Stephen Bate

I am a full-time mediator, CEDR-Accredited and registered with the Civil Mediation Council; mediating business disputes for over 20 years with c. 300 appointments and claim values up to £250 million. My professional background is as a barrister in civil and commercial cases for 25 years; advising and appearing in court in mainly contract and property-related disputes, particularly intellectual property. My mediation style? To use core mediation skills to obtain the best offers - and in private session to help each side make the best choices to get the best outcome / use of the process. In those sessions, I am prepared to challenge each side constructively but without confrontation, drawing out the essential issues and realities of the dispute. At mediations, I liken that aspect of my work to that of a non-executive director, holding a mirror up to the board so the party in question can secure the best result from the process. I understand the landscape, pitfalls and consequences of legal disputes for businesses and individuals and use critical thinking skills so parties can make sound decisions at mediation, with the help of their advisers. My approach generally is to enable the parties to act on a proper risk assessment, so they can measure the value of settlement options and decide whether or not to settle the dispute.