Most disputes don't need to end up in court and most people don’t want them to. They need someone who can get both sides to the table and create the conditions for a sensible resolution.

Courts can now actively direct parties to mediate — and the commercial case is straightforward. A mediation resolves in a day, costs a fraction of litigation, and keeps everything confidential. The CEDR Mediation Audit recorded 21,000 commercial mediations in 2024 — up 24% in two years — with a settlement rate of 87-92%. The direction of travel is clear.

After 25 years handling the most complex commercial disputes in Europe and the Middle East, I understand how conflicts escalate and what it actually takes to bring them to a close. I have handled many mediations both as a lawyer and a client, across comemrcial and employment issues, both national and cross border.

In my experience, when positions have become polarised, having someone who can break the impasse but give both sides a chance to be listened to and heard is invaluable.

Calm, focused and with one goal: the outcome you need as soon as possible.