James South
Mediator
Short Introduction
James South is an internationally recognised commercial mediator, dispute resolution consultant and Managing Director of CEDR. With more than 20 years' mediation experience, he specialises in international commercial contracts, employment and workplace disputes, insurance and finance, property, public sector matters and complex business conflicts.
A qualified lawyer and one of the leading figures in the development of mediation globally, James has worked extensively with governments, courts, international organisations and multinational businesses across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. Clients value his commercial insight, pragmatic approach and ability to resolve complex disputes efficiently.
About Work
International commercial and workplace disputes form a significant part of James's mediation practice. He regularly mediates disputes involving commercial contracts, employment issues, insurance and finance matters, property disputes, technology conflicts, public sector claims and complex business relationships.
Alongside his mediation work, James is one of the world's leading dispute resolution consultants, advising governments, courts, international organisations and businesses on mediation, conflict management and dispute resolution systems. His international work spans more than 30 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
His mediation experience includes cross border commercial disputes, workplace discrimination claims, international contract disputes, financial services matters, technology disputes, public sector conflicts and multi party business claims. He is particularly experienced in disputes involving complex commercial, cultural and stakeholder considerations.
Clients value James's commercially focused and highly practical style. He builds rapport quickly, helps parties focus on the issues that matter most and actively supports negotiations to achieve realistic and sustainable outcomes.
Expertise
- Employment & Workplace
- Private Client
- Commercial & Corporate
- Construction, Property & Planning
- Banking, Finance & Insurances
- Public Sector & Governance
- Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
- Equality & Social Justice
- Industry, Energy & Environment
- International Trade & Competition
- Healthcare & Personal Matters
- Technology, Media & IP
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Memberships
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Fellow of the Civil Mediation Council
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Former Board member of International Mediation Institute
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Member of the Judicial ADR Liaison committee
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Member of Alternative Dispute Resolution Taskforce for - Electricity Network Infrastructure 2024-2025
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Centro Internacional de Arbitraje de Madrid (CIAM)- Member of the Mediator Appointment Committee
Publications
- 2018
“Mediation: Creating Value in Intellectual Property Disputes.”
Chapter published by Kluwer. - 2016
“Developing Quality Mediators through Training.”
In Mediation in Singapore: A Practical Guide, 2nd Edition (Butterworths). - 2015
“I Really Want to Make an Impression: Opening with Maximum Impact.”
In Mastering Negotiation (Bloomsbury). - 2013
“Avoiding Boardroom Warfare – Remedying Board Disputes.”
Chapter in Effective Conflict Management. - 2013
“Avoiding Boardroom Warfare – Remedying Board Disputes.”
Article in Effective Conflict Management, ICSA Information and Training. - 2008 (December)
“Development of Mediator Training in England and Wales.”
Nederlands-Vlaams Tijdschrift voor Mediation en Conflictmanagement. - 2008 (September)
“What’s Driving the Interest in Mediation Globally.”
International Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section Journal. - 2007 (January)
“The Genesis of Mediation in Pakistan.”
International Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section Journal.