Short Introduction

Srdan Simac is one of Europe's most experienced commercial mediators, having mediated more than 350 disputes ranging from complex multi-party commercial cases to cross-border, public sector and international disputes. A High Commercial Court Judge in Croatia, President of the Croatian Mediation Association and Chief of Court Mediation Service, he is recognised internationally for his leadership in mediation, judicial dispute resolution and ADR innovation.

Srdan specialises in commercial contracts, banking and finance, construction, maritime disputes, employment matters, shareholder conflicts, insurance claims and public sector disputes. With more than three decades of judicial and mediation experience, he combines legal expertise, commercial insight and a highly proactive mediation approach to help parties achieve practical and lasting resolutions.

About Work

Srdan Simac mediates a broad range of commercial, banking, construction, maritime, employment and public sector disputes. He regularly assists businesses, financial institutions, government bodies, insurers, shareholders and private individuals in resolving complex disputes involving contracts, investments, construction projects, employment relationships and regulatory matters.

Alongside his mediation practice, Srdan has served as a Judge of the High Commercial Court of Croatia since 1992 and is widely recognised as one of the leading figures in mediation development across Europe. His experience spans judicial decision-making, arbitration, commercial litigation and international ADR initiatives, providing him with a unique perspective on dispute resolution.

His mediation experience includes banking and finance disputes, shareholder conflicts, commercial contracts, construction projects, insurance claims, maritime disputes, employment matters, public procurement issues, government and regulatory disputes, personal injury claims and complex cross-border commercial cases. He is particularly experienced in multi-party disputes involving both private and public sector stakeholders.

Clients value Srdan's energetic, facilitative and highly engaged style. He works closely with parties before, during and after mediation, encouraging creative problem-solving and helping participants move beyond deadlock. His combination of judicial insight, commercial understanding and commitment to finding solutions has earned him an international reputation for achieving successful outcomes.

Expertise

  • Employment & Workplace
  • Private Client
  • Commercial & Corporate
  • Construction, Property & Planning
  • Banking, Finance & Insurances
  • Public Sector & Governance
  • Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
  • International Trade & Competition
  • Healthcare & Personal Matters

Languages

  • English
  • Croatian

Awards

  • 2010
    JAMS – Recognised as a Weinstein Fellow for commitment to ADR and the constructive resolution of conflict internationally.
  • 2010, 2023
    Croatian Mediation Association Award
  • 2012
    CEDR Mediation Award
    Award for Civil Justice and ADR Innovation.
  • 2016, 2021
    Slovenian Mediators’ Association Award
  • 2011–2023
    Who’s Who Legal (Commercial Mediation)
    Identified in the international directory.
  • 2024
    Global Mediation Synergy Award
    Ukrainian Academy of Mediation – for advancing mediation globally.
  • 2025
    Prime Dispute Awards
    Srđan Šimac – Dispute Resolution Award of the Year – Europe.
  • 2020, 2022
    Judge, National Mediation Award (NMA) – Great Britain.

Memberships

  • JAMS Weinstein International Fellowship (WIF)
    Weinstein International Fellow (2010); Senior Member.
  • International Academy of Mediators (IAM)
    Former Distinguished Fellow.
  • GEMME – Groupement Européen des Magistrats pour la Médiation
    Board Member.
  • ICSID – International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, Washington
    Mediator nominated by the Croatian Government (2017).
  • Prime Dispute (MPD), London
    Member; Mediator (Innovative solutions for commercial disputes).
  • VIAC – Vienna International Arbitral Centre, Vienna
    Listed Practitioner in International Mediation and ADR; Mediator.
  • ADR Centre, Rome / JAMS International
    Global Panel Member; Mediator.
  • ADR Partners Mediation Panel, Belgrade
    Mediator.
  • Croatian Mediation Association
    President; Mediator and Trainer for Mediators; Educator (negotiation, communication skills, conflict management skills, including workplace conflict).
  • Permanent Arbitration Court at the Croatian Chamber of Economy
    Arbiter for domestic and international disputes.

Publications

  • Ph.D. dissertation: “Mediation as Generator of Change in Judicial System and the Legal Profession.” - Author of many professional and scientific articles on mediation in scientific, professional, and business journals.

  • Stories Mediators Tell – Worlds Edition, Editors, Lela Love and Glen Parker (author of two mediation stories), ABA Publications, 2017.

  • Mediation Across the Globe, Excerpts from the World Mediation Summit, Cambridge Scholars Publishers, 2018, Chapter One. Mediation as Generator of Change in the Judicial System and Legal Profession.