Unity Street Chambers offers a mediation service to those who are keen to resolve disputes without recourse to expensive and possibly lengthy litigation.

Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution which does not involve any finding of facts for or against the parties concerned. There is no "judgement". It is ideal when parties will be forced by circumstances or would by choice prefer to continue in a working or long term relationship with their opponent.

Research has shown that mediation has a success rate of up to 85%. While not every case is suitable for or amenable to mediation, it is possible to engage a mediator for most types of dispute.

Iain Wightwick, a senior member of Unity Street Chambers and a Barrister of 20 years’ call, is a qualified Mediator who is happy to accept instructions to act as an independent Mediator or as a barrister for clients in Mediations.

Costs

The costs of mediation are much lower than those of litigation, assuming the mediation is successful. Even if the dispute is not resolved on the day, at the mediation, the issues raised are often sufficient to form the basis of a later settlement.

Chambers offers mediation facilities for costs which are proportionate to the amounts in dispute, though in low value cases of complexity the costs may be higher.

Costs will generally be as follows:

£5,000 or less: £200 for 2 hours
£5,000 to £15,000: £350 for 3 hours, or £650 for 5 hours
£15,000 to £100,000: £1,250 for 1 day
£100,000 to £500,000: £1750 for 1 day
Above £500,000: negotiable, in line with the above fee structure.

Quotes for the cost of the services of a mediator for the day and for the hire of rooms in which the mediation can take place can be obtained from the Clerks.

Room hire is arranged separately, at a venue convenient to the parties, which can often be the offices of one of the Solicitors (if the parties have instructed them), or the offices or home of one of the parties.

Please contact Clair Wadden to progress your mediation further.