Mediation
Mediation may take a variety of forms but essentially it is a dispute resolution process in which an independent third party, the mediator, assists each party separately to understand the strengths and weaknesses of its case and facilitates communication between the parties; with the objective that they will reach an agreement. The process is confidential and voluntary, and conducted on a "without prejudice" basis.
In suitable cases, mediation can offer significant advantages over the court process. In particular it tends to be:
- faster
- less expensive
- more flexible
Skilled mediators may achieve results that are satisfactory to the parties but which could not be achieved in litigation.
Mediators require specialist training and skills. We have established a panel from which we can offer independently accredited mediators who have undergone specialist training.
Mediators are not advisers - to any party in a mediation - on the law. But members of our panel know from experience as advocates and specialists the issues which can arise in presenting cases, whether the litigation is modest or large-scale: in particular the impact of costs on litigants. Some of us also have judicial experience.
Our panel includes mediators who can bring specialist case-acquired knowledge and skills in the fields of:
- insurance
- commercial contracts
- construction
- professional negligence
- clinical negligence
- personal injury litigation
- the environment (nuisance, pollution)
- local authority work
- education
- product liability
Accredited mediators in Chambers are:
- Sir Michael Wright
- Christopher Purchas QC
- Margaret Bickford-Smith QC
- Dr Cyril Chern
- Julian Field
- Ian Wright
- Erica Power
- Toby Gee
Members of the panel have between them experience of private mediations and court-directed and Court of Appeal mediations.
Other dispute resolution processes: Crown Office Chambers can also offer barristers at all levels of call for a wide range of other dispute resolution processes including adjudication, conciliation, "Queen's Counsel" clauses, expert determination, and early neutral evaluation; and appropriate representatives for inclusion on dispute resolution boards.
Crown Office Chambers can also offer barristers at all levels of call to participate in mediation and all other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
Facilities available in-house at Crown Office Chambers include a purpose-designed suite of rooms, additional meeting rooms and video-conference facilities. Full support services are provided by our experienced clerks, administrative staff and receptionists.
For further information on the mediators at Crown Office Chambers or the facilities we can provide, please contact Julian Campbell jcampbell@crownofficechambers.com on 020 7797 8100.