From long ago
Most people who have had experience of litigious persons know that very often in the inception of the dispute the matter might be very easily settled if some mutual friend could bring them together and talk the matter over." - Samuel Griffith, Prime Minister of Queensland, 1892.
Mediation has come a long way since 1892. The most important recent milestones are:
in 1999 when the “new” civil practice rules imposed on judges an obligation to encourage the parties to a dispute to go to mediation (and put a court case on hold until after the mediation), and
in 2008, when the Council of Ministers in Brussels published the Directive and a code of practice.
My own story
Despite my legal background, my first degree was in Economics & Accountancy. I enjoy figures, and what they mean in the real world. The law stuff took a little longer, but I never regret being able to cost a project or read accounts. Actually, I enjoy figures.
After law articles, I opted out aged 24 and set up my own business making stainless steel jewellery. It was a far cry from the law, but what a baptism of fire. I employed up to 40 people and worked 60 hours a week. I have been working on creating the 30 hour day for many years, but still have not quite cracked it.
I sold the jewellery business, then moved to residential property renovation. I cleared the work very fast, then waited weeks and weeks while agents sold and solicitors conveyed. Decided to be a solicitor at same time. Bought books, took exams and was qualified six months later. That was another leap into the unknown. Found employment - where I was landed with 200 live litigation files neglected by previous incumbent and so had little time for outside activities.
However, it was not long before I gravitated to “company and commercial”, all of which was really fascinating. I handled a wide range of work from commercial disputes to company flotations and board disputes. I acted for a number of local public companies.
Along the way I was a part time director of a public company where my special responsibilities included at different times: a steel rolling mill, a major Northern house builder and a dealer in cots, prams and high chairs.
My interest in commercial property grew. Eventually, the lure to move away from law was just too strong. Finally, I moved to the other side of the legal desk as a client, renovating large buildings and dividing up others. For a few years everything we touched turned to gold. Then came the recession in 1991 and we found ourselves paying 15% interest out of 10% rents.
With four children to support, I was very happy to return to my professional roots and get back into law. I set up as a sole practitioner, but never moved far away from commercial property. Finally, in 2001, I had would up my law practice and resigned from the grand-sounding “Roll of Solicitors”, leaving me free to set up Net Lawman and advertise in ways not allowed to solicitors.
As a mediator, I contribute a very wide range of experience delivered with the highest ethical standards. I’ve “been there, done that” in many areas of business. If I have not, then I have probably helped a client to do it. But more important than the Law is the reality of how it affects you and what your options are. I believe I am uniquely placed to help you to solve the sort of problems that you encounter today.
I look forward to working with you.
Andrew R Taylor