Profile
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
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Date
Nature of dispute
Outcome
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28 March 2024Guarantor Agreement (Landlord and Tenant)Outcome: Settled
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19 January 2024Workplace Mediation (Medical Professionals)Outcome: Settled
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14 December 2023Housing Association and TenantOutcome: Settled
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1 December 2023Workplace Mediation - Senior Level Pharmaceutical IndustryOutcome: Settled
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30 November 2023Workplace Mediation - EducationOutcome: Partial Settlement
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23 November 2023Workplace Mediation (GP Practice)Outcome: Settled
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20 November 2023Workplace Mediation (GP Practice)Outcome: Adjourned
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19 October 2023Workplace Mediation - Senior ManagersOutcome: Settled
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18 October 2023Breach of executors' duties - alleged sale at undervalueOutcome: Settled
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18 October 2023InheritanceOutcome: Settled
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22 September 2023Workplace Mediation - Pharmaceutical IndustryOutcome: Adjourned
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21 September 2023Right of wayOutcome: Did Not Settle
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31 July 2023Contractual dispute - oil industryOutcome: Settled
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24 July 2023Contentious Probate, Validity of Will and Proprietary EstoppelOutcome: Did Not Settle
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5 July 2023Provision of training - alleged breach of contractOutcome: Settled
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16 June 2023Workplace Mediation (Line Management)Outcome: Settled
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22 May 2023Dispute over quality of construction product supplied and counterclaimOutcome: Settled
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29 March 2023Workplace Mediation (Charity)Outcome: Settled
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27 March 2023Workplace Mediation (Charity)Outcome: Adjourned
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27 February 2023Workplace mediation - aviation industryOutcome: Settled
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16 February 2023Workplace Mediation (Senior Management)Outcome: Adjourned
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25 January 2023Dispute between former business partnersOutcome: Settled
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7 December 2022Contentious Probate - Validity of a WillOutcome: Settled
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30 November 2022Disputed loanOutcome: Settled
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30 August 2022Dispute over guarantees and an assignment of a charge.Outcome: Did Not Settle
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29 July 2022Boundary DisputeOutcome: Settled
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20 July 2022Workplace Mediation (Care)Outcome: Settled
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18 July 2022Workplace Mediation (Care)Outcome: Settled
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8 April 2022Boundary dispute, trespass and nuisanceOutcome: Settled
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4 April 2022Dispute over the validity of a Will and the size of the estateOutcome: Did Not Settle
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18 March 2022Works to a high-end vehicle.Outcome: Settled
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18 January 2022Workplace mediation - education (1st of 2)Outcome: Settled
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18 January 2022Workplace mediation - education (2nd of 2)Outcome: Did Not Settle
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10 January 2022Workplace mediation - education (1st of 2)Outcome: Did Not Settle
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10 January 2022Workplace mediation - education (2nd of 2)Outcome: Settled
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21 December 2021Workplace Mediation (Care)Outcome: Settled
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23 November 2021Contentious Probate. Dispute between Executors.Outcome: Settled
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15 November 2021Workplace mediation - educationOutcome: Settled
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12 November 2021Workplace mediation - educationOutcome: Adjourned
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7 October 2021Workplace Mediation (School Teachers)Outcome: Adjourned
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22 September 2021Interference with an estateOutcome: Settled
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21 September 2021Workplace Mediation (senior managers)Outcome: Settled
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17 August 2021Boundary DisputeOutcome: Settled
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19 July 2021Business loan and vehicle dispute.Outcome: Settled after date
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15 February 2021Workplace mediation (reconvened from 11th February 2021)Outcome: Settled
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11 February 2021Workplace mediation - charityOutcome: Adjourned
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21 January 2021TOLATA property dispute.Outcome: Settled
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19 January 2021Boundary DisputeOutcome: Settled
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30 September 2020Workplace mediation - education (middle management)Outcome: Settled
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24 September 2020Business Investment and RestitutionOutcome: Settled
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21 August 2020TOLATA property dispute.Outcome: Settled
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14 July 2020Workplace mediation - education (reconvened from 13th July 2020)Outcome: Settled
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13 July 2020Workplace mediation - educationOutcome: Adjourned
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8 June 2020Workplace mediation (reconvened from 5th June).Outcome: Settled
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5 June 2020Workplace mediation (Education)Outcome: Adjourned
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18 March 2020Workplace mediation - senior managementOutcome: Settled
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13 March 2020TOLATA property dispute.Outcome: Settled
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27 February 2020Workplace facilitationOutcome: Settled
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23 January 2020Workplace facilitationOutcome: Settled
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14 November 2019WorkplaceOutcome: Settled
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30 October 2019Workplace facilitation (management) reconvened from 24/1019Outcome: Settled
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24 October 2019Workplace facilitation (management)Outcome: Adjourned
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5 September 2019Personal Guarantee - finance company and litigant in personOutcome: Settled after date
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31 July 2019High value car claim (mediation advocate).Outcome: Settled
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23 July 2019WorkplaceOutcome: Did Not Settle
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28 June 2019Workplace Mediation (reconvened)Outcome: Settled
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27 June 2019TOLATAOutcome: Did Not Settle
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26 June 2019Workplace Mediation (Medical)Outcome: Adjourned
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13 June 2019High value dispute with bank - mediation advocateOutcome: Adjourned
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24 October 2018Workplace (upper management) - continued from 22nd October 2018Outcome: Settled
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22 October 2018Workplace (upper management)Outcome: Adjourned
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22 August 2018Directors and shareholders disputeOutcome: Settled
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27 June 2018Contentious ProbateOutcome: Settled after date
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14 June 2018Workplace (upper management) - continued from 13th June 2018Outcome: Settled
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13 June 2018Workplace MediationOutcome: Adjourned
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27 February 2018Contentious ProbateOutcome: Did Not Settle
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3 November 2017Telephone Consumer Mediation - Extended Warranty for VehicleOutcome: Did Not Settle
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2 November 2017Consumer Mediation - Vehicle Extended WarrantyOutcome: Did Not Settle
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29 October 2017Telephone Consumer Mediation - Extended Warranty for Vehicle RepairsOutcome: Did Not Settle
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26 October 2017Conversion, breach of fiduciary duty & unjust enrichmentOutcome: Settled
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28 September 2017WorkplaceOutcome: Partial Settlement
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26 September 2017Online Mediation - Employment DisputeOutcome: Did Not Settle
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26 September 2017Online Mediation - Consumer Dispute: Bathroom, Shower-room and CloakroomOutcome: Settled
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19 September 2017Inheritance Act 1975 - 4 active partiesOutcome: Settled
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7 August 2017Consumer Mediation - Vehicle Extended WarrantyOutcome: Did Not Settle
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28 July 2017Consumer Mediation - Repairing Warranty for VehicleOutcome: Did Not Settle
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26 July 2017Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for VehicleOutcome: Did Not Settle
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18 July 2017Consumer Dispute - Vehicle Extended WarrantyOutcome: Settled
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30 June 2017Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for VehicleOutcome: Did Not Settle
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29 June 2017Consumer Dispute - Vehicle extended warrantyOutcome: Did Not Settle
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28 June 2017Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for VehicleOutcome: Did Not Settle
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20 June 2017Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for White GoodsOutcome: Settled
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1 June 2017Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for TelevisionOutcome: Settled
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30 May 2017Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for VehicleOutcome: Settled
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25 May 2017Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for VehicleOutcome: Did Not Settle
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24 May 2017Extended Warranty for VehicleOutcome: Did Not Settle
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23 May 2017Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for VehicleOutcome: Did Not Settle
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22 May 2017Extended Warranty - MotorhomeOutcome: Did Not Settle
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22 April 2017Consumer Dispute - Extended Warranty for VehicleOutcome: Did Not Settle
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21 April 2017Consumer Dispute - Vehicle Extended WarrantyOutcome: Did Not Settle
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20 April 2017Extended Warranty - computer accessoryOutcome: Did Not Settle
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13 April 2017Extended Warranty - TelevisionOutcome: Did Not Settle
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24 March 2017Consumer Dispute - Vehicle Extended WarrantyOutcome: Did Not Settle
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16 March 2017Consumer Dispute - InsuranceOutcome: Did Not Settle
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10 February 2017Right of way by prescription, injunction and damagesOutcome: Did Not Settle
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9 February 2017Landlord and former tenantOutcome: Did Not Settle
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6 January 2017Workplace - SportOutcome: Settled
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19 December 2016Consumer Dispute - Extended WarrantyOutcome: Did Not Settle
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12 October 2016Workplace Mediation (at a Secondary School)Outcome: Settled
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1 September 2016Workplace - Motor Industry (from 14/7/16)Outcome: Settled
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18 August 2016Workplace (from 22/7/16)Outcome: Settled
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22 July 2016WorkplaceOutcome: Adjourned
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14 July 2016Workplace - Motor IndustryOutcome: Adjourned
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6 May 2016Workplace / TechnologyOutcome: Settled
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21 January 2016EducationOutcome: Settled
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18 January 2016Sale of Goods, high end kitchen, 3-party disputeOutcome: Settled
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8 December 2015Workplace (from 16/11/15)Outcome: Settled
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8 December 2015Workplace (from 20/11/15)Outcome: Settled
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30 November 2015Oil and Gas IndustryOutcome: Partial Settlement
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20 November 2015WorkplaceOutcome: Adjourned
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16 November 2015WorkplaceOutcome: Adjourned
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10 September 2015Service Provider Agreement Assisted NegotiationOutcome: Settled
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5 August 2015Workplace / EmploymentOutcome: Settled
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19 March 2015Construction and Nuisance (3-party dispute)Outcome: Settled
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12 February 2015ConstructionOutcome: Did Not Settle
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24 October 2014WorkplaceOutcome: Settled
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28 October 2013Property. (Co-mediator)Outcome: Settled
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24 September 2013Breach of insurance agency. (Mediation Advocate).Outcome: Settled
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15 April 2013Business Sale/Purchase (Mediation Advocate)Outcome: Settled
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9 October 2012Conveyancing prof negligence (Mediation Assistant)Outcome: Settled
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19 July 2012Corporate Sale/Purchase (Mediation Assistant)Outcome: Settled
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5 July 2012Accounting of secret profits (Mediation Advocate)Outcome: Settled
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
- Mediation Training Provider ADR Group
- Date Qualified as Mediator 20 November 2011
- Training Certificate Download PDF
Approved Mediator
- Profile submitted Checked
- Independent feedback Checked
- History Checked
- Insurance provider Checked
- Insurance certificate Checked
- Expiry date Checked
- Level of cover Checked
- Training requirement Checked
- Qualification date Checked
- Training certificate Checked
- E.U. Code of conduct Checked
- Observations completed Checked
- Annual CPD log Checked
- Mediator status Checked
- Specialist panels Checked
- Geographical location Checked
- Professional status Checked
- League table position Checked
Approved Mediator - Clerksroom Mediator Database