Our experienced and accredited commercial mediators provide a confidential, structured and impartial forum for resolving disputes effectively. Whether the matter involves property, contracts, professional services, probate or business relationships, we are here to help you achieve a mutually acceptable agreement without needing to escalate to litigation or court proceedings.

We understand that legal disputes can strain relationships, disrupt operations, and potentially lead to high legal fees. Our mediation services are designed to support individuals and businesses through a voluntary process that prioritises collaboration over confrontation. By facilitating negotiations and identifying common ground, our goal is to help all the parties involved reach a negotiated settlement that reflects their interests and avoids the need for court.

If you're considering dispute resolution and want to explore a quicker, more cost-effective and confidential solution than the courts, our UK mediation services could be the right choice. Contact us today and let Walker Foster guide you towards a more positive outcome.

Mediation is a highly effective form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that offers parties the opportunity to resolve their issues without the need for formal legal proceedings. At its heart, mediation is a voluntary process involving an independent, impartial third party - the mediator - who helps the parties reach a mutually acceptable solution.

The mediation process is designed to be flexible, confidential and focused on finding common ground. It typically involves the following stages:

• Opening presentations: each party presents a summary of their position, either privately or in the presence of the other party. This helps the mediator understand the key points of contention and what each side seeks to achieve.
• Private discussions: the parties are placed in separate rooms, and the mediator shuttles between them. This stage, often called ‘shuttle diplomacy’, allows the mediator to explore areas of potential agreement and challenge assumptions, without pressure or confrontation.
• Joint meetings (if appropriate): at times, the mediator may bring both parties together again to clarify issues or explore solutions face to face.
• Negotiating a settlement: while the mediator does not impose decisions, they guide the parties towards a resolution, aiming to either reach a legally binding settlement agreement or at least significantly narrow the scope of the dispute.

Mediation sessions are usually conducted over a set period - often a few hours or a full day - depending on the complexity of the dispute and the number of parties involved. Prior to the mediation day, each side typically prepares a summary and relevant documents, collectively referred to as a mediation bundle.

Unlike litigation, the mediation process is not adversarial. Instead, it fosters collaboration by encouraging the parties to agree on a solution that reflects their needs, preserves relationships, and avoids escalating legal action. Even where a full settlement isn’t reached, successful mediation can dramatically reduce the issues at stake, paving the way for further dialogue or eventual agreement.

At Walker Foster, we guide clients through each stage of this confidential process, using our extensive experience to support balanced, respectful and constructive engagement.

At Walker Foster, we approach civil and commercial mediation with a clear focus: to support clients in reaching constructive, durable outcomes through a process that is fair, balanced and forward-thinking. Our mediation services are shaped by years of experience and a deep understanding of how to resolve disputes efficiently and with minimal conflict.

Leading our mediation team are two accredited mediators - Nick Dent and Luca Angarano - both qualified through recognised professional bodies. Their backgrounds as seasoned legal professionals ensure that they bring both legal insight and a calm, impartial approach to every civil or commercial mediation process.

We believe that the key to effective dispute resolution lies in preparation, communication, and adaptability. That’s why we:

• Prioritise early resolution: from the outset, we encourage parties to engage in open dialogue and consider resolution before disputes escalate to legal proceedings. Mediation can often resolve matters before legal fees begin to mount.
• Support thorough preparation: we help clients identify core issues ahead of the mediation day, keeping all parties aligned and focused from the start.
• Create a confidential and respectful environment: all discussions during mediation sessions are treated as confidential. We work hard to maintain a neutral setting where all the parties feel heard and understood.
• Maintain commercial and legal awareness: whether facilitating discussion in a business mediation or a private civil dispute, we remain focused on practical outcomes that safeguard commercial interests and legal rights.
• Encourage creative thinking: our mediators are skilled in helping parties move past rigid positions to consider mutually acceptable solutions that may fall outside of traditional court-based remedies.
• Facilitate clear, final agreements: where a negotiated agreement is reached, we work with the parties to ensure terms are documented clearly and can be made legally enforceable where required.

Whether you’re facing a dispute involving contracts, property, professional services or inheritance, our mediation process is designed to provide clarity, reduce tension, and help you achieve a resolution without the time and expense of going to court.