Our expertise

Our clinical negligence team is the leading group of specialist practitioners in the South West region, boasting an enviable reputation for our breadth and depth of experience in both the legal and technical aspects of disputes in this sector.  Allied to this expertise is a sensitivity and pragmatism to cases that are emotionally difficult as well as legally complex.  This combination leaves our mediators especially well-placed to handle the most challenging disputes in a way that ensures the parties are offered the best opportunity to reach settlement on satisfactory terms.

Why mediation

Clinical negligence disputes are well-suited to mediation for several reasons.  In particular, the speed with which mediation operates is a compelling advantage over litigation – offering parties a quick way out of a legal process that is often stressful and always time-consuming.  And the opportunity to manage exposure to the risk of unwelcome litigation outcomes, including cost liability, is especially attractive to both claimants and defendants in this field.

Our mediation facilities

Our mediators are happy to travel to other venues, but Chambers regularly hosts mediations in our own suite of rooms for no additional charge.  We have excellent, modern and fully equipped, scalable conference facilities. Our main conference room can comfortably house up to 24 people and we offer a number of smaller rooms to suit varying sizes of mediation teams.  Video conferencing is available along with high speed WiFi, and all necessary catering and refreshments can be provided.

Our clerks offer efficient administrative support to ensure that your mediation is handled smoothly from start to finish.

Arranging a mediation – next steps

Our mediators charge a fixed fee for mediating, whether for a whole day, or for longer or shorter sessions.  You will find that our rates are highly competitive.  Please contact our clerks to discuss fees.

Our mediators are always pleased to talk informally about potential or upcoming mediations, and are well placed to offer guidance on sensitive issues such as process design, engagement and preparation.  Do get in touch if you would welcome a conversation and we will arrange for one of our team to talk to you.

Once a mediation is booked we will provide a timetable for the preparation and exchange of paperwork.  In appropriate cases our mediators will offer a pre-mediation online meeting with each team separately (without additional charge); usually this will take place shortly before the mediation.