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Why do people go to mediation?

The goal of mediation is to reach an agreement about how to work together in the future that all participants find reasonable and in their best interests.

What happens at a mediation session?

The mediator meets with you individually first, this is to give you the opportunity to explain the situation and discuss any particular concerns you have. This is also where an agreement is made to keep the conversations private and any necessary ground rules are discussed and agreed.

The mediator then brings you together for a joint meeting. The mediator makes sure that you each get a chance to talk about your situation or point of view without any interruption. This helps you decide what the important issues are that need to be discussed.

These issues are discussed and if you reach an agreement the mediator will write it down for you and make sure it says what you both want it to say. Everybody signs the agreement and you decide who else, if anybody, should see a copy. If you are uncomfortable with sharing the joint agreement with people who are not in the room then a decision is made about what, if anything, to share with the person or people who referred you to mediation.

What if we don’t reach an agreement?

You don’t have to reach an agreement. If you feel that mediation won’t resolve your issues, you can use other workplace approaches, policies or procedures. Whether you reach an agreement or not, the mediation process will remain confidential. Neither the mediator nor anything discussed in the meetings can be called upon or used to provide evidence at any subsequent proceedings.

Does the mediator decide who is right and who is wrong?

No. You are encouraged to talk through your differences of opinion, differing views and your different expectations. The mediator will ensure a robust, fair and impartial process to enable you to reach a good outcome that works for both of you. Mediation helps you to move forward together.

Is the meeting confidential?

Yes. The mediator will keep everything that you say during the mediation private, they will not take any notes away from the meeting with them and do not record or report back on the content of your conversations.

At the beginning of the mediation you are asked to sign a Confidentiality and Liability Agreement. This document also reminds you that the mediator cannot give legal advice and that the content of the mediation discussion is confidential, it cannot be used in any future processes or procedures that you may be involved in.

Do I have to attend?

No. Mediation is a voluntary process, if you are unsure about whether or not you will attend, please speak with the person who has referred you for mediation. If you would prefer, you can also speak with a mediator from Consilia Mediation who will be able to answer any questions you have and hopefully allay any fears.

Who else will be there?

The mediator will lead the meeting. Usually there are just two people involved, though sometimes there are several, you will know who you are meeting with. The process does not allow for legal representatives, union representatives or any other representatives to be present during the individual or joint meetings.

How should I prepare for mediation?

You do not need to bring anything with you to the mediation, you will not be asked to present evidence or explain the events that have led to mediation in detail. You will not be taking notes or recording anything during the meetings. The best preparation you can do is to think about what you want to say to the other person, what you want them to understand about the situation and what a good result from the mediation would be for you. Also, it can be a difficult and tiring process, so try to arrive with plenty of energy and with as few distractions as possible for the day ahead.

Where will the mediation take place?

One or two quiet, private rooms will be found, usually at your workplace, at our offices or in a convenient, neutral venue. If you have any concerns about the choice of venue you should raise this either with the person who has referred you to mediation, or the Consilia mediator at least three days prior to the mediation meeting.

What if I'm nervous about the joint meeting?

The thought of a joint meeting with the person you are not getting along with can be worrying, however, mediation is less difficult and time-consuming than going through a formal process, and it works. It works because it helps people find practical solutions that feel fair to everyone. The mediator’s role in this joint meeting is to help you have a different kind of conversation with each other in a safe space, and to help you focus on what you need. The mediator holds both of you to the ground rules and makes sure you have equal time to speak and to listen to each other.

Mediation focuses you both on finding a collaborative way forward.

We do hope that your mediation session will prove to be as positive an experience for you.

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We are here to help provide the mediation services you need.
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What will it cost?

We offer a range of fixed fee packages on a pay as you go basis so that you can budget and costs are kept to a manageable level. We also offer reduced fees through our fee assistance scheme (based upon an income means test).

Trusted Names In Mediation

At Consilia Mediation we recognise that the process of the breakdown of a relationship, whether in your personal or work life, is stressful and can be a very traumatic time. Our accredited mediators are sensitive in approach and highly skilled at dealing with difficult and challenging situations.

Laura Clapton
Family Solicitor & Family Mediator

Laura is an accredited Family Mediator. Laura is known for providing the highest level of client care. Laura takes a constructive and non-confrontational approach to cases, whilst ensuring she is robust and focuses on achieving the best possible results for her clients.

Marie Walsh
Employment Solicitor, Civil & Employment Mediator

Marie Walsh is a fully trained workplace mediator. As an employment law solicitor and mediator, Marie has a wealth of experience assisting parties inside and alongside the workplace mediation setting. Marie is able to act as the mediator in workplace disputes and assist in avoiding litigation.

Kelly Walters
Senior Associate, Family Law

Kelly is known for her legal expertise, professionalism and straight talking approach. Kelly provides the support necessary to obtain a positive outcome in what can be a very difficult time. Kelly employs a range of strategies to help participants to reach a consensus as quickly and with as little stress as possible.

What our clients say about Consilia Legal on


  • Received a really good service from Marie and the team including Emma, who offered valuable support throughout. I contacted Consilia following a recommendation from a union representative. Was given great advise through her trusted associate who offered an accurate and professional assessment. Marie secured a really good outcome due to her knowledge, perseverance, conscientiousness and genuine desire to try and get the best outcome on my behalf. A lot of genuine empathy and respect expressed and a brilliant negotiator. Very well informed, experienced and brilliant communicator. True to her word re costs as discussion was upfront and honest. Very reasonable rate compared to other firms. Would recommend to others Thank you very much!

    Elaben Mistry Jackson Avatar Elaben Mistry Jackson
    May 26, 2019
  • Marie and her staff have been very helpful. Marie had assisted me previously with an employment law issues so I had no hesitation in engaging her again. She helped me through an unpleasant job related matter when I was at a low ebb and feeling unable to fight my own corner. As before Marie gave sound, straight forward advice and took over the handling of communication with my employer until the matter was resolved. When I had to take action myself Marie was always there to consult if I was worried about something. I would thoroughly recommend Consilia Legal to anyone.

    Amanda Keers Avatar Amanda Keers
    June 24, 2019
  • Marie, Andy, Victoria and Emma were exceptional in their help, advice and support – all done with a non-nonsense super friendly approach. Really took the stress out of a difficult corporate employment process. I felt safe and confident in their capable hands, recommending them highly.

    Sophie Webb Avatar Sophie Webb
    June 3, 2019
  • Very professional and got the right result for me in a very timely abs efficient manner. Great service, good advice and an excellent result I couldn’t have got on my own

    Jon Geldart Avatar Jon Geldart
    May 23, 2019
  • Excellent service from Laura Clapton guiding me through a difficult divorce process. Super efficient, professional and carries out the work with understanding and compassion for your situation. Would highly recommend and have already recommended.

    Jo Allan Avatar Jo Allan
    April 9, 2019

Laura Clapton
Director, Family Solicitor & Mediator
0113 887 4672
0786 023 2975
laura@consilialegal.co.uk
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Fill out the form below and Laura will get back to you as soon as possible:

Marie Walsh
Director, Employment Solicitor & Mediator
0113 887 4670
07736 252 681
marie@consilialegal.co.uk
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Fill out the form below and Marie will get back to you as soon as possible:

Fill out the form below and Kelly will get back to you as soon as possible:

Fill out the form below and one of our team will help arrange your free consultation as soon as possible:

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