Professional Background
Mediation Experience
The 200 or so mediations that Iain has so far conducted have covered a wide range of disputes, including:
- Interpretation of service charge obligations.
- Profit share and overage provisions.
- Restrictive covenants.
- Easements including rights of way.
- Boundaries.
- Trespass and adverse possession.
- Rights of Light
- Nuisance
- Solicitors professional negligence
- Breach of covenant including dilapidations.
- Break notices.
- Breach of confidence.
- Vendor and purchaser disputes.
- Breach of quiet enjoyment and derogation from grant.
- Landlord’s failure to provide services.
- Misrepresentation.
- Termination of leasing agreements.
- Constructive and implied trusts.
- Break up of assets of family business.
- Opposed and unopposed business tenancy renewals.
Other Experience
- Seven years as Chairman of a board of Trustees of a defined benefit pension scheme, negotiating two triennial funding agreements with the employer and the Pensions Regulator.
- Appointed by National Basketball Association and International Federation of Basketball Associations to determine disputes between member clubs arising out of the transfer of players.
- Founder member and former Chairman of Property Litigation Association.
- Honorary member of Arbrix.
- Co-author of Distress for Rent (Jordans).
- Speaker at industry events on current topics and writing articles and client publications.
- Member of joint Law Society/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Working Party on PACT, which established a voluntary scheme for renewal of business tenancies.
Mediation Style
Ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers as an excellent mediator who offers a balanced and sensible approach, with a demeanour that puts parties at ease, and as a safe and stabilising influence in the mediation room. Iain's approach is that no two mediations are the same. Preparation for the mediation, and understanding the aims and personalities of the key players, is vital for a successful outcome.
Iain is a natural communicator, bringing a combination of legal and commercial skills. His calm and relaxed manner belies tenacity. He uses his experience to understand the true position of both parties, and will stress test their arguments whilst at the same time keeping an eye on where the solution lies. He believes in encouraging clients to be involved in the mediation and has years of experience in gaining the cooperation of those working with him, and in helping to solve problems. He applies a practical and problem-solving approach to help the parties achieve a workable solution.
Accreditation
Iain was accredited as a Mediator by ADR Group in 1999.
Personal
Iain enjoys cycling, bridge, sailing and the theatre, as well as good food and company, especially that of his three children, all of whom are now developing their own careers, two of them in the legal profession.