How many hours?
It is most convenient for the parties if mediation is set up initially for one or more days or a half day. It is human nature that a long meeting often produces no better result than a short one. The reality of time running out is a wonderful call to action.
In considering the time element, The Mediator will take account of time which may be needed to tie up loose ends after broad agreement has been reached. Time will be spent in agreeing detail and writing heads of terms, so that the parties have an agreed version of the outcome.
The Mediator will generally assume that a mediation may extend an hour beyond the time allowed, but may not be able to continue beyond that.
The price estimate
While The Mediator will provide his own estimate of the time required, that estimate is based only on the history and information given to him by the parties.
Reading time
The Mediator needs to read and understand the issues before the mediation starts. The time taken for that is not simply “reading time”. The Mediator will make his own assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the parties’ positions, both in law and in strategy. You should therefore make sure you give The Mediator all the documents he will need, but not any that are not directly relevant. There is more on which documents to send when you come to our data entry page.
Travelling time
There is no charge for the first one hour of travel time. After one hour, The Mediator charges at a low rate for travel time. Subject to that, he will travel anywhere. Return time to Central London can be taken as four hours. Travel abroad is subject to specific discussion.
Administration
All reading, administration time and office costs are included within the hourly rate.
The venue
A mediation can take place anywhere convenient to the parties. The Mediator’s staff will arrange accommodation and refreshments. The quality and price does vary, and may be discussed with the parties, but a fair average is £300 per day in London and £180 per day elsewhere. If both parties agree, the mediation can take place at your office.
| The Mediator’s time | £ |
|---|---|
| Half day mediation, including read papers and all administration, per party | 360 |
| Full day mediation, up to eight hours, papers and administration, per party | 650 |
| Travel time, per hour, after the first hour | 150 |
| Attend mediation, per hour over-run | 160 |
| Instruct expert or Counsel, including paper work and consideration of his opinion | 400 |
| Travel by car, including parking | £0.60 / mile |
Payments to others are charged at cost, including
- Travel by train, (standard class)
- Refreshments
- Venue
- Counsel and expert fees