Emma Gooding

Emma became a CEDR-Accredited mediator in 2008 and has since built a thriving practice mediating commercial and workplace disputes across the UK and internationally, including high-value and complex multi-party matters. Before becoming a full-time mediator, she was a commercial dispute resolution solicitor with Allen & Overy (London) and legacy Herbert Smith (Hong Kong), giving her deep insight into how parties think and what drives settlement decisions. Her approach combines analytical rigour with practical effectiveness. She excels at cutting through complex factual and legal positions to identify the core issues that matter most to resolution. She is experienced at dealing with cross-cultural mediations and international disputes, adapting her style to suit different personalities and cultural backgrounds. She prepares meticulously for each mediation, ensuring she understands not just the legal landscape but the commercial realities and personal dynamics at play. During mediation, she maintains momentum through robust yet constructive reality-testing, helping parties assess their positions objectively while encouraging creative thinking about solutions. Emma's calm, assured presence means she can manage aggressive tactics or entrenched positions without escalating tensions. Mediation parties consistently comment on her insight, quick intelligence and ability to remain composed under pressure. Her measured response to difficult dynamics and high-conflict situations helps parties move from adversarial positions to collaborative problem-solving, often achieving settlements in seemingly intractable disputes.