Member

I am willing to adopt an evaluative approach to mediations. Whilst recognising I am not there to determine the issues, I am happy to engage with the parties on the strengths and weaknesses of their claims. My experience as a commercial lawyer and litigator of over 30 years, and a mediator for more than 20 years, has given me a good insight into the realities of dispute resolution. I believe that settlements tend to emerge as a consequence of the parties taking a realistic look at the prospects of success or failure of the whole or aspects of their case and then taking a similar approach when looking at the case of their opponents. In addition I look to give the parties an opportunity to consider options other than simple win or lose. Whilst many disputes are primarily claims about money, there are often other issues that need to be addressed before a constructive discussion about financial settlement can take place. However, at the end of the day, I recognise I am there to help the parties achieve their settlement of the dispute that they have brought to mediation and I work with them to achieve the settlement they want.