Mediation

“I don’t decide for you. I help you find a way forward.  A way that you can live with and that preserves your dignity and relationships.”

When a conflict has not been resolved early, mediation is your best next move.  It is faster, more cost-effective and less destructive than litigation.

Kate offers a structured, confidential process that empowers parties to reach their own agreement on their terms, not a judge’s. With Kate as your mediator, you get a neutral presence to facilitate progress in a confidential setting.

How does mediation work?

Every dispute is different but Kate will design a process to keep things clear and constructive.  Typically, this involves:

• Connecting with Kate: You can get in touch with Kate through this site. Kate will assess whether mediation is appropriate and explain the next steps.

• Signing an agreement to participate: This outlines the rules of engagement, including confidentiality, who is paying and who is participating.

• Pre-mediation meetings: Kate meets privately with each party (lawyers may or may not be present) to understand the issues, dynamics, and desired outcomes.

• Mediation session:  The parties will brought together in person or online.  Kate will help them to:
  • Discuss and decide what matters are in a dispute.
  • Explore settlement options and assess suitable solutions.
  • Identify their needs and interests and prioritise them.
  • Document any settlement, setting out what has been agreed.

• Flexible formats:  Kate will recommend the best format for your situation.  This could be:
  • Half-day mediation: Best for focused disputes with fewer issues.
  • Full-day mediation: Ideal for multi-party or more complex matters.
  • Two-hour sessions, over different days: Great for time-pressured clients,  people who need to take further advice or to process what they hear.

"I can't make anyone sign and my preference is not to lock people in a room until they sort it out.  Even if settlement is not reached, mediation gives you more understanding of where the other people involved are coming from. That alone is valuable."

 

Why choose mediation?

 

• Mediation is smart strategy: Suggesting mediation is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign you are commercially savvy. Mediation creates space for clear, honest dialogue before legal positions harden and costs balloon.

• Own the outcome: Unlike court, mediation gives parties control. You decide what matters, what’s on the table, and what the resolution looks like.

• Understand your leverage: If you’re in a strong legal position, mediation helps you test the other side’s willingness to resolve. If your position is weaker, it’s a chance to explore solutions before the costs (and risks) escalate.

“Good mediation isn’t about compromising for the sake of it. It’s about clarity, timing, and helping people move from blame to solutions.”