Dispute Resolution: Mediators: UK-wide

The "incredibly accessible and thoroughly prepared" Paton has firmly established himself as one of the leading mediators in the UK. He is particularly sought after for complex, high-value construction disputes, and also regularly mediates professional negligence and property cases. "He is effective at getting the parties to relax, and doesn't waste any time before pushing towards a resolution," say sources.

Rogers provides "a calming influence in a hostile environment" and "has complete mastery of the relevant facts in complex mediations," according to enthusiastic interviewees. A full-time mediator, she handles both domestic and international cases. Her core expertise lies in chancery work, ranging from trusts and probate matters to company and partnership disputes.

Marsh has an excellent mediation practice, both domestically and internationally. Sources endorse his "affable" style, noting that he is "keen and willing to broker a deal, all the while ensuring neither party feels forced." His broad practice encompasses commercial contract and commercial fraud cases as well as company, IT and IP disputes.

Dodson "quickly earns the trust of parties" in mediations with his "strong commercial perspective" and "cerebral, yet assertive" approach. His recognised strengths include professional negligence, insurance, breach of contract and construction disputes. "He is excellent at keeping everyone motivated in multiparty actions," say interviewees.

Commentators endorse Carroll as a "no-nonsense" mediator who "brings a depth of legal knowledge and an eye for detail to complex disputes." Recently, she has handled numerous cases arising from the financial crisis, such as inter-bank disputes and partnership failures. Carroll earns particular praise for the energy she brings to mediations, with one solicitor noting: "She settled the unsettlable."

Andrewartha is singled out as a "heavyweight" mediator and continues to impress interviewees with her "calm but steely" approach to big-ticket disputes. Her core expertise lies in the insurance and reinsurance sector, where she also has an impressive litigation practice. Other notable strengths include banking, energy and construction cases.

Sturrock has played a significant role in pioneering the use of mediation in Scotland. His practice extends throughout the UK market, with sources praising his "ability to win the participants' trust." He has huge experience both as a mediator and as a coach, and has advised on commercial, public sector and professional services disputes.

Lang moves up the rankings this year following widespread praise for his "quick understanding of the parties' aims and great ability to find common ground." Whilst he is best known for mediating IT, technology and IP disputes, his practice covers the full range of commercial cases.

"An astute mediator who quickly gets to the heart of the matter," Mackie is a leading figure in the field and was awarded a CBE for his services to mediation in 2010. Interviewees highlight his "careful, considered and unobtrusive" approach to complex commercial and multiparty regulatory disputes.

Kershen is an "instinctive mediator" with experience across professional negligence, finance and IP disputes, amongst others. He attracts particular praise for his mediation training programmes.

Jackson-Stops "brings an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm to mediations." Formerly a chartered surveyor, he sets himself apart with his strong commercial outlook and "quick grasp of both legal and factual points, particularly in property disputes." Other areas of expertise include commercial contracts and professional negligence. Sources say: "He understands the dynamics and looks not only at the moving parts between those involved, but also at a structured way forward."

"Dedicated, calm and gently persuasive," Lomas "has the necessary gravitas for difficult disputes whilst also remaining approachable to the parties." His practice combines both commercial and common law disputes, from professional liability to personal injury. "He quickly understands the complexities of a case, narrows the issues and arrives at a resolution," say sources.

Commentators assert that this "phenomenal" mediator is" undoubtedly top-echelon." With an "excellent strike rate," Kallipetis is a firm favourite for a wide range of matters. He regularly handles high-value commercial, employment and insurance matters, and is increasingly working with local government and public authorities. "He is patient, persistent and has an excellent grasp of the technical issues," say interviewees.

Pryor is "persistent but not pushy," bringing "a nice light touch and a good sense of humour" to mediations. He focuses on commercial disputes across numerous sectors, including banking, professional negligence, insurance and reinsurance.

Commercial mediator Howell-Richardson "oozes charm and diplomacy" and continues to attract high praise from interviewees. One source notes: "He is not just a messenger between the parties but knows which buttons to push to reach a settlement." Others add: "He neutralises animosities and presents alternative solutions." In the past year, he has handled numerous international mediations alongside his domestic practice.

Interviewees are full of praise for this "charismatic, personable and down-to-earth" mediator. With an "agile mind," Smith "understands the issues and knows how to adapt to different personalities to get the best from them." His noted areas of expertise include complex commercial litigation, personal injury and professional negligence disputes.

Ruttle has built upon his strong background as a commercial barrister to develop a significant shipping, insurance and reinsurance mediation practice. Sources say that "he gets to the heart of a problem quickly" and "remains affable whilst also challenging the parties' positions and expectations."

Wood receives high praise for his "absolutely charming, commercial and engaging" approach. Solicitors note his "ability to deal with almost any type of dispute," with one interviewee stating: "You know he is a safe pair of hands if there are complex issues involved."

Moving up in this year's rankings, Llewelyn-Evans is singled out as a "meticulously impartial" mediator who "sorts and sieves issues with a strong commercial outlook." His broad practice spans partnership, shareholder and franchising disputes as well as construction, professional negligence and banking cases.

Clients say Bucklow is "a breath of fresh air" in mediations, as she adopts a "conversational style" and "uses her charisma" to get parties to come to a resolution. She earns further praise for her commercial acumen, and handles a wide array of disputes across numerous industry sectors.

"Authoritative but courteous," Allen is a firm favourite for personal injury and clinical negligence mediations. Instructing solicitors are full of praise for his "smoothing manner in multiparty cases," noting that he "effectively works his way through seemingly irresolvable disputes."

Sources consider Glaister to be a "good all-rounder," citing his "user-friendliness and hands-on style" as key strengths. He mediates a range of matters, and has handled agricultural, building, partnership, property and contractual disputes in the last year alone.

Middleton-Smith is described as "a calming presence" who "keeps going when others may give up and does so with courtesy." He earns further praise for his "excellent attention to detail and commercial outlook," and has particular experience in the arts, media and entertainment, and sports sectors.

Russ is promoted in the rankings this year, with sources noting his "exceptionally focused and thorough" approach to commercial mediations. He is highly sought after, handling 86 mediations in 2010, and has particular expertise in property, construction and professional negligence disputes.

The "personable" Cornes "takes the heat out of acrimonious disputes with his calm and measured approach." He is a construction specialist and earns praise not only for his "good grasp of the technical issues" but also for his "excellent communication and administration prior to the mediation."

Richbell is both a "fantastic trainer" and a "brilliant non-lawyer mediator," according to interviewees. Formerly a chartered surveyor, he excels in high-value, multiparty construction, property and engineering disputes. 

Maynard is a "first port of call" for mediating employment disputes involving particular emotional issues alongside monetary concerns. Interviewees find her "hugely empathetic" and "able to address tricky situations with great deftness."

Allen is said to be "enthusiastic and tireless in the pursuit of settlements." She has particular experience in dealing with power imbalance, such as in complex employment or inheritance disputes. In assessing her approach, sources highlight her "calm, open and available" manner.

Lloyd-Jones is highly regarded for his professional negligence expertise, while also gaining recognition for his work on contentious inheritance matters. Sources say: "He is astute to the unspoken and will get to the issues without it feeling forced."

Interviewees are quick to acknowledge Houghton's "common sense and straightforward approach" to a wide range of commercial mediations. He "cuts to the chase" and "has an ability to acquire the confidence of parties and resolve seemingly intractable disputes." 

Sources say Bartle "has the gravitas to deal with large personalities" and is "really prepared to listen." His practice encompasses professional negligence, commercial and employment matters. "He managed to turn around a situation where daggers were drawn and make it a success," notes one interviewee.

Willis is a hugely experienced mediator and a popular choice for "blockbuster matters where heads might need banging together!" He is regularly instructed on multi-jurisdictional cases stemming from commercial, business and regulatory disputes. 

The "calm and measured" Powell "diffuses high tensions" with his "strong commercial practicality and sensitivity" in mediations. He has handled over 25 mediations in the last year, from partnership and asset finance disputes to professional negligence and property claims.

"Immaculately prepared, commercially aware and a creative thinker," Newmark possesses a diverse skill set and has established an excellent mediation practice. He is a go-to for a wide array of commercial disputes, both domestically and internationally.

"Never flummoxed or flustered," Manning is "a calming presence and a voice of reason" in complex mediations. He is hugely experienced in a broad range of commercial and business law disputes. "In a nutshell, he's the sort of guy prepared to go the extra mile," says one interviewee.

Hossack is "tenacious and an excellent listener," ensuring he "quickly gains the trust of parties." His particular emphasis is on employment-related disputes, but he has experience covering an array of commercial disputes.

Birch has a broad commercial practice and regularly handles cases with an international element, such as conflict of laws and jurisdictional disputes. Clients admire her ability to "grapple with the issues head on."

Sources say Jones "exercises her considerable intelligence" in mediations and is "particularly well suited to large commercial disputes." Recent work includes a three-way professional negligence case arising out of tax advice.

With "excellent interpersonal skills," Colquhoun "cuts through people's bias to address the crux of the matter at hand" and is "absolutely committed to reaching a conclusion." She is a firm favourite for mediating employment and workplace disputes across a range of sectors.

Sheffield-based Khoshnaw has established a strong regional practice centred on contract, negligence and breach of statutory duty disputes. He elicits praise for the "tremendous energy" he brings to mediations, with one instructing solicitor noting: "He worked really hard all day and was determined to find a resolution."

Player is a "pragmatic and solution-driven" mediator who "understands the wider commercial ramifications for clients." She has a depth of knowledge in the IT, communications and media and entertainment industries, and also handles banking and finance, professional negligence and projects disputes.

Fordham combines "credibility and gravitas" with a "sensible, pragmatic approach," making him a "sound choice when faced with a tough dispute to resolve." As with his litigation practice, his mediation work focuses on commercial disputes. He has particular experience in the financial services industry.

Sources say Arkush "comes up with solutions others wouldn't have thought of, often enabling a clean-break scenario." He is regularly instructed on high-value matters, with recent mediations including a wrongful dismissal claim and an inheritance dispute.

With an "understated and non-confrontational manner," Gwyther is both "persuasive and commercial" when conducting mediations. He is experienced in both commercial and family property mediations, and has recently handled mediations in the insurance, telecommunications and banking sectors.

The "patient and persistent" Rivers is excellent at dealing with sensitive disputes, most notably in cases of organisational conflict. Sources particularly commend her flexibility, noting that "she doesn't come in with a predetermined style, but is willing to take her cue from the parties themselves."

Manley is "hands-on, approachable and quickly gets his head around contractual details." He is sought after by parties in the media and entertainment industry, including newspapers, TV and film companies, football clubs, players, managers and actors.

Construction specialist Shane has a strong international practice, having handled disputes in the USA, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada and Australia. He impresses sources with his "ability to see the big picture."  

Edinburgh-based Lyall is one of Scotland's leading mediators. Her excellent client-handling skills make her a popular choice for a range of disputes, including commercial contracts, use of land, personal injury and employment.

An "incredibly patient" mediator, Johnson "puts people at ease very quickly and is not afraid to tackle big issues from the start." Sources further commend the "broad commercial ability" he brings to a wide range of disputes, from banking and intellectual property to competition and fraud.

Although less active than some, Naughton remains "an impressive mediator" with huge experience across a range of disputes. Notable strengths include engineering and construction, insurance, professional negligence and IP disputes.

Jackson is "well prepared and clearly aware of the issues." Her practice focuses on construction and engineering contractual disputes and professional negligence cases. Sources describe her approach as "incredibly flexible, enabling parties to be brought together in difficult circumstances."

Shaw brings an "effective, laid-back style" to mediations. Interviewees praise his "disarming charm" and "ability to both listen to and challenge the parties' positions." His practice centres on landlord and tenant, property, mortgage and general commercial disputes.

Described as "quietly effective," Chapman wins the confidence of instructing solicitors with his "proactive, calm and unflappable" style. He has quickly established a broad practice, having handled more than 100 claims since 2008. Areas of expertise include corporate and shareholder, employment and pensions and construction and engineering disputes.

Fraley is highly regarded by market sources who pinpoint his pragmatism and solution-oriented approach. His broad practice encompasses professional negligence, personal injury, construction, agriculture and inheritance disputes, amongst others.

Manning Cox "combines gravitas with a calm personality" to handle a wide range of commercial disputes. His recent work includes a property dispute, a joint venture fallout and a franchise claim, among others. 

The "amenable" Sheridan "quickly establishes trust in mediations" and "doesn't let the parties go off on tangents." She regularly handles employment disputes across a wide range of sectors, including banking, insurance, charities and IT.

"Authoritative and wise," Charles Flint QC of Blackstone Chambers is an "effective and impressive" presence in mediations. He focuses on financial services and banking mediation, and sources describe him as a "tremendous" character who "sees things clearly" and "gets to the point." He is particularly "great for esoteric, intellectual" problems.

Fitton is an experienced mediator credited with a "methodical, informal and amiable style." He has recently handled a commercial banking dispute, a solicitors' negligence case and a class action. "He is friendly yet robust," say interviewees.

Alongside his well-established practice as a barrister and arbitrator, Owen is called upon to mediate shipping, insurance, energy and international trade disputes. Clients describe him as "immensely hard working and very user-friendly."

Miles is a "sensible mediator with an excellent understanding of construction matters." In the past year, he has handled a professional negligence claim concerning a construction professional and a dispute between contractors and employers concerning payment.

Commercial mediator Glasgow enters the rankings following widespread praise for his down-to-earth nature and ease with clients. "You can take him a specialised and complex problem and he will get to the heart of it," say interviewees.

Wade is an employment lawyer who has developed a noteworthy mediation practice covering a range of disputes, including partnership, shareholder, contract, whistle-blowing, severance and discrimination issues.

Marrin brings his experience as a leading barrister to bear on mediations in the construction, engineering, energy and technology sectors. Sources consider his "measured approach and excellent management skills" to be notable strengths.

Seitler has a broad mediation practice, with a particular focus on commercial, property and professional negligence disputes. Praised for his proactive and facilitative approach, "he encourages parties to think realistically and identify the risks of litigation."

Clients endorse Jackson's "excellent organisational skills," noting that she "takes the time in advance to understand the issues and identify where possible concessions can be made." She focuses on commercial mediations, from banking, commerce and insolvency to IP, real estate and employment disputes.

Brocklebank has developed a substantial practice and is singled out for her ability to handle significant disputes. She specialises in personal injury work and also receives instructions for landlord and tenant and contractual disputes.

Linnell earns praise for his "excellent commercial acumen" and "completely objective and outcome-driven" approach. He maintains a broad practice, having handled disputes across the financial services, health, property and retail sectors.

Norwich-based Plowman has established an excellent reputation in East Anglia, and is increasingly instructed on national mandates. His areas of expertise include general commercial, property and boundary disputes as well as employment matters. Clients are impressed by his "gentle manner" and "ability to listen."

With his "no-nonsense and straightforward" style, King is "effective at identifying any reasonable ground between disparate parties." He is best known for his work on complex trust disputes, and also regularly handles partnership disputes.

Goodrum has quickly established a strong reputation for his work on complex employment mediations. Commentators commend his "down-to-earth, businesslike and flexible" approach, with one interviewee stating: "He pulled out all the stops to make himself available." Other areas of expertise include clinical negligence, personal injury and commercial contract disputes.

Interviewees describe Hallchurch as a "great host" for commercial mediations. He elicits particular praise for his "tough but fair" approach and "sensitivity to power imbalances between parties." Recent work includes a probate dispute and a professional negligence case.

"Brisk, efficient and friendly," Walker continues to impress with his "ability to navigate multiparty mediations." He has "in-depth technical knowledge" of property disputes, and also handles solicitor negligence, commercial contract default and loan agreement cases.

Price has developed an excellent mediation practice alongside his work as a barrister. He regularly works on disputes with an international element, from commercial and employment cases to construction, property and defamation matters.

Gaitskell is "extremely proactive in his preparation prior to the mediation" and "skilful in bringing intransigent parties to the negotiation table when others might give up." His specialist areas of expertise include construction, energy, IT and IP disputes.

The "outstanding" Jardine "tries to find pragmatic and commercial solutions to problems," acknowledge interviewees. Alongside his work as a litigator, his mediation practice incorporates property, partnership and professional negligence disputes.

Taylor is a "robust mediator" with a "fantastic grasp of the facts." Whilst his core area of expertise is domestic and international shipping mediations, he also handles general commercial disputes. "He conveys a strong degree of wisdom and experience to all the parties involved," say interviewees.