Dispute Resolution: Mediators: UK-wide

Singled out this year as the most lauded mediator practising in the UK, Mark Jackson-Stops is described by sources as "the best commercial dealmaker in the market." Interviewees say Jackson-Stops "brings enormous gravitas into the room," and is effective through "a blend of hard work and charisma." Parties "trust him" easily, and with his "astute" and insightful facilitation, he can "get to the heart of the issue" without delay. He is a former chartered surveyor, and is instructed on international as well as domestic mediation. Though a non-lawyer, sources say his long-standing experience of mediation endows him with "a real understanding of the issues" and "a slightly more commercial angle." He excels in real estate, construction, professional negligence and general contractual disputes. 

Paton is a celebrated mediator who sources say is "highly pragmatic" and "always able to come up with ways of bringing parties' expectations together by analysing the dispute and exploring both parties' weaknesses." His practice encompasses disputes arising from commercial contracts, construction and insurance, relating to professional negligence and disputes between shareholders. Sources also recommend him for his handling of particularly sensitive clients.

Sources say Beverly-Ann Rogers "is particularly good at calming the tensions that can arise when feuding clients get together, and setting the ground for a more sensible discussion." Adept at "cutting through the issues and spotting early on where the parties need to be to settle and helping them to get there," Rogers utilises her talents full-time in chancery, company and partnership disputes. Further praise paints her as "enormously patient when fanning a spark of compromise."

Bill Marsh "delivers a winning formula with great aplomb." Instructing solicitors describe him as "tireless in looking for the angle which unlocks a dispute. He is a real gentleman," who has "empathy with clients and a real ability to understand where they are coming from." This has earned him a track record of resolving a broad range of contractual, company, IT, IP and commercial fraud disputes, both domestically and internationally.

"Intelligent and hard-working," Charles Dodson is a leading mediator whose practice encompasses professional negligence, insurance, construction and contractual disputes. With "good humour, determination and focus," Dodson "communicates with both sides and instils confidence in his abilities and impartiality. He is always very well prepared, and stays as long as it takes to get a deal," say sources. Others add: "He keeps everyone engaged and maintains the momentum of the mediation."

Sources who have seen Carroll in action are full of praise for her "conscientious and thorough" and "flexible and adaptive" handling of disputes. Her broad practice spans disputes in financial services, media and entertainment, IP, telecoms, employment, partnerships and a host of other corporate and commercial issues. She is praised as someone who "works tirelessly to achieve a result" and "gently tests the issues with both sides to establish trust with clients."

Maynard's "exemplary" performance in mediation has attracted positive commentary from independent sources once again. Sources describe Maynard as "encouraging and sensible," adding that she immediately "sets the right tone for the day." Sources emphasise her "very strong interpersonal skills," tenacity, and "inventiveness," and that she "really focuses on what each party might consider a win." A non-lawyer mediator, her practice encompasses disputes across the public, private and civic sectors.

Andrewartha is an impressive figure in the mediation world. Sources identify her "ability to assimilate a lot of detail very quickly and to identify the real issues," as well as her "quietly authoritative and persuasive" manner, as key reasons for instructing her. Multiple sources also note her painstakingly thorough preparation. As befits an insurance litigator, she has a considerable presence in that market, but acts in a considerable range of big-ticket commercial, banking, energy and construction matters. Commentators say: "She is patient, intelligent and creative. She settles the unsettleable."

Sources note that Lang quickly builds "a good rapport with both clients and lawyers" and provides "creative suggestions when the parties are running out of ideas. He keeps the momentum going throughout the day." Most of all, he is singled out for his "ability to get a deal done in even the most difficult of circumstances." Repeatedly noted as a first choice for disputes in the world of intellectual property, he also practises widely in relation to IT and commercial matters.

Karl Mackie is a mediator praised for his ability "to discuss difficult points constructively" in search of a solution. Highly cerebral, and something of a celebrity in the mediation world, he is much sought after in commercial and regulatory disputes, frequently with multiple parties or other complicating factors. Sources say he "obtains the trust of parties quickly and in an understated way."

Instructing solicitors say Mark Lomas QC is "an exceptionally good mediator - measured, straightforward, bright and receptive." Identified as someone who "never fails to get a grip on the issues in question," he has a busy practice of common law and commercial disputes. Sources say: "He is firm and organised and willing to think imaginatively upon receipt of information."

Michel Kallipetis QC is one of the UK's most prolific and highly-regarded mediators. Instructing solicitors say they benefit from Kallipetis' "robust common-sense approach," and laud him as "persistent, patient and even-handed, creative but realistic." A man highlighted for his genuine gravitas, he can "get straight to the key issues" quickly before moving on to uncover "pragmatic ways to resolve the dispute." His practice is broad, and he is regularly called upon to resolve employment, commercial, insurance and governmental disputes.

"Calm and thoughtful" mediator Nicholas Pryor also ranks among the UK's market leaders. He is praised as a "proactive mediator" and "a good operator with a great sense of humour" who is noted for the efficiency with which he brings parties together. Banking, professional negligence and insurance claims form part of his broad commercial practice. One source put it simply: "He gets results."

Howell-Richardson is held in high esteem as a "thorough" and "insightful" mediator, and wins praise from sources again this year. His "considerable experience allows him to be far more than a negotiating messenger," with instructing solicitors describing him as "dogged in his efforts to achieve a deal." His commercial disputes mediation practice has taken him abroad in mediations in the past, and he regularly acts on domestic matters.

Sources say Smith's "likeable manner and understanding of the issues" proves "highly effective." Impressed solicitors note his "speed in getting to grips with the key issues" and aptitude for "exploring every avenue he can think of to bring parties closer together." "Fantastic at building rapport and creating a positive atmosphere for parties to negotiate," he is regularly called upon in professional negligence, personal injury and complex commercal disputes.

"Another outstanding figure," observers note, Stephen Ruttle QC is praised for his strong track record for resolving marine, insurance and other commercial disputes. With great gravitas and the "weight of authority behind him," he authoritatively steers parties towards a settlement, say sources.

Hailed as a man of "great authority, a fantastic, formidable lawyer who commands respect," Willis is highlighted by market sources for his international practice, frequently handling "the most difficult of cases." A commanding figure in the world of mediation, Willis is seen as "a statesmanlike figure" and is called upon for big-ticket commercial and regulatory matters.

"Phenomenally bright" and "a global figure in mediation," William Wood QC is a well-loved figure. Solicitors say he is "very solid, methodical, even-handed and gets results." In highly complex disputes which demand real legal expertise and command of complex facts, solicitors say Wood has proven "instrumental in teasing out the true dispute underneath the posturing."

The "impressive" Amanda Bucklow is praised by instructing solicitors for her understanding of issues "not just from a legal perspective, but also from a commercial perspective." Solicitors describe her as "constructive, helpful and probing where appropriate" and say she goes "beyond the normal call of duty in attempting to get the parties to reach an agreement." Bucklow, a non-lawyer, is a full-time mediator.

Praised as an "extremely effective" mediator, Allen is called upon regularly in personal injury and clinical negligence mediation, where he has a strong track record. He has "the ability to put over the issues," and solicitors say he is "friendly, approachable and always able to discuss the case."

The "polite, conciliatory and pragmatic" Charles Middleton-Smith also attracts significant praise. Instructing solicitors say he has "an urbane style that keeps things calm and rational," and he has been singled out for his display of great empathy in more sensitive disputes. His practice covers a wide range of disputes, and he is popular in entertainment, particularly in disputes arising out of the media, the arts and sport.

Colin Russ "develops a good rapport with the parties fairly quickly, and he really works hard to try to get a resolution," sources say. With a "confident" and "smooth" demeanour, Russ is a favourite for solicitors looking to resolve complex, multiparty commercial matters, and also in construction, real estate and professional negligence.

Dual-qualified as a solicitor and engineer, Cornes "brings a great deal of assurance, expertise and gravitas to the resolution of construction mediations," say sources. He is also praised for having a "firm" but unobtrusive style and for his willingness to discuss cases in technical detail if it will aid resolution.

"Tenacious in seeking a successful outcome," Richbell's practice of resolving complex, multiparty engineering, construction, partnership and property disputes also attracts positive commentary. Solicitors identify him as a mediator adept at staying "active throughout the process."

Sources value Heather Allen for her empathetic approach and say she "balances each side's arguments effectively" and is "a good listener." She is highly regarded for her profile in contentious inheritance and employment matters.

In addition to being a highly-regarded commercial litigator, John Fordham earns generous praise for his mediation practice. Sources say Fordham "gets straight to the key issues" and is "always perfectly prepared and empathetic with clients." Fordham's profile in the legal market is a great boon for instructing solicitors, who say he possesses "exactly the right gravitas to get clients and lawyers alike to really consider their options, and thus he brings parties together."

Perhaps Scotland's most accomplished and most famous mediator, John Sturrock QC comes widely recommended by sources north of the border. Sources say they have been "extremely impressed by his ability to help parties resolve their dispute," even in scenarios where at first "their positions appeared to be entrenched." He has trained many mediators and acts on a wide range of public and private sector disputes.

Now a full-time mediator with Independent Mediators, the "realistic and pragmatic" Lloyd-Jones has "a broad knowledge base" which greatly assists in stymied professional negligence and inheritance matters. Sources say that "clients like him - they understand what he says and he's very good at building rapport with them."

Instructing solicitors say they have been impressed with Lawrence Kershen QC's "constructive and thoughtful" mediation management. Possessed of both "gravitas without being overly imposing" and "an ability to encourage the parties to move forward and engage," Kershen acts in finance, IP, commercial and professional negligence disputes.

"Forthright yet polite" in his handling of mediation proceedings, Houghton is a favourite of many solicitors when it comes to commercial disputes. Sources say that "as an experienced commercial lawyer," Houghton demonstrates "an excellent ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses" of cases, but that he most impresses them by assisting clients to use mediation as a means of compromise.

Stuart Chapman impresses sources with a wide knowledge of commercial disputes, owing to his background in litigation. He demonstrates "very thorough understanding of the legal issues," interviewees note, along with the "ability to probe deep into the case and ask the difficult questions."

Sources rate Llewelyn-Evans for his "ability to see a route to settlement and to maintain that focus." He has a wide practice which encompasses disputes arising out of shareholder, franchising and partnership, banking, professional negligence and construction matters.

A "user-friendly" and "cheery mediator" who "tries to relax all parties," Glaister is a popular choice with instructing solicitors. Sources identify him as "a mediator with particular expertise in construction," but he is also instructed on argricultural, building, real estate, partnership and contractual matters.

Powell is a mediator who sources find to be "well prepared and practical, with excellent interpersonal skills." "Pragmatic" and "open with both parties," Powell "builds a good rapport," and earns the trust of involved parties by "minimising the focus on legal issues and getting people to focus and be commercial."

"A calming influence," Christopher Newmark is a popular choice for seemingly intractable commercial disputes. Sources comment that he is "proactive, efficient and effective" with an "excellent grasp of the underlying issues."

The unflappable Colin Manning remains a popular choice for instructing solicitors, someone who brings determination and a rational mind to disputes between intransigent parties. He acts in a wide range of company and commercial matters.

Known for getting "straight to the heart of the issue," Edwin Glasgow QC is noted as someone who is "always well prepared, absolutely committed to helping the parties achieve a settlement wherever possible." Sources add that he "is not afraid to express a direct view" where necessary. Others comment that he is someone with abundant "gravitas" and "a statesmanlike presence."

Another popular mediator, Elizabeth Jones QC is noted for her fair and balanced chairing of mediations, and for helping to identify the most relevant areas to focus on in pursuit of compromise. Sources describe her "very calm manner which makes parties open up to her and voice their concerns" and commend her "great attention to detail" in factually intensive matters.

Sources say this mediator "engenders trust" in parties through her "experienced and highly patient" mediation management. Interviewees also note Colquhoun's "wealth of experience of a range of different work situations that she can bring to bear on the field of employment disputes."

A mediator who is renowned for his ability to think inventively to produce novel solutions, Arkush maintains a busy practice. Highlights from the past year include the mediation of grievance procedures within a professional services firm and resolving a corporate dispute between embittered family members.

Sources are impressed with Kate Jackson's "empathetic," "tactful," "pragmatic and well-informed" approach to mediations. An experienced commercial litigator, she receives instructions on a range of banking, insolvency, IP, employment and real estate matters.

An authoritative mediator who sources say "scores high on diplomacy," Gwyther is instructed on a range of high-value claims which require a firm hand and a persuasive speaker. His practice features disputes in insurance, telecoms and banking, as well as his stable of commercial and family property matters.

Sources say Rivers possesses "a very wide skill set as a mediator," owing to her background as a litigator, qualified psychotherapist, executive coach and consultant. Sources say she is "especially good at dealing with cases where there are interpersonal issues," and that she "tailors the mediation to the dispute and tries to understand the dynamics of the dispute in an in-depth way."

A popular mediator with a strong international practice, Shane "works very hard and he really knows the construction industry," say interviewees. Others hail him as a "dynamic and effective mediator" who works hard towards resolution.

"Personable and determined" mediation favourite Patrick Walker is picked out by instructing solicitors for his "gravitas" and "easy way of working with people." Sources particularly hail him as someone alive to the factual issues of the dispute, as well as the more sensitive, interpersonal matters at play between opposing parties.

Sources say Paul Johnson "stands out" in the mediation market. He is praised for allowing clients "to feel that they are in control of the process" and his ability to "guide them without them ever feeling that he has taken over." A great academic lawyer, solicitors are impressed with his ability to focus on finding a commercial solution.

According to sources, Rosemary Jackson QC demonstrates "real determination" and explores multiple angles in pursuit of settlement. An adaptable mediator, Jackson is a favourite in contractual and professional negligence matters. 

Sources say insurance and construction mediator Alistair Pye's "core strengths" include "his focus on wider interests rather than legal issues, his tenacity and his ability to get straight to the heart of the matter." A new entrant, sources say: "He combines a relaxed, good-humoured manner with straight talking and an exceptionally sharp analytical brain which instantly builds trust and rapport with the decision makers."

Described as "understated, very calm, collected and composed," new entrant Andrew Eastgate comes highly recommended by interviewees. With a background in corporate law, Eastgate acts on a range of company, shareholder and general commercial disputes.

Sources say that as a mediator, Sheridan is "able to pick up on the nuances of the different personalities and as such adapt her style and approach to meet the needs of the attendees of the session." She has special expertise in disputes in charities, IT, banking and insurance.

The amenable and authoritative Charles Flint QC has a highly regarded practice mediating disputes in the financial sector. He is popularly deployed in high-end and otherwise very complicated disputes.

Sources say the "highly thorough" Fitton impresses with his ability to bring "the relevant issues" to light in mediation. Someone who "gains the trust of clients," Fitton is favoured for a range of commercial and banking matters.

With a "gently enquiring approach," interviewees say Hossack "listens carefully, and focuses on the interests of the parties to move them away from their positions and reach a reasonable outcome." He handles a wide range of employment and various commercial matters.

David Owen QC is a "measured" and "persuasive" mediator who sources say "is both an excellent lawyer and highly tactful." Solicitors favour him as a mediator in a range of insurance, shipping, energy and international trade disputes.

With a high success rate in high-value contractual, sports and financial services disputes, Leeds-based mediator and litigator Gerard Khoshnaw remains a popular choice for solicitors. He is noted for his focus and commitment.

An effective mediator with a strong grasp of commercial realities, Player brings a wealth of expertise to mediation in IT, IP, media, telecoms, banking and finance, which befits her previous experience as joint head of Bird & Bird's dispute resolution team. She continues to mediate in her new capacity as a partner at King & Spalding.

Jenni Richards QC is singled out by interviewees for her gift of assisting parties in "identifying precisely which issues are crucial to them and exploring creative ways in which those issues can be addressed." She has considerable expertise in mediating Court of Protection and judicial review matters.

Jennie Wade "instils a sense of confidence" in parties, instructing solicitors say. Her particular area of expertise is in employment disputes, encompassing whistle-blowing, severance, discrmination, shareholder and partnership matters. 

John Marrin QC is a construction, energy, engineering and technology expert who is favoured by solicitors for his measured and reassuring management of intractable and factually complex disputes at mediation.

Jonathan Seitler QC is identified by sources as a pragmatic and highly-efficient mediator. Interviewees say he grasps the nature of the dispute quickly and produces "a suitable agreement in a very short space of time." His broad practice emphasises commercial, property and professional negligence matters.

Sources say King is a complex traditional chancery mediator who "exudes gravitas." Those who use King say he "commands respect" and that his "wealth of litigation experience" is greatly appreciated.

With an "understated but firm" style, Goodrum is a highly regarded employment mediator who interviewees describe as "proactive in a sensitive way." He is also noted for his specialisms in sports, professional negligence and contractual matters.

A firm but appropriately sensitive mediator, the Gerrards Cross-based Hallchurch remains a popular regional mediator. An experienced commercial mediator, he is equipped to mediate a wide range of matters, including professional negligence and contentious trust issues.

Instructing solicitors say Pearson is a "calm" but "firm" mediator who is "proactive in suggesting possible solutions." Sources appreciate his ability "to win the confidence of all of the parties very swiftly." An experienced former litigator, Pearson is counted on in a range of commercial issues, including company, probate, fraud, financial services, tax and negligence.

Noted for her expertise in employment-related matters, Edinburgh-based Lyall is another of Scotland's most sought-after mediators. She brings strong interpersonal skills to disputes relating to property, employment, personal injury and commercial contracts.

With a "calm manner that leads you towards a settlement," Price acts on a range of multi-jurisdictional matters in the commercial sphere, as well as defamation, employment, real estate and construction claims.

Robert Gaitskell QC is called upon in a range of IT, IP, construction and energy matters. Qualities he has been noted for in the past include diligence and preparedness, and sources say he works determinedly to "explore different possible angles."

Taylor is a commercial and marine disputes specialist who handles high-value and complex claims on a routine basis, in addition to insurance, partnership and professional negligence matters. In a recent highlight, Taylor mediated an employment dispute arising from the dismissal of a ship's captain.

Stephen Shaw is also a mediator with considerable market recognition. Interviewees say: "His style is relaxed, open and non-threatening. He is a good listener and has a good eye for detail, which makes discussions between parties go very smoothly." Shaw has a broad real estate practice, and is also called upon in relation to a range of more general commercial matters.