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 Presiley Baxendale QC of Blackstone 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