Resolution without litigation
All our mediators are highly experienced, practising barristers. They bring with them not only legal expertise and judgment but commercial and real-world insight.
In addition to having spent years in the courtroom and advocating successfully on behalf of clients at mediations, our mediators have undertaken specialist training and are accredited to recognised bodies.
They are specialists in the field and are dedicated to ensuring that each mediation is optimised.
With our mediators having been drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, specialities and mediation styles, we will be able to find the mediator that is right for your matter.
Our mediators act in the full range of disputes set out below:
Our mediators act in a full spectrum of disputes that range widely in value and complexity. To each matter they bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to aid parties in finding resolution.
We pride ourselves on offering a flexible client-focused service.
Our Mediators are available to act both in the UK and internationally.
Mediations can take place either in person or remotely via video. We are happy to assist you in the practical arrangements and guide you through the process.
Mediations can be scheduled many months in advance. If your matter is urgent, we will try to facilitate a mediation in the time frame the parties require.
Why Choose 1EC Mediators?
Choosing the right mediator can make a significant difference to the prospects of achieving a successful resolution. At 1EC Mediators, we combine specialist legal expertise with professional mediation skills to help parties resolve disputes efficiently, pragmatically and cost-effectively.
Barrister Mediators
Our mediators are practising barristers with substantial experience in dispute resolution. They understand the realities of litigation, the risks of proceeding to trial, and the commercial and personal considerations that often influence settlement decisions.
This combination of legal knowledge and mediation expertise enables us to assist parties in even the most complex disputes.
Accredited and Experienced
All of our mediators hold recognised mediation accreditation and are committed to the highest professional standards. They are experienced in managing sensitive negotiations, high-value claims and disputes involving multiple parties and competing interests.
Civil, Commercial and Employment Expertise
We offer mediation services across a broad range of disputes, including commercial claims, professional negligence matters, property disputes, probate and inheritance claims, workplace conflicts and Employment Tribunal proceedings.
Where appropriate, parties can select a mediator with experience in the specific subject matter of their dispute.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Litigation
Litigation and tribunal proceedings can be expensive, time-consuming and uncertain. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes at a fraction of the cost of a final hearing, while preserving business relationships, reducing stress and allowing parties greater control over the outcome.
National and International Coverage
We conduct mediations throughout England and Wales and regularly work with parties based elsewhere in the United Kingdom and internationally.
Whether participants are in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin, Dubai, New York or Singapore, we can facilitate effective dispute resolution through secure remote mediation or arrange in-person mediations where required.
In-Person, Remote and Hybrid Options
We recognise that every dispute is different. We therefore offer:
- Face-to-face mediations
- Fully remote mediations
- Hybrid mediations combining in-person and remote attendance
This flexibility enables parties to participate in the manner most convenient and effective for them.
Flexible and Responsive Service
We understand that disputes often require urgent attention. We aim to offer prompt availability, efficient administration and a straightforward booking process. We work collaboratively with solicitors, businesses, insurers, HR professionals and individual clients to ensure that mediations are organised smoothly and effectively.
Settlement-Focused Approach
Our objective is simple: to help parties find a practical resolution that avoids the cost, delay and uncertainty of contested proceedings.
We combine rigorous preparation, careful listening, commercial awareness and skilled negotiation techniques to maximise the prospects of settlement while ensuring that all parties feel heard and respected throughout the process.
Speak to Us
If you are considering mediation or would like to discuss whether mediation is suitable for your dispute, please contact us for an informal discussion. We would be pleased to explain the process, discuss potential mediators and provide a fee quotation without obligation.
Fees
We believe in transparency, and our fee structure can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is mediation?
Mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which an independent mediator helps parties explore options for resolving a dispute. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, a mediator does not decide who is right or wrong and does not impose a solution. Instead, the mediator facilitates discussions, identifies areas of agreement and disagreement, and helps the parties negotiate a settlement.
Many disputes can be resolved in a single day of mediation, avoiding the time, cost and uncertainty of litigation.
- What types of disputes do you mediate?
We provide mediation services for a wide range of disputes, including:
Civil and Commercial Disputes
- Contract disputes
- Professional negligence claims
- Partnership and shareholder disputes
- Property and land disputes
- Probate and inheritance disputes
- Trust disputes
- Debt and insolvency disputes
- Construction disputes
- Commercial claims of all sizes
Workplace and Employment Disputes
- Workplace relationship breakdowns
- Grievances and disciplinary matters
- Discrimination and harassment complaints
- Bullying allegations
- Whistleblowing disputes
- Employment Tribunal claims
- Senior executive disputes
- Settlement negotiations and exit arrangements
- Are your mediators qualified barristers?
Yes. Our mediators are practising barristers with extensive experience advising clients and resolving disputes.
As specialist advocates and negotiators, barristers bring a detailed understanding of legal risk, litigation strategy, evidence, costs and judicial decision-making. This experience often assists parties in evaluating settlement options realistically and constructively.
- Are your mediators accredited?
Yes. Our mediators hold recognised mediation accreditation and have undertaken specialist mediation training in addition to their legal qualifications and professional experience.
Details of each mediator’s qualifications, accreditation and areas of expertise can be found on their individual profiles.
- Why choose a barrister mediator?
Barristers are trained to analyse disputes, identify key issues and understand the strengths and weaknesses of competing positions.
A barrister mediator can:
- Quickly understand complex legal and factual issues
- Assist parties in assessing litigation risks
- Facilitate difficult negotiations
- Help parties focus on practical and commercial outcomes
- Manage high-value and legally complex disputes effectively
Importantly, a mediator’s role is not to provide legal advice to either party or decide the outcome of the dispute.
- Is mediation confidential?
Yes. Mediation is generally conducted on a confidential and without prejudice basis.
This means discussions during the mediation cannot normally be referred to in court proceedings if the matter does not settle. Confidentiality allows parties to have open and frank discussions without concern that settlement negotiations will later be used against them.
Any specific confidentiality arrangements will be set out in the mediation agreement.
- Is mediation legally binding?
The mediation process itself is voluntary. However, if the parties reach an agreement, the terms can be recorded in a written settlement agreement which is usually legally binding and enforceable.
Many disputes are resolved entirely through a settlement agreement reached at mediation.
- How much does mediation cost?
The cost of mediation depends on factors such as:
- The value of the dispute
- The complexity of the issues
- The number of parties involved
- The length of the mediation
- Whether preparation or pre-mediation meetings are required
We offer transparent fee structures and can provide fixed-fee quotations wherever possible.
- Is mediation cheaper than going to trial?
Almost always.
The cost of a mediation is typically a fraction of the cost of preparing for and attending a court trial or Employment Tribunal hearing.
In addition to legal fees, mediation can significantly reduce:
- Management time
- Employee disruption
- Expert witness costs
- Court fees
- The risk of adverse costs orders
Even where a dispute does not settle entirely, mediation often narrows the issues and reduces the overall costs of litigation.
- How long does mediation take?
Many disputes settle during a one-day mediation.
Smaller workplace disputes may be resolved in a half-day session, while larger commercial matters may require a full day or, occasionally, multiple days.
The appropriate format will be discussed with the parties in advance.
- Do all parties have to attend?
Generally, yes.
The people attending should have authority to negotiate and, where appropriate, authority to settle the dispute.
For businesses, this often means a director, senior manager or authorised representative attending the mediation.
- Can I have my solicitor or legal representative with me?
Yes.
Many parties attend mediation with their solicitor, barrister, HR adviser, insurer or other professional adviser. However, mediation can also be effective where parties attend without legal representation.
- Do you offer remote mediations?
Yes.
We regularly conduct mediations remotely using secure video conferencing platforms.
Remote mediation can offer significant advantages, including:
- Reduced travel costs
- Greater convenience
- Faster scheduling
- Easier participation for parties in different locations
Remote mediations can be just as effective as in-person mediations and frequently result in successful settlements.
- Do you offer in-person mediations?
Yes.
We offer face-to-face mediations throughout England and Wales and can arrange suitable venues nationwide.
Where appropriate, we can also conduct hybrid mediations, allowing some participants to attend in person and others remotely.
- Can you mediate disputes outside England and Wales?
Yes.
We regularly work with parties based nationally and internationally.
Remote mediation enables parties, legal teams and decision-makers to participate from different jurisdictions around the world. We can also discuss arrangements for international in-person mediations where required.
- What happens before the mediation?
Before the mediation, the mediator will usually:
- Review key documents
- Receive position statements from the parties
- Hold preliminary discussions with representatives where appropriate
- Agree practical arrangements for the mediation day
This preparation helps ensure that the mediation is focused, efficient and productive.
- What is the mediator's role during the mediation?
The mediator’s role is to:
- Facilitate discussions
- Help parties identify the real issues in dispute
- Explore settlement options
- Test assumptions and expectations
- Assist negotiations
The mediator does not decide the outcome and cannot compel any party to settle.
- What are the success rates for mediation?
Mediation has a consistently high success rate across civil, commercial and employment disputes.
Many matters settle on the day of the mediation, while others settle shortly afterwards following progress made during the mediation process.
Even where a complete settlement is not achieved, mediation often narrows issues and creates a pathway towards resolution.
- How do I arrange a mediation?
To discuss a dispute or obtain a quotation, please contact us by telephone, email or through our online enquiry form.
We will discuss the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, preferred dates and the most suitable mediator for your matter.
