Short Introduction

Stephen Ruttle KC is one of the UK's most respected commercial mediators, having successfully mediated close to 1,000 complex disputes in the UK and internationally. A former King's Counsel and full-time ADR practitioner for more than a decade, he specialises in high-value commercial disputes involving banking and finance, insurance and reinsurance, energy, construction, shipping, shareholder conflicts and professional negligence claims.
 
Consistently recognised among the leading commercial mediators in the UK, Stephen has mediated disputes with values ranging from several million pounds to over £2 billion. He is particularly known for resolving complex, cross-border and multi-party disputes where commercial, legal and relationship issues are highly intertwined.

About Work

Stephen Ruttle KC mediates complex commercial, financial, insurance, energy and international business disputes. He regularly assists multinational companies, financial institutions, insurers, shareholders, public bodies and commercial organisations in resolving high-value disputes involving contracts, investments, infrastructure projects, professional services and international trade.
 
Before becoming a full-time mediator, Stephen built a distinguished career as a leading commercial barrister and King's Counsel, specialising in insurance, reinsurance, shipping, banking and commercial litigation. He continues to practise as a commercial arbitrator, providing valuable insight into both adjudicative and negotiated dispute resolution processes.
 
His mediation experience includes banking and investment disputes, shareholder claims, insurance and reinsurance matters, shipping disputes, energy and natural resources projects, construction and engineering claims, environmental disputes, professional negligence actions and large-scale cross-border commercial conflicts. He is particularly experienced in disputes involving multiple parties, international stakeholders and complex financial or technical issues.
 
Clients value Stephen's pragmatic, energetic and highly effective approach. He focuses on helping parties solve problems rather than simply debate legal positions, combining commercial insight, patience and careful reality testing to help parties bridge differences and achieve durable settlements.

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
  • French

Awards

Queens/Kings Counsel 1997 Full CV on Brick Court Chambers website