Stephen Gilmore

I qualified as a mediator with CORE Solutions in February 2013 and have utilised the training provided in the qualification and assessment stages in the years since. However, the skills necessary to be a mediator (or to represent a party at a mediation) are not outwith those used on a daily basis in practice. As a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland, I have the advantage of years of training, skill specific CPD programmes and experience in advocacy, case management, client care and critical thinking. All of these skills are invaluable throughout the course of a mediation.

Since qualifying as a mediator in 2013, I have taken part in a number of varied mediations from large commercial mediations relating to renewable energy to mediations between employee and employer. Every single mediation is different due to the specific facts of the case and especially because of the different personalities involved. I very quickly learned that part of the secret to a successful mediation is identifying and, if necessary, rectifying the relationship between the parties before dealing with any legal or factual issues. A resolution cannot be reached if the those involved can’t see the wood for the trees.

I have experience of mediations ranging from those with a very large monetary value to those dealing solely with relationship issues between two parties. It doesn’t matter how much money is involved in a mediation, everyone comes with an intention and hope to resolve the matter and by agreeing to come to a mediation, parties are giving themselves the best opportunity to utilise a most valuable asset in a properly trained and qualified mediator who can guide them through the process.

I was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in September 2007 having completed my studies at Queen’s University, Belfast. Since then I have practised mainly in the civil arena dealing with personal injury claims, professional negligence and clinical negligence claims, commercial cases, land law and employment disputes. I also have experience with criminal law.

Since 2013 I have had an active interest in mediation as an alternative method of dispute resolution, championing it both to professional and lay clients, being involved in mediations and attending mediation specific CPD events to stay abreast of recent changes and ahead of the curve.

Life is not conveniently nor neatly separated into distinct areas. Experiences in your professional life advise and inform how you approach your private life or ‘leisure time’. Similarly what is commonly referred to as ‘life experience’ improves upon and furthers the skills gained in professional training.

Dealing with everyday problems from being a husband, father, son or sports coach assist me in approaching mediations from the human side and help me identify the personal issues involved. My experiences and skills as a barrister help me understand and assess and if necessary, explain, the legal issues.

This gives parties to any mediation I am involved with a wide ranging spectrum of abilities and experiences to lean upon and obtain guidance from in the attempt to move from challenge to agreement and conflict to resolution.