DAVID
RICHBELL FOUNDER,
CORE & ADVANCED TRAINING
Commercial Mediator and
Trainer
Mediation Experience
Based in the UK and practising since 1992, now one of the
most experienced commercial mediators (and trainer of
commercial mediators) in Europe. Originally a specialist in
construction and engineering but now appointed for a
variety of disputes because of experience alone.
One of only four non-lawyers mentioned in Chambers
Directory, described in 2001/2002 as “Possibly the
nicest person in mediation”.
The 2002/2003 entry states:
David Richbell, sole
practitioner. A “superb communicator” who
“really engages the parties” and achieves
“a remarkable settlement record”...his busy
practice has expanded considerably beyond the construction
sphere. Known as a “supreme people-manager”, he
is also “numerate in a lateral way, devising novel
and agreeable solutions.” Clients respond well to his
“forceful and credible” style, and he
”remains calm in multi-handed mediation”,
“knocking heads together only as necessary”.
The 2003/2004 entry states:
Particularly recommended
for his ability to gain the confidence of both the parties
and “make clients concentrate on the heart of the
case”…”brings a courteous, calm and
efficient manner”.
The 2004/2005 entry states:
When it comes to
multiparty mediations…..considered a pre-eminent
practitioner. Co-mediation is another of his specialist
areas…
Member of the Panel of Independent Mediators (PIM).
Registered CEDR mediator, also trained with Endispute in
Boston (1995) and Harvard (1996). Wrote / compiled CEDR
Mediator Handbook. Now leads the Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators Mediator training course.
Professional background in construction and property. Very
experienced in multi-party and multi-issue mediations, he
is one of the few commercial mediators experienced in
co-mediation of complex disputes and now has an established
pairing with Beverly-Ann Rogers of Serle Court Chambers in
co-mediation, combining high levels of legal and non-legal
expertise.
Mediated cases in Italy and Bangladesh. A significant
proportion of mediations have been international disputes
and many disputes have involved parties from ethnic
minority origins. Case values range from £4,000 to £650
million.
Sectors mediated, with some examples of typical cases
mediated, include:
Armed Services (flight simulator)
Business (split of family business, valuation of shares in
takeover)
Civil/heavy engineering (Gas processing plant, oilrig
construction, London Underground tunnel renovation, power
station construction / modification, sea-borne sewer
installation, incineration/ waste-management plants,
airport runway, terminal and infrastructure)).
Commercial Contract (Manufacturer / Dealership,
Distribution, Franchise, Family Business, Joint Venture).
Construction (Non-Performance, Final Accounts, Defects
Liability, Loss & Expense claims).
Defamation (newspaper article on BBC presenter)
Employment (Wrongful dismissal, sexual harassment,
defamation).
Franchise (Health Club, restaurant)
IT/IP/Trademark (Late completion of software contract;
non-performance of software against spec; trademark
infringement on drinks packaging.
Insurance (Market deals cut between insurers / re-insurers,
Regime and fixed costs agreement for CFA in PI cases,
Accident claim management premiums).
Landlord and Tenant (Rent arrears, dilapidations)
Marine (Luxury cruiser specification and performance)
Motor Industry (Prototype car development, central supplier
to engine manufacturer, paint spray operation)
Partnership (Professional Practice, Computer Sales, Indian
Restaurant, Fitness Club)
Personal Injury (Motor Accident, Construction site
Accident, Total Disability Claim)
Professional Negligence (Solicitor, Architects, Engineers,
Land Surveyor, Property Valuer).
Public Sector/Charities (Local Authorities, Hospital
Trusts, Theatre Trust, Housing Associations, Probate
Trustees).
Religious (Inter-Christian, Moslem mosque, Hindu business)
Sports (Soccer, Boxing, Rugby Union.)
Statutory Authorities (failure of commercial electricity
supply)
Trust (Family dispute over monies left in a trust)
Training Experience
Founder Member of MATA (Mediation and Training
Alternatives) specialising in advanced mediation training.
Devised and leads 7-day mediator training course for the
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Former Director of
Training at CEDR. Responsible for the development and
delivery of award winning CEDR mediator training courses
and development of standards for commercial mediators.
Co-devised assessment accreditation and feedback procedures
on equal opportunity principles. Co-author of CEDR
Continuing Professional Development policy document which
was the first document to set standard for the emerging
Commercial Mediator profession.
Professional Background
Managed his own chartered surveying (QS) practice
1977–1996 specialising in project and budget
management of new construction, quality refurbishment and
historic buildings. Worked on engineering, civil and
construction projects in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt and
Russia.
Qualified MCIOB in 1976, ARICS in 1978 (FRICS from 1983)
and MCIArb in 2001.
Full-time Director with CEDR 1996-2001 previously
Consultant Director with CEDR from 1993.
Board Member of Civil Mediation Council and Secretary of
the Construction Conciliation Group.
Non-commercial mediation
Mediated religious disputes. Trained Christian and Ismaili
Moslem mediator groups. Initiated (with others) church
conflict mediation network.
Contact: Tel: 01234 709907 Fax: 01234 709424
Email: david@richbell.org Web: www.richbell.org
or www.mata.org.uk