“Although I did not know Michael as well as others. There is one vivid memory of him that stands out in my mind. It was in Singapore, at Chijmes, just a short distance from where I now work — a coincidence, perhaps, or a twist of fate. I was living in Mala...”

François Bogacz CEO, Neuroawareness Consulting Services Singapore

“Oh, how sad.  On top of being a genuine leader who created new ideas and directions several times in our work, Michael was simply a wonderful human being, always open and honest and generous.  Every conversation we had, in person and by email, was memorab...”

Ken Cloke Founder, Mediators Beyond Borders USA

“This is indeed very sad news. He was such a fantastic human being and he offered so much to the world regarding mediation. We will all miss him.”

Helena De Backer b-Médiation Belgium

“I believe it was around 2005, in Rome at an ADR Center event sponsored by the EU, where Michael shared his vision for IMI. I vividly recall the passionate discussion among us practitioners about his concept, and my initial skepticism. It was only a few ye...”

Leonardo D’Urso CEO, ADR Center Italy

“The 7 Keys Initiative that he and Manon spearheaded was such a gift to the field. He worked tirelessly to make that happen. https://mediate.com/seven-keys-to-unlock-mediations-golden-age-the-introduction/. What struck me as we were working on this was how...”

Clare Fowler Mediate.com, Vice-President of ODR.com USA

“Michael was and always will be a huge motivator for me. He pursued the unity of mediators around the world and worked fervently to bless us all with a positive narrative of mediation practice. Though he was based miles away, he came and worked quietly to...”

Aloysius Goh CEO, Sage Mediation Singapore

“Michael was an extraordinary mentor, friend, teacher, leader, lawyer, businessman, visionary, and, above all, a remarkable human being. His deep values, principles, unwavering sense of justice and indomitable spirit touched everyone who knew him. His impa...”

Jeremy Lack Association Francophone Internationale de Médiation (AFIM) & InnovADR.com Switzerland

“The mediation community mourns the loss of Michael Leathes, a distinguished figure whose contributions have profoundly shaped the field. Michael was instrumental in the establishment of the renowned IMI – International Mediation Institute (IMI) and he ser...”

SIMC SIMC Singapore

“I received this news with great sadness but also gratitude to have known Michael and realizing the great inspirational force he is to the mediation community still today. An (annual?) award in his name for someone or an organization with an outstanding co...”

Manon Schonewille IMI (Vice-Chair); Founder of the Academy of Legal Mediation, Toolkit Company and Mundi Mediatores (NL) Netherlands

“What very sad news. He was truly a mentor to me, and I would never have been so enthusiastic about mediation had it not been for him. He was always a true gentleman and willing to help out with his time and expertise. I would never have agreed to be the f...”

Wolf Von Kumberg Former IMI Chair United Kingdom

“Mediate.com is eager to join this effort in celebrating Michael’s life and work. We’ll spread the word about the IMI memorial platform through all our channels. May his memory be a blessing to all of us, and I am confident that his legacy will inspire fut...”

Colin Rule Mediate.com USA

“I will carry the memory of Michael’s great preparation, quiet unwavering persistence, and genuine humility. His caring support, wise and encouraging words in 2015, on the occasion of the inaugural conference of the Florence International Mediation Chamber...”