I am an accredited mediator certified by the world-renowned Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) and The School of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Regent’s University, London. Both training providers are approved by The Law Society and Civil Mediation Council and recognised internationally. In addition to being a dispute resolution solicitor for over 25 years, I have Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) certification through to Master Practitioner level.
Combining the skills of a mediator and a lawyer, I provide people with the best possible opportunity of resolving their dispute and am known for having a calm assured manner.
Professionally I have experience in a variety of sectors and organisations. My career as a solicitor started supporting those who had sustained life-changing spinal and brain injuries to secure compensation before moving to focus on non-personal injury civil and commercial disputes.
I have held the appointments of a Board Director of a Local Enterprise Partnership, an external Member of a University Audit Committee and the Chair of the Child Brain Injury Trust in Northamptonshire. I currently chair the Institute of Directors (IoD) Leicestershire and South East Midlands branch and am an external associate of the University of Northampton’s Centre of Sustainable Business Practices. I, therefore, have experience in the commercial, claims, local authority, education, legal and charitable sectors. In 2015 I was named the Northamptonshire Law Society’s Solicitor of the Year.
I enjoy all types of sports and studied Law, Business and Sport for my degree. During my childhood, much of our family time revolved around sport: hockey, tennis, squash, netball, athletics and football. I qualified as a basketball table official. My Nan was an avid motorsport fan, something I picked up from her, and I have driven around several European F1 circuits. I enjoy going to the theatre, photography, watching contemporary dance, writing poetry and listening to music.
The mediator’s non-judgemental approach and impartiality is important to me as a Christian as well as being fundamental to the mediation process. Whilst the decision to settle remains with those engaged in the dispute, I work with all parties to optimise the opportunity mediation offers to resolve differences and find a way forward.
“Sarah’s approach was highly effective and yielded a very positive result”
“Sarah inhabits the role of mediator with thoughtfulness and an assured manner”
“Sarah was well prepared and worked effectively”
“Sarah was willing to challenge and did so in a gentle but firm manner”