Nineteen In Place of Strife mediators score stunning reviews in Chambers UK 2013

Monday, 5th November 2012

Nineteen In Place of Strife mediators are reported to be amongst leaders in Chambers UK 2013.

Mark Jackson-Stops – *star ratedSingled out this year as the most lauded mediator practising in the UK, Mark Jackson-Stops is described by sources as "the best commercial dealmaker in the market." Interviewees say Jackson-Stops "brings enormous gravitas into the room," and is effective through "a blend of hard work and charisma." Parties "trust him" easily, and with his "astute" and insightful facilitation, he can "get to the heart of the issue" without delay. He is a former chartered surveyor, and is instructed on international as well as domestic mediation. Though a non-lawyer, sources say his long-standing experience of mediation endows him with "a real understanding of the issues" and "a slightly more commercial angle." He excels in real estate, construction, professional negligence and general contractual disputes. Andrew PatonPaton is a celebrated mediator who sources say is "highly pragmatic" and "always able to come up with ways of bringing parties' expectations together by analysing the dispute and exploring both parties' weaknesses." His practice encompasses disputes arising from commercial contracts, construction and insurance, relating to professional negligence and disputes between shareholders. Sources also recommend him for his handling of particularly sensitive clients.Beverly-Ann RogersSources say Beverly-Ann Rogers "is particularly good at calming the tensions that can arise when feuding clients get together, and setting the ground for a more sensible discussion." Adept at "cutting through the issues and spotting early on where the parties need to be to settle and helping them to get there," Rogers utilises her talents full-time in chancery, company and partnership disputes. Further praise paints her as "enormously patient when fanning a spark of compromise."Jane AndrewarthaAndrewartha is an impressive figure in the mediation world. Sources identify her "ability to assimilate a lot of detail very quickly and to identify the real issues," as well as her "quietly authoritative and persuasive" manner, as key reasons for instructing her. Multiple sources also note her painstakingly thorough preparation. As befits an insurance litigator, she has a considerable presence in that market, but acts in a considerable range of big-ticket commercial, banking, energy and construction matters. Commentators say: "She is patient, intelligent and creative. She settles the unsettleable."Jon LangSources note that Lang quickly builds "a good rapport with both clients and lawyers" and provides "creative suggestions when the parties are running out of ideas. He keeps the momentum going throughout the day." Most of all, he is singled out for his "ability to get a deal done in even the most difficult of circumstances." Repeatedly noted as a first choice for disputes in the world of intellectual property, he also practises widely in relation to IT and commercial matters.Quentin SmithSources say Smith's "likeable manner and understanding of the issues" proves "highly effective." Impressed solicitors note his "speed in getting to grips with the key issues" and aptitude for "exploring every avenue he can think of to bring parties closer together." "Fantastic at building rapport and creating a positive atmosphere for parties to negotiate," he is regularly called upon in professional negligence, personal injury and complex commercal disputes.Stephen Ruttle"Another outstanding figure," observers note, Stephen Ruttle QC is praised for his strong track record for resolving marine, insurance and other commercial disputes. With great gravitas and the "weight of authority behind him," he authoritatively steers parties towards a settlement, say sources.Tony WillisHailed as a man of "great authority, a fantastic, formidable lawyer who commands respect," Willis is highlighted by market sources for his international practice, frequently handling "the most difficult of cases." A commanding figure in the world of mediation, Willis is seen as "a statesmanlike figure" and is called upon for big-ticket commercial and regulatory matters.Amanda BucklowThe "impressive" Amanda Bucklow is praised by instructing solicitors for her understanding of issues "not just from a legal perspective, but also from a commercial perspective." Solicitors describe her as "constructive, helpful and probing where appropriate" and say she goes "beyond the normal call of duty in attempting to get the parties to reach an agreement." Bucklow, a non-lawyer, is a full-time mediator.Charles Middleton-SmithThe "polite, conciliatory and pragmatic" Charles Middleton-Smith also attracts significant praise. Instructing solicitors say he has "an urbane style that keeps things calm and rational," and he has been singled out for his display of great empathy in more sensitive disputes. His practice covers a wide range of disputes, and he is popular in entertainment, particularly in disputes arising out of the media, the arts and sport.David Richbell"Tenacious in seeking a successful outcome," Richbell's practice of resolving complex, multiparty engineering, construction, partnership and property disputes also attracts positive commentary. Solicitors identify him as a mediator adept at staying "active throughout the process."Lawrence KershenInstructing solicitors say they have been impressed with Lawrence Kershen QC's "constructive and thoughtful" mediation management. Possessed of both "gravitas without being overly imposing" and "an ability to encourage the parties to move forward and engage," Kershen acts in finance, IP, commercial and professional negligence disputes.Adrian Llewelwyn-EvansSources rate Llewelyn-Evans for his "ability to see a route to settlement and to maintain that focus." He has a wide practice which encompasses disputes arising out of shareholder, franchising and partnership, banking, professional negligence and construction matters.Anthony GlaisterA "user-friendly" and "cheery mediator" who "tries to relax all parties," Glaister is a popular choice with instructing solicitors. Sources identify him as "a mediator with particular expertise in construction," but he is also instructed on argricultural, building, real estate, partnership and contractual matters.Liz RiversSources say Rivers possesses "a very wide skill set as a mediator," owing to her background as a litigator, qualified psychotherapist, executive coach and consultant. Sources say she is "especially good at dealing with cases where there are interpersonal issues," and that she "tailors the mediation to the dispute and tries to understand the dynamics of the dispute in an in-depth way."Patrick Walker"Personable and determined" mediation favourite Patrick Walker is picked out by instructing solicitors for his "gravitas" and "easy way of working with people." Sources particularly hail him as someone alive to the factual issues of the dispute, as well as the more sensitive, interpersonal matters at play between opposing parties.Charles FlintThe amenable and authoritative Charles Flint QC has a highly regarded practice mediating disputes in the financial sector. He is popularly deployed in high-end and otherwise very complicated disputes.Chris FittonSources say the "highly thorough" Fitton impresses with his ability to bring "the relevant issues" to light in mediation. Someone who "gains the trust of clients," Fitton is favoured for a range of commercial and banking matters.Jennie WadeJennie Wade "instils a sense of confidence" in parties, instructing solicitors say. Her particular area of expertise is in employment disputes, encompassing whistle-blowing, severance, discrmination, shareholder and partnership matters. With thanks to Chambers & Partners, publishers of Chambers UK 2013

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