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Mediation Testimonials
"I say with all honesty, it was a privilege to be able to learn from you. You not only managed to successfully mediate the dispute, you also took the time to explain whatyou were doing and why to the group of observers." Dr Shivani Pal LLB, LLM, PhD, Advice Manager, Manchester "He went above and beyond providing the other mediation observers and myself ample opportunity to ask questions and decipher techniques. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an experienced mediator to observe." Gavin Dingley LLM FCIArb, Barrister, Arbitrator, CEDR Accredited Mediator, London "you taught myself and 7 other solicitors on an Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediation training course. Every single one of us passed…I observed 3 mediations through you … an invaluable learning experience …I learnt various techniques, practises and useful tips…you did not deviate from what you taught us all on the course. In essence you practice what you preach." Nisha Raikundalia LLB (Hons), Local Government Solicitor, Reading "It was an incredibly useful learning experience for me, watching an experienced mediator at work ...I'd encourage any newly qualified mediators to observe Harvinder." Andrew West, Employment Solicitor, Partner – Gotelee Solicitors, Ipswich "He put each participant at ease and this helped cover ground quickly. He was also able to invite the parties to see the situation from each person’s point of view." Caroline Lewis, Senior Associate Solicitor, Employment & Litigation Department – Redmans Solicitors, Richmond "Excellent attempts to mediate with a very difficult person.Excellent mediation ability and down to earth style." Paul Clarke, Solicitor, Head of Social Welfare Law – Fountain Solicitors, Walsall, West Midlands "He went above and beyond to ensure that I had understood the process, I would recommend him to anyone new to mediation looking for a good mentor." Sofia Amato, Real Estate Solicitor, Bristol "He appeared hugely experienced at obtaining a sense of how the parties wanted to negotiate and where a deal lay. I observed a comprehensive example of how to mediate a dispute." Clare Waller MCIArb, Solicitor, Senior Legal Advisor, Essex "You were instrumental in bringing the parties in this three-year dispute to an acceptable solution …I felt you grasped the key issues …You focussed my client on the commerciality of this dispute, who did take significant persuading… you took charge, clarified matters very succinctly …" Ismaeel Malik, Solicitor – Rainbow Solicitors, Wimbledon, London "Would it be possible to observe another mediation with you when the opportunity arises? I say with all honesty, it was a privilege to be able to learn from you...This was an invaluable learning experience, I can’t recommend you highly enough, money well spent, and a must for any newly qualified, or even experienced mediators who want to observe an expert deploying his art!" Dr Shivani Pal LLB; LLM; PhD, – Welfare Rights Adviser, Manchester "...complicated commercial landlord tenant dispute. I do not know how the claimant was encouraged to make an apology but assume that it was a consequence of your intervention. After this the parties started to negotiate constructively...This amounted to a remarkable result achieving a settlement within about 7 hours, dispute that lasted for over 3 years...the second mediation concerned building work .... was all the more impressive as it was a telephone mediation ... just as effective as a face to face mediation but at a significant reduction in costs." Tim Bennett, Solicitor, Partner, CEDR Accredited Commercial Mediator, Head of Department – Dispute Resolution, – Bray & Bray Solicitors, Leicester "…thank you for bringing this three year dispute to a close within hours … claimant brought a sub lease which turned out to be a head lease…a fire damaged the premises…landlord refused to claim on the insurance policy…it was far from an easy matter …I would request your mediation services again & refer you to other law firms" Peter Fitzpatrick, Solicitor, – Valemus Law, London "…You have mediated three different disputes in which I was instructed, I am pleased to say that, on each occasion, all three disputes were resolved successfully…November 2008 neighbour / property dispute…November 2009 landlord & tenant… March 2017 commercial landlord & tenant matter…an ability to grasp the fundamental issues quickly, develop trust & confidence & quickly build rapport. Your fees were also very competitive…" Michelle Caney, Barrister at Law & Deputy Head of the Chancery & Commercial Group, – St Ives Chambers, Birmingham "…my clients were very upset & sensitive about the dispute …hit an impasse more than once, including each side having made ‘bottom line’ offers. After some tense final negotiations, the parties reached a settlement (within five hours). I attribute that to the dogged determination with which you pursued a mediated agreement. You had previously conducted a mediation for a colleague in my team, which also resulted in a successful outcome. " Simon Thomas, Partner / Solicitor, – The Wilkes Partnership Solicitors, Birmingham "My clients had never attended a mediation before & were quite apprehensive … you made them feel at ease … difficult & emotional day, which you assisted them through & somehow led them to a settlement … impressive it took you a day … this dispute had been ongoing for nearly three years…" Sarah Robinson, Associate Solicitor, Geraint Jones & Co, Newtown, Pows
"I am a former employment lawyer of 30 years, & employment judge…a complicated dispute…breach of contract between a company…following a house fire, insurance claim …I was fascinated …you magically led the parties to an agreement in 5 hours, the dispute had been going on for 3 years…parties were extremely difficult, highly emotive … with immense patience & a light touch of humour at exactly the right moments, you diluted the hostile atmosphere & kept the parties focused…I saw you display a myriad of exemplary mediation skills …you tried various different options, which you knew how & when to use based on your extensive mediation experience, until one worked. It was a pleasure to watch a true expert mediate, and I must say I learnt a great deal. As a former employment judge, I was impressed by what you achieved. It went beyond what a court might hope to achieve. This mediation was a master class…it gave me something to aspire to." Daphne Thomas, Solicitor (non-practising), Former Employment Judge, – Advocacy Management, Hertfordshire "I observed you mediate a very complicated three-party dispute yesterday...a business acquisition … the situation became untenable…directors instigated proceedings against the two consultants for £150,000. The parties were extremely difficult, driven by emotion & principles. It was a long day, with difficult conversations to be had, with both camps, which you did not shy away from, and handled sensitively, yet firmly … The dispute had been going on for over three years, but you somehow facilitated the process and got the parties to a settlement within seven hours. It is an understatement to say that your mediation skill set is impressive…" Steve Redman, Director, Legal Adviser & Accredited Mediator, – Essmar, West Sussex
"You ensured that you conveyed all of your extensive expert knowledge … to the elite of the Turkish legal and mediation world…the delegates were Lawyers, Judges, University Lecturers / Professors, Arbitrators, some were also Mediators (who had already received CEDR Mediation Training), to include Mediation Trainers and the first ever Turkish Mediator…you went over & beyond, delivering advanced mediation techniques…truly did surpass all of our expectations, a 100% pass rate, bearing that in mind we are planning on having another training session in 2017, which we want you deliver…The fact that you built rapport very quickly, combined with your down to earth approach and good sense of humor, made the training that much more enjoyable, I freely endorse you as an expert mediator and mediation trainer. " Miss Bennar Aydoğdu LL M MCIArb, International Lawyer, Arbitrator, Mediator, CIArb Management Member, Chairman Education & Membership Committee, Immediate Past Chairman CIArb European Branch, Turkey "You have mediated for clients of CSK Legal on three separate occasions and that, on each occasion, settlements have been achieved … You had an ability to grasp the fundamental issues quickly, develop trust and confidence, and quickly build a rapport because of your firm, polite and professional manner." Craig Kelly, Director & Solicitor, – CSK Legal, Birmingham "I am grateful for your assistance on Monday for bringing this two-year long dispute to an end within four hours…My client and I found you quickly understood the issues in dispute, bearing in mind you only had the mediation bundle shortly before you were due to mediate…" Alexandra Watts, Solicitor Advocate, – Wolverhampton City Council, Wolverhampton "There were several issues in play; the main ones being a company, business dispute over an oral contract between the parties concerning an exit strategy and purchasing of a business...You managed to bring this year long dispute to an end within two and a half hours...a satisfactory resolution was founded, which would not have been possible without your mediation expertise, I would have no aversion in recommending you to the rest of the profession." John McCormack, Solicitor, – Terry Jones Solicitors, Shropshire "Harvinder had the ability to direct the parties' minds to what is usually the most essential issue, namely commerciality and maintaining the parties' attention was able to bring the parties to reach a compromise" Sat Singh Bahia, Solicitor, – Consilium Legal Limited, Birmingham "Within two and half hours, you managed to get both parties to an agreement, bearing in mind this had been ongoing for 6 years...I am pleased to say the client got back approximately 45%o of his claim ... bearing in mind the defendant was initially refusing to pay anything ... I would be happy to use you again and recommend you to other law firms." Clive J Probert F.Inst.L.Ex,Legal Executive – Geoffrey T. Smith & Co Solicitors, Wolverhampton "…acrimonious boundary dispute…further complicated the claimant was the defendant’s brother, whereby they were not even on speaking terms to one another, resulting in other family members becoming drawn into the dispute and proceedings being instigated and three years worth of litigation…you managed somehow to lead the parties to a solution and avoid an expensive court hearing. We are grateful for your assistance and would readily refer you to other law firms." Dilshad Kaur Judge, Senior Associate Solicitor – MK Gill Solicitors, Hounslow "Your input was instrumental to an agreement being achieved; within four hours you managed to somehow lead the parties to a solution, bearing in mind they were poles apart at the beginning of the session and a solution did not appear to be possible initially." Sophie Biedla, Solicitor – Berrymans Lace Mawer Solicitors, Liverpool "My clients were delighted how quickly you were able to facilitate a satisfactory settlement, bearing in mind the significant amount of evidence that each party had put forward and the length of time our dispute had gone on." Rachel Sorensen, Solicitor – Wright Hassall Solicitors, Warwickshire "The Claimant and Defendant had become entrenched and were no longer even on speaking terms. The costs which you undoubtedly saved both parties, in addition to the time and inconvenience, cannot be underestimated. My client was very impressed with both your attitude and manner during the whole process. Without your assistance I am confident that we would not have been able to reach settlement." Michelle Caney, Barrister at Law – St Ives Chambers, Birmingham "A party wall award had been appealed in the county court, and unfortunately both parties had racked up considerable legal fees, even prior to a final hearing of the matter. All parties were therefore concerned that no more unnecessary legal fees be expended. All of the outstanding issues were addressed and resolved through your mediation skills without which this dispute would have undoubtedly been listed for a final appeal hearing, thus still causing the parties considerable time, stress and expense. I would therefore like to thank you for your skill and help, and I would happily recommend you to other barristers, solicitors, and litigants in person." Stuart J. Frame, Barrister – Staple Inn Chambers, London "...The sum of money being claimed was in excess of one hundred thousand pounds (£100,000). My client and I found you to be competent, friendly and professional throughout the whole process, and were delighted how quickly you were able to assist in facilitating settlement given the complexity and length of time the dispute had gone on." Gareth Jenkins, Solicitor – Standley & Co Solicitors, Solihull "Both my client and I, found you to be competent, friendly and professional throughout the whole process, we are both grateful that this matter was not re-listed before the Court and that you were able to facilitate a satisfactory settlement of this dispute." Ian Cox, Managing Partner – Sarginsons Law LLP, Coventry "Your in-put in bringing the dispute to a palatable conclusion was very valuable indeed. Both myself and my colleague were struck by the tenacity that you showed in dealing with one of the parties' whose position had become particularly entrenched." Andrew Lund, Senior Partner – Rees Page Solicitors, Wolverhampton "After all this time we were able to reach a settlement with which both sides felt they had had some success, and therefore saved face, which negated the necessity for a very expensive two to three day trial. My clients were pleased with the outcome, did not feel browbeaten in anyway which I have seen in other mediations, and are therefore happy with the result." Elizabeth Spence, Lawyer – Pickering & Butters Solicitors, Stafford "The request we received for instructions were clear and concise and were helpful in setting the agenda for the Mediation. The Mediation was conducted quickly and concisely, taking significantly less than a full day, due to the timing and tempo provided by the Mediator. Overall the Mediation was settled quickly between the parties, giving an effective and speedy resolution." Cliff Morris, Associate – Paris Smith LLP, Southampton "My clients and I were impressed with the resilience, pre mediation preparation by you. I was also impressed with how you focused the parties on a solution and indeed facilitation of the same. We choose you as we were impressed with your CV which displayed your extensive mediation experience, which bore fruition. I would happily recommend you to other law firms." Mukesh Murria, Managing Director & Solicitor, Murria Solicitors, Birmingham "Neither my client nor myself had been through a mediation process before and we would like to thank you for your assistance in helping us to reach a settlement. My client found you to be very fair and willing to take time to hear all our issues - sometimes in great deal. I believe that this helped diffuse any tensions that existed at the outset and assisted both parties in breaking free from entrenched positions to try and find a workable solution." Alex Kershaw-Moore, Senior Solicitor – Mendip District Council, Somerset "This was a professional negligence case where there was a significant amount of ill feeling and I felt you controlled the position extremely well... I found your flexibility to be very useful in keeping down costs. As you know I was able to participate in the mediation by telephone which meant that my charge to the client was greatly reduced and in the end the matter was settled satisfactorily." John McArdle, Solicitor – McArdles Solicitors, Co. Durham "Should I need further assistance in the future, I will have no hesitation in recommending your services." Janette Johnston, Partner – Landons Solicitors, Essex "...You recently conducted a mediation... The issues related to a boundary dispute which had been ongoing for many years and which was headed inevitably towards very expensive litigation. My clients and I found you to be professional and effective and I am pleased that this very acrimonious matter has now settled. Thank you for your assistance I would not hesitate to recommend you to other firms." Greg Saunders, Solicitor – Hadens Solicitors, Walsall "Thank you for acting as a mediator in this matter. I found you to be skilful and professional and your involvement certainly led to settlement of the dispute." Anthony Krikler, Solicitor – Gillhams Solicitors LLP, London "Had this case not have gone to Mediation it would have ended up before the High Court in London for trial by jury. Your interpretation skills were clearly an advantage which was one of the reasons we chose you to mediate. My client was pleased with the outcome and that he can now lay this matter to rest." Paul Balen, Partner – Freeth Cartwright LLP, Nottingham "I genuinely believe that if it wasn't for your professionalism and assistance, the parties would not have settled on the day. My client informed me that he was extremely pleased with the outcome, I will certainly recommend you to other solicitors." Helen O Brien-Quinn, Solicitor – FBC Manby Bowdler Solicitors, Telford "Harvinder's quiet but determined approach was the difference between the case settling or proceeding to a litigious end. This was a classic example of how to mediate a dispute." Jonathan Smith, Senior Associate – Eversheds LLP, Newcastle "Although negotiations were difficult... a satisfactory result was founded at mediation. I thank you for your assistance, without which a fair resolution would not have been achieved. Eric Bowes are happy to recommend you to others." Gurbinder Gill, Associate Solicitor – Eric Bowes Solicitors, Birmingham "I was very pleased by your assistance in this matter having received a report back from Louise Campbell - Brown who was equally as complimentary. In fact I have recommended your services to at least two other commercial dispute clients and I may revert to you in respect thereof shortly." Paul Verlander, Partner – Carpenter & Co Solicitors, Surrey "The parties had become somewhat entrenched, the Court proceedings had not been pursued with any great vigour and there appeared to be no solution in sight. Our clients and us would like to thank you for assisting the parties in coming to a settlement on the day of the mediation and we would certainly recommend you to other solicitors." Natalie Wolfe, Solicitor – Beachcroft LLP, Leeds "I thank you for exhibiting your Mediation skills in this case and am satisfied that had it not been for the expertise that you showed throughout the Mediation process then this matter may well have not been resolved and may have continued to an expensive hearing." Patrick Currie, Solicitor – Addison O Hare Solicitors, Walsall