Amanda’s mediation practice spans more than 15 years and over 700 disputes making her one of the most experienced mediators in the UK. She mediates a wide range of commercial disputes and employment related matters including discrimination and dismissal. She has notable expertise in transport, regulated industries, safety and risk, IT and financial services and first hand experience as an international negotiator, employer (SME) and main board director of a public limited company.
Mediation Background Experience of cross border and international disputes
Public sector experience – Police, Fire Service, NHS, Education (Tertiary, Secondary) including PPP and PFI.
Extensive experience of managing large groups (up to 300 people) and multi party disputes, commercial and non-commercial issues.
Whistle-blowing.
Highly sensitive disputes and matters of public interest.
Disputes and dispute resolution services within regulated sectors (rail, air, shipping, communications, legal, financial services including allegations of fraud and professional misconduct).
Extensive experience of mediating disputes which may need to be ratified ‘outside the room’.
5 years acting as independent mediator for over 35 commercial and safety projects with Railtrack, Network Rail and Rail Safety and Standards Board during the period from 1999 to 2004 dealing with the implementation of the Cullen Report following Paddington, Hatfield and Potters Bar train crashes.
Unions and professional bodies.
Insolvency
Pioneered project mediation (1998) for hard and soft projects, particularly IT.
Sectors: Aviation, rail, shipping, transport planning, information technology, telecommunications, commodities, financial services, automotive and engineering, education (secondary/tertiary), manufacturing, retail, fashion.
Areas of Law and specialist knowledge: Commercial contracts (including sale of goods), partnership disputes (professional services and small and family businesses), mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, employment (inc. public disclosure, disability, discrimination, dismissal), professional negligence, personal injury, clinical negligence, multi-party and large groups including consultation on contentious issues.
Commercial Background
Lead negotiator (RTZ/CRA) for annual sales 200,000 mt. zinc metal worldwide and associated logistics, foreign currency and trading portfolio.
Disputes and claims arising out of rail maintenance contracts (Railtrack, Network Rail) and regulatory/legislative changes.
Extensive International negotiation experience. China, Japan, North America, South America, Egypt, West Africa, India and Europe.
Safety culture, development of national competency management system for over 30,000 risk professionals.
Joint venture/strategic alliance. Experience of over 50 collaboration agreements.
New market/new product development including rapid prototyping/time to market.
International business development for large corporations and SMEs.
Merger and acquisitions including defending aggressive takeover.
LME trading portfolio/Foreign currency hedging and international banking.
Feedback from parties and their representatives:
“Getting any sort of agreement was a major achievement in the circumstances. This required a great deal of stamina and ongoing alertness to commercial issues in the context of government policy imperatives over a period of 5 consecutive very long days.” Senior Partner, solicitor for commercial party (multi-party dispute, World Bank appointment)
“Gold dust! Your dedication, professionalism and commitment to results - under difficult circumstances - are to be commended.” Senior Partner, Regional Law Practice
“… a remarkable understanding of the complexity of the legal, commercial and people issues.” Partner, National Law Practice
“I consider Amanda to be one of the best mediators in the UK.” Managing Partner, City Law Firm
“My clients were out of funds and this was their last chance. I had no hope of settlement but we did settle!” Partner, City Law Practice
“I would certainly use the mediation process, and you, again, but, I hope, not too often!” Operations Director, London University
“… a great gift of getting to the heart of the matter.” Insurer, Professional Negligence
“… incisive, well timed questions.”
“… it was inspiring to see the resolution of a long-standing dispute ...” Counsel, Personal Injury
“... very professional, outstanding communicator...” Partner, City Law Practice
“... every mediator should prepare this well.” Counsel, Personal Injury
“ persistent.”
“ instinctive and pragmatic.”
“... a real talent for engaging people.”
“I like your style, your ability to tune in to all kinds of people. You got me to re-visit my own strengths and brought out the best in me.” Non-commercial party
“I thought the pressure you exerted was sufficient, within bounds of politeness, to trigger serious and frank discussion among the team about the real issues.” HR Director, London University
“Showed great determination to achieve an acceptable outcome. Adapted well to the local environment [Fiji]. Insightful. Calm and appealing personality which, together with the other attributes listed above,makes Amanda a person who is particularly well suited for this type of work.” Solicitor for commercial party (multi-party dispute, World Bank appointment)
“I saw no hope of getting all the various parties together at the same time let alone getting them to negotiate with one another. It was amazing to be part of such an efficient process.” Managing Director, Manufacturing.
“We achieved so much in the time available. The dispute is resolved and I have a clear picture of where the business is going and what we need to do next.” Director, Construction Group
“...carried a huge amount of information in her head. A formidable memory for detail.” Insurer, Clinical Negligence
“... clearly very experienced. Knows her stuff.” Partner, Insolvency Practice
