Commercial Dispute Mediation

What we offer in commercial dispute mediation

St John’s Chambers offers a team of specialist commercial mediators boasting huge experience across the commercial law sector and a dedication to supporting parties in their efforts to resolve the most legally complex and seemingly intractable disputes.  We mediate across the full range of commercial matters including contractual disputes, disputes arising under the Companies Act 2006, director, shareholder and partnership conflict, financial services, intellectual property, insolvency and employment matters.  Parties include companies, partnerships, other organisations, shareholders, directors, employees and individuals.  We also regularly assist in resolving cases involving public bodies, such as local government, national regulators, other public organisations and charities.  We mediate in person across the UK, including in Bristol, London and the other major cities, and online for parties based in the UK and internationally.

Our Expertise

Our Commercial Law team is long-established in the South West region, where we are recognised as one of the leading sets in this practice area, acting for clients ranging from global corporations such as Airbus and Lloyds Bank to SMEs, partnerships, public bodies and individuals.  This team contains a smaller group of experienced mediators regularly instructed by leading law firms to mediate in commercial disputes across the UK.  The combination of our technical legal expertise alongside our commitment to understand the commercial and practical drivers of disputes leaves us well-placed to work successfully in the most technically complex and commercially challenging disputes.  Testament to the commitment and quality of our mediators, many of whom are recognised in the directories as leading practitioners, is the volume of repeat instructions and positive client feedback that we receive.

Harry Spurr is fantastic. He goes above and beyond when dealing with both parties. He quickly understands the sensitive issues and the key areas of dispute that are crucial to focus on. He’s approachable and well prepared. He quickly builds up a rapport with clients, which is invaluable throughout the course of the mediations. He’s balanced and he challenges where necessary.”

Chambers UK, 2025 Mediation

Why Mediation

The cost of litigation in all its respects (legal fees, the burden on management and staff time, and litigation risk, among others) tends to damage even the most resilient organisations and those in dispute with them, and the binary nature of its outcomes can be unwelcome to all including the ‘winners’.  Mediation offers a quick, cost effective and low risk alternative, capable of delivering bespoke solutions that reflect the real commercial drivers of conflict, and, where necessary, is capable of preserving and even improving valuable trading and other important relationships, such as those between directors, shareholders and partners, as well as those between public bodies and their commercial partners.  All of which is why, increasingly, mediation is seen by many experienced and savvy litigators as the default dispute resolution mechanism in commercial disputes.

Alex Troup KC is very good at putting the parties on the spot and challenging them. I always found him very robust to deal with when it came to contentious probate work. He provides robust opinions and has an excellent style. He is very approachable and clients feel reassured by him.”

Chambers UK, 2025 Mediation

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.

Contact

For further information or to discuss a suitable mediator for your dispute, please contact Robert Bocock.