Christine Scholes

Others say that - I have the ability to listen and understand what is important to the parties involved in a dispute. I quickly grasp complex business, legal and interpersonal issues creating an environment of trust where parties and their advisors feel confident in my ability to facilitate a settlement. I challenge parties, when I intuitively feel it will be helpful, always doing so respectfully and without judgment and always bearing in mind the person in front of me. I begin building a trusting professional relationship before the mediation starts, engaging in pre-mediation discussions with the parties and their legal advisors. I gently ask probing questions to understand the issues and arguments adding to the process towards settlement. I encourage open, honest discussions, recognising that parties venting their frustration, anger or disappointment can often lead to solutions they can live with. I am consistently praised for my empathy, flexibility and understanding, as well as my non patronising approach and ability to remain calm in high stress environment. My engagement with all parties and advisors along with my commercial and legal acumen further enhance my effectiveness as a mediator.