John Winkworth-SmithDirector & Consultant Mediator |
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Solicitor "My clients had unrealistic expectations of what to expect… and John managed this very well without patronising." |
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Mediation experience
John Winkworth-Smith is one of the pioneers of mediation in the UK having been a founder director in 1990 of the largest mediation organisation in Europe.
John has very wide experience as a mediator. His subjects range from satellite technology to sheep. He has mediated disputes involving organisations from the size of government to individuals, and from complex cases worth up to $625,000,000 down to simple cases small in value. In multi-party cases, he has experienced up to 7 parties with 5 different systems of law requiring a number of translators.
In his professional life as a former Regional Managing Partner of DLA Piper he specialised in commercial litigation dealing with large international disputes, particularly in the USA, Japan, Austria, Italy and Australasia. He was highly regarded for his ability quickly to master the technical aspects of his cases.
Mediation style
John’s style is informal, but to the point. He seeks always to persuade parties to take a realistic approach to their position.
Parties comments about him include:-
"Very professional, clearly experienced and he knew what he was doing."
"He could put each party's arguments across in an even-handed manner."
"We would have no hesitation in using John again as a mediator."
"He was very open to the parties' suggestions, flexible and built a good rapport."
"My clients had unrealistic expectations of what to expect… and John managed this very well without patronising."
"We were lost in admiration for John's calmness, patience and words of wisdom."“A well structured mediation which helped concentrate the mind and bring about a solution”
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession
John has been named as a leader and expert in the field of Mediation in this guide ever since this subject has been included. Comments have included:-
"Able and impressive"
"Creative solutions"
"Calm, pleasant yet strong persona"
"Tenacity and patience"Clients respond to Winkworth-Smith's " effective blend of interpersonal skills and toughness"
Professional Background
John was a former Regional Managing Partner and board member of DLA (now DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary). He had been a partner of the predecessor firms for 25 years and head of litigation and ADR.
He specialised in commercial litigation dealing with large complex international disputes, mainly in the field of intellectual property and breach of contract, particularly in the USA, Japan, Italy, Austria and Australasia. He was highly regarded for his ability quickly to master the technical aspects of his cases.
In addition to acquiring management skills in his professional capacity, John has held chairmanships of a number of charitable organisations and companies. He also runs his own farming business and is involved in the tourist industry.
He has given numerous seminars on the subject of ADR including lecturing at The University of Sheffield.
Mediation Cases
Examples include:
Agriculture
Companies
Construction
Contract Disputes over:
Electricity
Employment
Engineering
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Fraud
Government
Intellectual property Disputes over:
Local Authorities
Partnership
Professional negligence
Railways
Sport/Media
International
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