 100 mediations to date.

Laura Tweedy – Gatehouse Chambers 

Gatehouse Chambers‘ Laura Tweedy is ‘passionate about the benefits of mediation and how it can be used to find common ground’. Also part of the Wandsworth Mediation Service team, Tweedy’s mediation experience covers the division of property assets following death and relationship breakdowns, building conflicts, service charges, and landlord and tenant issues. Tweedy also mediates anti-social behaviour, and contractual, financial and ownership matters.

Sir Robert Akenhead – Atkin Chambers

Atkin Chambers‘ Sir Robert Akenhead is ‘in a field of his own. As a former judge and lead counsel and leading authority in construction law, his assessments of the relative positions of parties are extremely wise and persuasive.’ Recent mediator appointments have involved cladding and fire-related issues.

Cyril Chern – 4 New Square Chambers 

Cyril Chern at 4 New Square Chambers is ‘extremely approachable, empathetic, and dedicated to the task of delivering swift resolutions to disputes that are fair to both sides’. Specialising in complex engineering and construction projects, Chern routinely acts in large domestic and international mediations.

Rupert Cohen – Landmark Chambers 

Rupert Cohen at Landmark Chambers is ‘calm, balanced and remains focused on finding pragmatic solutions‘. Mediating over 50 disputes in a recent four-year period, Cohen has specialisms in costs and property disputes.

Louise Corfield – No5 Barristers' Chambers  

No5 Barristers' Chambers‘ Louise Corfield‘s ‘key capabilities as a mediator are her underlying technical expertise in the relevant law, coupled with her skill in bringing the parties to a position where settlement is made possible’. Corfield is a specialist in contentious trusts and estates, particularly 1975 Act cases and will validity challenges.

Peter Crossley – IPOS Mediation 

IPOS Mediation‘s Peter Crossley is ‘a problem solver, taking a hands-on approach to mediation and expertly managing some very difficult personalities and dynamics‘. A mediator for over 25 years, Crossley’s experience covers fraud, contractual warranty claims, international sales of goods and distribution agreements, and professional negligence, as well as shareholder, director and partnership disputes.

Serena Davis – Latitude Mediation  

A Commanding Officer in the Royal Navy Reserve, Latitude Mediation‘s Serena Davis routinely mediates significant commercial disputes, including marine matters. Davis also conducts workplace, family and education-related mediations.

Robert Evans – Keating Chambers 

Robert Evans of Keating Chambers specialises in UK and overseas construction, engineering and energy disputes, along with professional negligence. Evans is also experienced in shipbuilding disputes, including military vessel-related matters.

Kerry Gwyther – TLT 

With longstanding experience in dispute resolution and incident management, TLT‘s mediation practice head Kerry Gwyther, based in Bristol, has handled over 500 mediations to date. Gwyther is a category A* (elite) mediator on ADR’s group panel of mediators and a CEDR-accredited commercial mediator.

Jennifer Haywood – Serle Court 

Jennifer Haywood at Serle Court is ‘calm and instils confidence. She is able to bring parties together in a way that avoids confrontation’. Handling over 50 mediations to date, ADR specialist Haywood has notable experience in partnership, company, commercial and trust disputes.

Elizabeth Jones KC – Serle Court 

Serle Court‘s Elizabeth Jones KC ‘brings a commercial eye to private client disputes; she excels at getting clients to move past matters and get to resolution.’ Mediating since 1999, Jones handles disputes that often overlap Commercial Chancery areas of practice, such as trusts, private client, fraud, and company and commercial law matters.

Tim Jones – Higgs LLP

Tim Jones at Higgs LLP is ‘excellent at getting to the key points of the parties’ case and understanding the real grievances behind the dispute. His empathetic and sympathetic approach to mediation is invaluable.’ A longstanding mediator, Jones handles workplace disputes, in addition to civil and commercial conflicts.

Mandy Lenton – CEDR Chambers

Mandy Lenton at CEDR Chambers is ‘knowledgeable regarding aspects of law, and highly skilled at progressing the parties through the stages of mediation to find resolution’. A former head of real estate litigation at Clifford Chance LLP, Lenton recently mediated a dispute between a national quasi-governmental organisation and a major English harbour operator in relation to contentious dredging operations.

Roger Levitt – Roger Levitt Mediation 

Appointed to the CEDR UK Mediators Panel in January 2024, Roger Levitt of Roger Levitt Mediation is ‘a versatile mediator who draws on his experience as a former litigation solicitor’. Also on the panel of several other leading mediation providers, Levitt has conducted approximately 180 mediations to date, in relation to a range of commercial, property, will, trust and probate-related disputes.

Jeff Lewis – Brabners LLP

Jeff Lewis of Brabners LLP is ‘a skilled mediator, who is always there with ideas to assist the parties’. CEDR-accredited since 2000, Lewis is also a member of the Sport Resolutions panel, due to his extensive experience in sports disputes. He has additionally been appointed to the RICS-PLA mediation panel, as a result of his property disputes experience. Lewis has conducted over 100 mediations to date.

Peter McCormick OBE – McCormicks 

McCormicks‘ senior partner Peter McCormick OBE has an enviable reputation for his sports-related mediation work. McCormick is a member of the panel of legal specialists at Sport Resolutions (UK), which provides mediation and facilities for parties involved in sporting disputes.

Fionnuala Mccredie KC – Keating Chambers 

With longstanding mediation experience, Keating Chambers‘ Fionnuala Mccredie KC is a specialist in public procurement, construction, engineering, energy, environmental, professional negligence, and insurance disputes. Mccredie also mediates general commercial conflicts.

Arabella Murphy – IPOS Mediation 

Arabella Murphy at IPOS Mediation is ‘an extremely clever and experienced litigator, such background meaning she understands the value of a mediated settlement’. Murphy specialises in mediating disputes over trusts, inheritance, family businesses, and other wealth-related disputes.

Elizabeth Nicholls – 4-5 Gray's Inn Square

An accredited CMC mediator, the mediation practice of 4-5 Gray's Inn Square‘s Elizabeth Nicholls covers commercial, contractual, debt, ownership, and personal disputes. Nicholls is also a workplace mediator and accepts instructions for both single- and multi-day mediations.

Michael Silverleaf KC – 11 South Square 

Michael Silverleaf KC at 11 South Square ‘tries very hard to get a commercial solution’ and ‘is very calm and measured, which avoids unnecessary escalation.’ In addition to being regularly instructed to mediate IP-related disputes, Silverleaf is a member of the DRS Expert Panel, through which he decides domain name disputes.

Alice Sims – Keating Chambers 

Alice Sims at Keating Chambers is a highly-regarded junior mediator for construction disputes. Drawing on her practice as a construction barrister, Sims recently handled over 30 mediation appointments in a 24-month period.