Finding a path through conflict
I help individuals and businesses in civil, commercial and workplace disputes, navigate their own route to resolution.
"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding"
Albert Einstein
Why Mediation?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution, which can be successful in resolving conflicts of many different shapes and sizes.
Conflict is a part of everyday life but can be extremely damaging - the negative effects of unresolved conflict on mental well-being, physical health, relationships and self-esteem are significant.
Mediation is an alternative to litigation. It aims to put people in conflict at the heart of the process by facilitating structured conversations to help them find their own solutions.
What is Mediation?
STRUCTURED - A mediation is a conversation between participants facilitated by a neutral third party. I will set a general structure for the mediation to include both open and private sessions as appropriate. As the participants are at the heart of the mediation however, this process is flexible. The main aim is to create a safe space where everyone feels able to express their concerns and wishes and to be heard, to assess the strengths of their own position and to consider solutions and compromise.
VOLUNTARY - Unlike in a court room or tribunal, any agreement reached is owned by the participants rather than imposed. No-one is forced to remain in the mediation and can leave at any time though I would always encourage those thinking of doing so, to have a private conversation with me first.
NON-JUDGEMENTAL - I am not a judge and my role is not to evaluate the facts, offer my opinion or decide who is right or wrong. Neither am I able to provide legal advice.
IMPARTIAL - I am an impartial and independent third party who is there to facilitate the process, encourage conversations and help the participants reach a mutually beneficial solution.
CONFIDENTIAL - Importantly, the mediation process is confidential, Nothing said by any of the participants will be shared outside of the mediation and nothing said in private sessions will be shared with the other participants without express permission. The only exception to this would be where there is a risk of harm or ciminal activity.
About Me
I am a non-practising lawyer with over 20 years' experience in civil litigation, specialising in housing law and landlord/tenant disputes. I have dealt with a large range of cases including disrepair, possessions, evictions, homelessness, discrimination and judicial reviews. I qualified as a solicitor in 2005 and spent the last 10 years of my career as partner in a firm highly ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. I myself was named a Next Generation partner and leading individual in the housing field.
I am an accredited mediator and an associate member of the Civil Mediation Council (CMC). I am also a trained Mental Health First Aider and have enhanced DBS status.
I believe that given the space to be heard, those in conflict can be empowered to find their own solution. I am dedicated to facilitating calm, collaborative resolution and seek to provide a neutral, restorative space to help you navigate through conflict with empathy and clarity, ensuring that even the most complex disagreements find a sustainable path forward.
Free consultation
Please contact me via email on hello@sophiebellmediation.co.uk or using the box on the right and we can arrange a convenient time to speak on the phone.
I offer a free initial consultation to discuss the services I can provide and how I might be able to help you.
I offer a bespoke service and fees for the mediation itself can be discussed during the consultation.