MEDIATION — CHOOSE THE RIGHT SERVICE
Mediation Solicitors for Civil, Commercial and Workplace Disputes
Mediation is a structured negotiation led by a neutral mediator. It can help people, businesses and colleagues resolve a dispute privately without asking a judge or tribunal to impose the outcome. The mediator does not decide who wins: the parties remain in control of whether they settle and on what terms.
NA Law Solicitors provides two distinct mediation services. Choose the route that matches the dispute below, or call 0203 524 5439 if you are unsure.
Which mediation service do I need?
| Type of dispute | Use this service | Typical issues |
|---|---|---|
| Business, contract, property or private civil dispute | Civil and commercial mediation | Contract breaches, unpaid sums, shareholder or partnership disagreements, professional negligence, property and inheritance disputes. |
| Conflict between colleagues, managers, teams or an employer and employee | Workplace mediation | Relationship breakdowns, communication problems, personality clashes and restoring working relationships after a grievance or disciplinary process. |
Explore civil and commercial mediation | Explore workplace mediation
When can mediation help?
Mediation can be considered before court proceedings start or while a claim is already under way. For civil claims, the pre-action rules expect parties to consider an appropriate form of alternative dispute resolution, and the court has power to order parties to engage in ADR. The right timing and format depend on the dispute, any limitation deadline, the parties’ ability to negotiate and whether urgent protective action is needed.
Mediation is often useful where the parties want to:
- control the terms of the outcome rather than leave the decision to a court or tribunal;
- resolve the dispute confidentially and reduce further cost and disruption;
- explore practical solutions that a court may not be able to order; or
- preserve an important business, professional or workplace relationship.
Mediation is not a substitute for urgent legal advice. A solicitor should first assess court or tribunal deadlines, limitation, safeguarding concerns, serious misconduct, power imbalances and any need for an injunction or other immediate remedy.
How the mediation process works
- Suitability call: the dispute, participants, urgency and proposed format are reviewed.
- Agreement and preparation: the parties agree the process and provide key documents or short position statements.
- Private and joint discussions: the mediator may meet the parties separately and together, in person or online, to identify the real issues and test settlement options.
- Settlement: if terms are agreed, they are recorded carefully. Depending on the case, lawyers may need to draft a settlement agreement, consent order, COT3 or other binding document.
What does the mediator do?
The mediator manages a fair process, keeps appropriate confidence, helps the parties communicate and reality-tests proposals. The mediator remains neutral and does not impose a judgment. If NA Law is instructed as mediator, that role is separate from acting as a party’s legal adviser.
Is a mediation outcome legally binding?
Taking part in mediation does not itself force a settlement. If agreement is reached, the parties can record it in a binding written document. The correct form depends on the dispute and whether proceedings are already under way, so legal advice on the wording may be important before signature.
What should I prepare?
- a short chronology and explanation of the issues;
- the key documents rather than every document in the dispute;
- the outcome you want and alternatives you could accept;
- authority to negotiate and settle, where you act for a business; and
- details of any deadline, court date, adjustment or safety concern.
Frequently asked questions
Can mediation take place online?
Yes. It can be held online, in person or through a hybrid arrangement. The choice depends on accessibility, confidentiality, location and the nature of the dispute.
Can mediation happen after court proceedings have started?
Yes. The parties can mediate before or during proceedings. A solicitor should keep all procedural and limitation deadlines under review because arranging mediation does not automatically stop time running.
What if the parties do not settle?
The underlying claim or workplace process may continue. The parties can still benefit from narrowing the issues, but confidential mediation discussions are not ordinarily used to prove the case later.
How long does mediation take?
Some matters can be addressed in a half-day or a day; complex or multi-party disputes may take longer. Timing, preparation and fees should be agreed for the specific case rather than assumed.
Not sure which service fits? Call 0203 524 5439 or use the enquiry form to arrange a confidential suitability discussion.
Authoritative guidance
- Civil Procedure Rules: Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct and Protocols
- Civil Procedure Rules Part 3: the court’s case-management powers
- Acas: mediation at work
Last reviewed: August 2026. General information only; the correct process depends on the facts and applicable deadlines.