Mediation is a speedy, cost-effective and private form of dispute resolution. It allows parties who are in litigation, or who are contemplating litigation, to put disputes behind them and avoid the personal and commercial effects of being engaged in costly and lengthy disputes. Parties also find mediation attractive because of its high success rate (typically over 80%) and because it allows parties to ‘think outside the box’: a settlement can be structured to include arrangements which could not be obtained from a Judge or Arbitrator. 

Keating Chambers Mediators are at the forefront of this mediation revolution.  

What the Courts say about mediation

Mediation is no longer simply an option. Increasingly, courts in the UK and in other jurisdictions around the world expect parties to take the opportunity to mediate or face the consequences - such as adverse costs rulings even for successful parties. This is particularly the case in the English courts where a number of cases have seen penalties imposed on parties who have unreasonably resisted mediation.  More and more, parties are turning as a matter of course to mediation as the first resort, before litigation or arbitration.  Even when disputes are close to trial, experience in the UK courts shows that Judges are increasingly willing to allow time for mediation when costs appear out of proportion, and to demand an explanation where the parties resist.  

Mediators at Keating Chambers

Members of Keating Chambers of all levels of seniority are available for appointment as mediator in all types of domestic and international disputes. As well as commercial and construction and engineering disputes, Keating Chambers Mediators have successfully mediated disputes about wider areas of law, including Proceeds of Crime, anti-competitive (cartel) practices and housing law.  

Keating Chambers Mediators appear on a number of panels. They are also frequently named in contracts and appointed by nominating bodies, including the City Disputes Panel. 

The following members of Keating Chambers are accredited Mediators.

All Keating Chambers Mediators are available for direct appointment through Chambers.  As well as providing seamless administration, direct appointments allow us to offer mediation accommodation free of charge, subject to availability.

Fixed fee Mediation Packages in low value Mediations:

For relatively low value disputes (typically under £40,000), a Fixed Fee Mediation Package is available.  We recognise that small, low value construction disputes can be difficult to litigate cost effectively and in some circumstances legal costs, can soon exceed the value of the original claim. Under a Fixed Fee Mediation Package a Mediator under ten years call can offer the parties speedy and cost-effective assistance with resolving their dispute. 

Half day Mediation (4 hrs): £275.00 + VAT per party (Includes rooms (subject to availability), Mediator and 2 hours’ preparation)   

Full day Mediation (8hrs): £425.00 + VAT per party (Includes rooms (subject to availability), Mediator and 4 hours’ preparation)   

Do you need a mediation advocate?

Advice relating to mediation is an integral part of the work of all barristers engaged in dispute resolution. Members of Keating Chambers frequently advise and assist parties prior to and during mediations. Experienced in taking a non-adversarial role, they are also highly skilled at developing the type of innovative solutions to disputes that mediations encourage.

For any enquiries related to mediation, please contact Chris Sunderland or Rob Cowup to discuss your requirements or telephone on +44 207 544 2600.