Stephen Wood

Stephen Wood

LLB (Hons) MCIArb Mediator Solicitor Northamptonshire
Membership Status: Mediator

Results and Memberships

Thumbs-up Rating: 👍 87% Member Level: Elite Mediator Member Type: Non-exclusive Member

Stephen is a Member of:

Profile

General Information

Stephen is a flexible, experienced and enthusiastic Civil & Commercial Mediator and a Workplace Mediator, and has undertaken over 100 paid mediations.  Stephen frequently undertakes mediations in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and surrounding counties as well as further afield.  If you have a mediation which is further afield, please ask.

Areas of Expertise

Stephen mediates disputes in the following areas:

  • Contentious Probate
  • Workplace 
  • Employment
  • Consumer
  • Contracts
  • Business
  • Partnerships and Shareholders
  • Boundaries and Property
  • Property
  • Professional Negligence
  • Landlord and Tenant
  • Personal Injury

Recent Mediations

Stephen has recently mediated disputes concerning:

  • Contentious Probate - Validity of a Will and Proprietary Estoppel
  • Contractual dispute in the oil industry
  • Dispute over quality of construction product supplied and counterclaim
  • Boundary dispute, trespass and nuisance
  • A business investment/restitution dispute
  • A 4-party contentious probate dispute
  • A dispute at a university concerning staff and a student
  • A 3-party dispute concerning a high-end kitchen
  • A 3-party construction dispute
  • A workplace dispute between colleagues in a charity 

Professional Background

Stephen is an ADR Group Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator (since 2011), an ADR Group Accredited Workplace Mediator (since 2013), and ADR Group Accredited Online Mediator, a Registered Mediator with the Civil Mediation Council, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a Member of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators.  

In 2024 Stephen was a mediator in the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators' Mediation Skills Competition for law students, pupil barristers and trainee solicitors.  Stephen was a judge at the INADR's International Law School Mediation Competitions in in 2023 (at the University of Bologna), in 2020 (a virtual tournament run at Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania), in 2017 (at Strathclyde University), in 2016 (in Athens) and in 2015 (in London).  In 2023, 2020 and 2019 Stephen was a judge at the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition in Paris.  In 2022 and 2021 Stephen was a judge at the ICC International Online Mediation Competition.  In 2020 Stephen was also a judge at the ADR ODR International Online Mediation Competition.

In 2020 Stephen studied negotiation with Yale's School of Management and also with MIT.  In 2017 Stephen studied at Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiaion.  Stephen has studied management courses with London Business School (2020) and Birkbeck College (2020).  

Stephen was called as a Barrister in 1998 and admitted as a Solicitor in 2002.  Stephen practises as a Consultant Dispute Resolution Solicitor in Northampton and has experience of commercial, contractual, professional negligence, contentious probate, employment, boundary disputes, property and personal injury claims, and has represented clients as a mediation advocate at a variety of mediations.  Stephen had previously been a partner and head of litigation at a Northamptonshire based firm of solicitors.

Stephen's broad civil and commercial litigation experience helps him mediate effectively on a wide range of civil and commercial, and workplace, mediations.

Stephen is an experienced litigation Solicitor and Company Director and is able to deal effectively with a broad range of mediations.  He has worked in dispute resolution for over 23 years, and combines sound commercial acumen with creative thinking and strong analytical skills.  A good listener and an empathetic mediator, Stephen is alert to the personal and emotional issues which often need to be overcome to facilitate a successful long-term resolution to a dispute.

In 2017 Stephen was appointed to the Panel of Chairs of the Valuation Tribunal Service, and regularly hears appeals concerning Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates.  In 2023 Stephen was appointed as a Magistrate in the Family Court.

Testimonials

I found that you grasped the facts at the outset and helped both parties towards the common ground upon which settlement terms were built.  Without your assistance the parties would not have listened to the common sense which demanded settlement.  You had a polite but firm manner and worked effectively in gleaning information to enable you to unlock the conflict.  I would certainly use your services again.

Peter McLean-Buechel, Senior Associate Solicitor, Trowers & Hamlins Solicitors.

The clients felt instantly relaxed in your company, and I think that a settlement would not have been possible but for your encouragement.

Jak Ward.  Associate Solicitor.  Smith Partnership Solicitors.

During the course of the mediation I was impressed by Stephen's practical and commercial approach to the dispute, which he steered towards a quick and sensible conclusion and achieved a result with which I was delighted.  He made the process productive and painless and I would not hesitate to recommend his services.

D. P.  Mediating Party.

Firstly I just wanted to thank you for handling the 'situation' in such a professional manner.  You listened and made me feel at ease.  During the meeting I felt that you gave us time to talk but also made sure that the focus of the meeting remained the focus - if you know what I mean.  I praised your work to our chair of governors and said that I felt that you worked well for me.  I know that work will never be the same but you made the thought of work seem possible.  Thank you again.

Educational Professional.  Workplace Mediation Party.

A very positive experience for my charitable organisation.  Stephen's calm, organised approach enabled resolution of a very contentious matter with a minimum of stress.  We appreciated his light touch backed up by a depth of knowledge and understanding of the litigation approach we wished to avoid.  He was very good at helping parties explore alternative acceptable outcomes.  Highly recommended.

Head of Governance.  Mediation Party.

Impeccable and excellent service.  Mr Wood put the parties at ease and was able to guide both sides to achieve a mutually agreeable settlement.  I would definitely use Mr Wood again and would recommend him to others.

George Smith.  Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution.  Franklins Solicitors.

From the start Stephen was highly professional, extremely pragmatic and kept the momentum up at all times.  A pleasure to work with and would most definitely use Stephen's services again if I ever had to do so.

Managing Director.  Mediation Party.

Personal

Stephen is married and lives in Northamptonshire.  He enjoys walking, watching rugby, and spending time with his wife, her horse and their 2 cats.  Stephen is a Parish Councillor and a member of the Daventry and South Northants Police Independent Advisory Group.

Stephen mediates

In Banbury, Barnsley, Bath, Bedford, Birmingham, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bradford, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Chester, Colchester, Coventry, Daventry, Derby, Dudley, Durham, Guildford, Gloucester, Hull, Ipswich, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Liverpool, London, Luton, Manchester, Mansfield, Middlesborough, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Plymouth, Poole, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Southampton, Solihull, Stoke, Sunderland, Swansea, Swindon, Watford, Winchester, Wolverhampton, Worcester and York.  Stephen will mediate throughout the South East, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, Greater London, the South West, Yorkshire, the North East and the North West.

History

History
  • Date

    Nature of dispute

    Outcome

  • Guarantor Agreement (Landlord and Tenant)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation (Medical Professionals)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Housing Association and Tenant
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation - Senior Level Pharmaceutical Industry
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation - Education
    Outcome: Partial Settlement
  • Workplace Mediation (GP Practice)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation (GP Practice)
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Workplace Mediation - Senior Managers
    Outcome: Settled
  • Breach of executors' duties - alleged sale at undervalue
    Outcome: Settled
  • Inheritance
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation - Pharmaceutical Industry
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Right of way
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Contractual dispute - oil industry
    Outcome: Settled
  • Contentious Probate, Validity of Will and Proprietary Estoppel
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Provision of training - alleged breach of contract
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation (Line Management)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Dispute over quality of construction product supplied and counterclaim
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation (Charity)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation (Charity)
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Workplace mediation - aviation industry
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation (Senior Management)
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Dispute between former business partners
    Outcome: Settled
  • Contentious Probate - Validity of a Will
    Outcome: Settled
  • Disputed loan
    Outcome: Settled
  • Dispute over guarantees and an assignment of a charge.
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Boundary Dispute
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation (Care)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation (Care)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Boundary dispute, trespass and nuisance
    Outcome: Settled
  • Dispute over the validity of a Will and the size of the estate
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Works to a high-end vehicle.
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace mediation - education (1st of 2)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace mediation - education (2nd of 2)
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Workplace mediation - education (1st of 2)
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Workplace mediation - education (2nd of 2)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation (Care)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Contentious Probate. Dispute between Executors.
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace mediation - education
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace mediation - education
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Workplace Mediation (School Teachers)
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Interference with an estate
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation (senior managers)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Boundary Dispute
    Outcome: Settled
  • Business loan and vehicle dispute.
    Outcome: Settled after date
  • Workplace mediation (reconvened from 11th February 2021)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace mediation - charity
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • TOLATA property dispute.
    Outcome: Settled
  • Boundary Dispute
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace mediation - education (middle management)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Business Investment and Restitution
    Outcome: Settled
  • TOLATA property dispute.
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace mediation - education (reconvened from 13th July 2020)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace mediation - education
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Workplace mediation (reconvened from 5th June).
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace mediation (Education)
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Workplace mediation - senior management
    Outcome: Settled
  • TOLATA property dispute.
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace facilitation
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace facilitation
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace facilitation (management) reconvened from 24/1019
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace facilitation (management)
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Personal Guarantee - finance company and litigant in person
    Outcome: Settled after date
  • High value car claim (mediation advocate).
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Workplace Mediation (reconvened)
    Outcome: Settled
  • TOLATA
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Workplace Mediation (Medical)
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • High value dispute with bank - mediation advocate
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Workplace (upper management) - continued from 22nd October 2018
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace (upper management)
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Directors and shareholders dispute
    Outcome: Settled
  • Contentious Probate
    Outcome: Settled after date
  • Workplace (upper management) - continued from 13th June 2018
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace Mediation
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Contentious Probate
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Telephone Consumer Mediation - Extended Warranty for Vehicle
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Mediation - Vehicle Extended Warranty
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Telephone Consumer Mediation - Extended Warranty for Vehicle Repairs
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Conversion, breach of fiduciary duty & unjust enrichment
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace
    Outcome: Partial Settlement
  • Online Mediation - Employment Dispute
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Online Mediation - Consumer Dispute: Bathroom, Shower-room and Cloakroom
    Outcome: Settled
  • Inheritance Act 1975 - 4 active parties
    Outcome: Settled
  • Consumer Mediation - Vehicle Extended Warranty
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Mediation - Repairing Warranty for Vehicle
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for Vehicle
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Dispute - Vehicle Extended Warranty
    Outcome: Settled
  • Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for Vehicle
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Dispute - Vehicle extended warranty
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for Vehicle
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for White Goods
    Outcome: Settled
  • Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for Television
    Outcome: Settled
  • Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for Vehicle
    Outcome: Settled
  • Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for Vehicle
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Extended Warranty for Vehicle
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for Vehicle
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Extended Warranty - Motorhome
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for Vehicle
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Dispute - Vehicle Extended Warranty
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Extended Warranty - computer accessory
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Extended Warranty - Television
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Dispute - Vehicle Extended Warranty
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Consumer Dispute - Insurance
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Right of way by prescription, injunction and damages
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Landlord and former tenant
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Workplace - Sport
    Outcome: Settled
  • Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Workplace Mediation (at a Secondary School)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace - Motor Industry (from 14/7/16)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace (from 22/7/16)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Workplace - Motor Industry
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Workplace / Technology
    Outcome: Settled
  • Education
    Outcome: Settled
  • Sale of Goods, high end kitchen, 3-party dispute
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace (from 16/11/15)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace (from 20/11/15)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Oil and Gas Industry
    Outcome: Partial Settlement
  • Workplace
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Workplace
    Outcome: Adjourned
  • Service Provider Agreement Assisted Negotiation
    Outcome: Settled
  • Workplace / Employment
    Outcome: Settled
  • Construction and Nuisance (3-party dispute)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Construction
    Outcome: Did Not Settle
  • Workplace
    Outcome: Settled
  • Property. (Co-mediator)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Breach of insurance agency. (Mediation Advocate).
    Outcome: Settled
  • Business Sale/Purchase (Mediation Advocate)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Conveyancing prof negligence (Mediation Assistant)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Corporate Sale/Purchase (Mediation Assistant)
    Outcome: Settled
  • Accounting of secret profits (Mediation Advocate)
    Outcome: Settled

Insurance

Insurance
  • Insurance Provider Markel International Insurance Company Limited and Markel Legal Expenses Insurance
  • Certificate Status Certificate on file
  • Expiry Date 2 March 2025
  • Level of Cover 1000000

CPD & Training

CPD & Training
  • Mediation Training Provider ADR Group
  • Date Qualified as Mediator 20 November 2011
  • Training Certificate Download PDF

Approved Mediator

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  • Annual CPD log Checked
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Approved Mediator - Clerksroom Mediator Database

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