IN PERSON OR ON-LINE? Although first prompted by Covid restrictions, I am now mediating on line primarily because it has proved to be very successful, as well as more cost effective and convenient. Travel time and costs, venue hire and accommodation charges are all avoided. It is the preferred approach of most of my clients and few who have tried it want in person after that (see feedback page). Further, the continuing covid risk posed by long exposure in conference rooms is avoided as is the risk of cancellation because of travel disruption. Where parties prefer to be with their legal advisers, this is easily incorporated into a ‘hybrid’ on-line mediation. If an in-person mediation is considered essential then that is not a problem although a different fee structure applies.
"Patrick is excellent – proactive and with the level of gravitas required for any dispute no matter the parties or complexity.5/5" 22nd October 2023
"He has a great track record and is one of the top mediators in the country." 1st category ranking Chambers and Partners 2023
"Patrick is a superb mediator with all the right skills and traits to get the best outcome for all involved. Yesterday was my first experience of a mediation conducted by video conferencing. I was unsure if it would be as effective as a face to face version. I was very pleasantly surprised. The technology works very well, and Patrick has the necessary expertise with it. After a few hours I had almost forgotten that it was a video experience as we began to focus on the issues and negotiation just as you would in a traditional mediation. As the Head of a Property Litigation Team I have whole heartedly recommended video mediating to my team during the current virus restrictions. It really can work. Indeed this could be the start of video mediating by choice! 5/5"
"Patrick's offer to demonstrate how the mediation using 'Zoom' would work on the day expelled all my reservations(which were many!) regarding conducting a tripartite mediation using video conferencing. Patrick is extremely knowledgeable about Zoom and guided and reminded us of the various tools on Zoom throughout the day. The day (which very long day ) went smoothly and extremely well (we reached a settlement). We all very quickly forgot that we were using video conferencing (all parties and their representatives were dialling in from their respective homes). The ability to share documents using 'share screen ' is an excellent tool as it enabled the parties (and Patrick) to see documents (plans, annotations on documents, drafting etc). Patrick is an excellent mediator and handled the difficult negotiations between the smoothly and expertly. I have no hesitation in recommending Patrick and mediation of course via Zoom. 5/5"
"Patrick ensured everyone was at ease and kept informed as much as possible. His knowledge of the online mediation rooms was exceptional, with only a few minor hiccups throughout the day. The online nature of the mediation in no way hindered a deal being reached, and may in some situations helped matters as meetings could be held quickly and documents edited in real time. Patrick was able to drop into rooms quickly and the call feature really helped. 5/5"
" I was nervous about how the mediation process would work via Zoom, particularly with the claimant and two defendants is separate rooms in case we would either lose connection or be put in the wrong 'place' at the wrong time. However, it proved very successful. We have reached a settlement in a relatively timely matter and were able to share documents easily amongst our colleagues and the other parties using the screen sharing facility.5/5"
" We were pleasantly surprised by the video mediation process, and assured that we can work differently and still reach the outcomes we strive for – I would definitely recommend.5/5"
