Settling a hard dispute takes three things: someone who understands litigation from the inside, someone who understands people, and thorough preparation. I bring all three.

I'm a practising litigation solicitor and a Civil Mediation Council accredited mediator. I've conducted contested litigation since 2004 and still carry a busy litigation caseload. I specialise in property and probate disputes, including cases that have become entrenched. I'm fully insured, and I mediate at my premises in Cornwall, at a venue of your choice, on site, or online, with fixed fees from £445.

Thorough preparation, supported by AI

I use Safe Harbour, a private AI assistant to support my preparation: working through the papers, setting out each party's position and what lies behind it, and mapping the pinch points where agreement may be found. On the day it helps me keep an accurate record of offers and read how the room is developing, so I can test a proposal against the figures straight away.

In my view the combination gives a better mediation than any one of these alone. Litigation experience tells me where the case really stands. Human understanding tells me what the parties need in order to settle. The preparation means I arrive having absorbed the detail, with more time and attention for the people in the room.

The AI doesn't evaluate the merits, decide anything or give advice; the outcome always rests with the parties. Only I use it: the parties and their lawyers never have access to it, and each case is kept separate from every other. Its use is covered by the same strict confidentiality that applies to every part of the mediation.

How I work

• Settlement with substance. I look for an outcome each party can see real value in, not just a figure both sides reluctantly accept.

• Proportionate costs. I keep the cost of carrying on in view throughout the day.

• A flexible process. I adapt the structure of the day to the case. Position statements are welcome but not required.

• Confidentiality. Mediation is a confidential, without prejudice setting, away from the risk and uncertainty of the courtroom.

Practical arrangements

• In person at my premises in Cornwall, at your offices or chambers, or on site; or online by Zoom.

• Fixed-fee options from £445, under the Civil Mediation Council fixed fee scheme for smaller claims.

• Every appointment is governed by my Agreement to Mediate, which is published on this site.

• My questions-and-answers page explains the process in more detail.

We can do it properly in person, at a site visit or in offices, or online by Zoom. See my questions and answers as a guide for what to expect and on the process.  

Our Agreement to Mediate governs the terms and basis of my appointment and we make it freely and transparently available in the menu above. We work under the CMC's fixed fee scheme. 

Email getstarted@propermediation.co.uk, or call on 01326536885  or start a WhatsApp confidentially, for further information or to start a conversation.