Services / Mediation

Mediation can be a positive alternative to the cost and uncertainty of going to court, in resolving a civil, commercial or workplace dispute. Our specialist mediator will manage the process.

We are recommended as a leading firm for our Mediation practice in the Legal 500 UK 2021 edition.

What is mediation?

Mediation is the voluntary process of resolving a dispute with the assistance of a professional third-party mediator. You do not have to engage in mediation if you do not want to.

The mediator is independent and has no allegiances to any of the parties involved. They will guide the conversations and discussions to a resolution wherever possible but has no legal powers to enforce a settlement.

All conversations are confidential and without prejudice.

What happens in mediation?

The mediation process is flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of the parties involved.

Typically, mediation services are provided either online or in a face-to-face situation. If it takes place face-to-face, it will usually be in a neutral space. It involves discussions with all parties involved in the dispute to seek a mutually beneficial outcome.

These discussions often occur with the parties in different rooms with the mediator shuttling between the two.

If no resolution is found, the parties may choose to take the issue to court.

Is mediation legally binding?

It depends on the type of mediation services you have engaged. In Commercial mediation, once a settlement has been reached and signed it is legally binding.

How much does mediation cost?

In the UK, the cost of commercial mediation services can vary. It depends on the amount of time required to reach a settlement.

We offer a fixed-fee mediation package to help you manage costs, again depending on the amount in dispute.

It is important to note that all parties involved contribute to the mediator’s fee.

Can I skip mediation and go straight to court?

You can. Mediation is voluntary. However, it can be less stressful and more cost-effective to resolve a dispute in mediation than going to court.

Find out more

Contact our specialist mediator, Mark Fitch, on 01603 660 811 to find out more about commercial disputes. For family mediation services, please visit our Family Law section.

Recommend a family mediation page within the family law section because there's quite a lot of search intent for this.