Meet Nick McMahon
Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator
Nick McMahon is an accomplished Civil and Commercial Mediator based in the UK, with a distinguished career in litigation and dispute resolution. A qualified Solicitor, Nick brings decades of expertise to the table, specialising in insurance, product liability, personal injury, medical malpractice, and professional indemnity cases. His expertise spans:
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Insurance and product liability
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Professional negligence and medical malpractice
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Construction and property disputes
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Wills, probate, and emotionally charged conflicts
Renowned for his calm, reassuring, and approachable manner, Nick is committed to helping individuals and organisations resolve disputes constructively and efficiently. His mediation philosophy combines pragmatic problem-solving with an empathetic approach, fostering an environment of trust that encourages meaningful communication.
From handling catastrophic injury claims and professional negligence disputes to overseeing group settlements, Nick has extensive experience managing cases of varying complexity. His analytical legal insight, paired with his skill in narrowing issues and finding practical solutions, ensures parties avoid escalating conflict and instead work towards lasting resolutions.
Nick’s work spans diverse industries, including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services, making him adept at addressing sector-specific challenges. His in-depth understanding of case dynamics is strengthened by his litigation background, giving him a unique perspective as a mediator.
When he’s not mediating or practising law, Nick enjoys spending quality time with his family, playing guitar, and exploring the great outdoors through long walks and travel adventures. He is passionate about creating harmony, whether it’s within a dispute or in day-to-day life.
Nick’s calm and pragmatic approach ensures constructive communication and practical solutions. He is based in London and offers in-person and online mediation services across the South East and beyond.
Understanding the root of conflicts is the first step to resolution. Nick McMahon specialises in mediating disputes such as:
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Contractual Disputes: Issues over terms, deliverables, or agreements.
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Payment Disputes: Late or non-payment causing financial strain.
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Professional Negligence: Claims involving professional services.
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Property and Construction Disputes: Conflicts over ownership, contracts, or project delivery.
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Wills and Probate Disputes: Resolving emotionally charged inheritance conflicts.
Mediation is a flexible, voluntary, and confidential process where an impartial mediator helps parties in a dispute to negotiate a settlement. It operates on a "without prejudice" basis, meaning anything discussed cannot be used in court if the mediation is unsuccessful.
The process is designed to be constructive and forward-looking. As your mediator, I facilitate communication, helping you to identify the core issues and explore potential solutions that work for everyone involved. The goal is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement, often within a single day, avoiding the time, cost, and stress of formal litigation.
Mediation is highly effective for a wide range of disputes, including:
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Commercial & Contractual Disputes: From partnership disagreements in the City of London to supply chain issues affecting businesses across Greater London.
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Insurance Claims: Facilitating settlements in complex insurance-related disagreements.
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Regulatory & Compliance Issues: Assisting organisations in navigating and resolving regulatory challenges.
Whatever the size of your business, mediation offers a powerful and pragmatic way to resolve conflict and move forward.
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The mediation process is structured yet flexible, designed to facilitate a resolution efficiently, typically within a single day. While each mediation is unique, the key stages generally follow this path:
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Agreement to Mediate & Initial Contact: Once all parties agree to mediate, I am appointed as your mediator. I will often hold brief, separate preliminary calls with each party (and their legal advisors) to explain the process and answer any initial questions.
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Position Statements: Before the mediation day, each party provides a short, confidential summary of their position. This helps me understand the key issues and perspectives in advance, ensuring our time together is used effectively.
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The Opening Session: The mediation day begins with a joint meeting where I introduce everyone, outline the day's structure, and set the ground rules. Each party then has an opportunity to make a brief opening statement, explaining their view of the dispute to the other side.
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Private Sessions (Caucuses): Following the opening session, the parties move into separate private rooms. I will shuttle between these rooms, holding a series of confidential discussions. In these caucuses, we can explore the strengths and weaknesses of your case, discuss objectives, and test potential solutions in a safe, "without prejudice" environment.
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Negotiation: Through these private sessions, I help facilitate a negotiation. I will carry offers and counter-offers between the parties, help you evaluate them, and assist in bridging the gap towards a workable settlement.
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Settlement Agreement: If an agreement is reached, the terms are drafted into a formal, legally binding settlement agreement, which is signed by all parties on the day. This document provides finality and concludes the dispute.
This process can be conducted in person at a neutral venue in London (such as in the City, Canary Wharf, or Holborn) or remotely using secure virtual platforms, providing flexibility for clients across the South East.
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The cost of mediation is transparent and agreed upon before the process begins. A clear quote will be provided once the nature and complexity of the dispute are understood.
The costs typically include:
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The Mediator's Fee: This is usually a fixed fee for a full day or a half-day mediation, which covers preparation time and the mediation session itself. The fee reflects the mediator's experience and the complexity of the case.
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Venue Hire: For in-person mediations, there may be a cost for hiring a neutral venue with private rooms in a convenient London location.
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Travel Expenses: If travel is required outside of Greater London to locations across the South East, these costs will be agreed in advance.
Who Pays?
It is standard practice for the parties involved in the dispute to share the mediator's fee and any associated venue costs equally. However, parties can agree to a different arrangement as part of their negotiations. Each party is responsible for paying for their own legal representation.
Opting for an online mediation can often reduce overall costs by eliminating the need for venue hire and travel expenses, offering an efficient solution for all parties.
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Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental pillar of the mediation process, and any resulting agreement is intended to be legally binding.
Confidentiality and "Without Prejudice"
The entire process is confidential and conducted on a "without prejudice" basis. This legal privilege means that any discussions, concessions, or offers made during mediation cannot be disclosed or used as evidence in any subsequent court proceedings if the dispute does not settle. This creates a secure environment where parties can speak openly and explore solutions without fear of jeopardising their legal position. As your mediator, I will not voluntarily disclose information from our private sessions to the other party or any third party, and my notes are for my use only and are destroyed after the mediation concludes.
Legally Binding Agreements
While the mediation discussions are not binding, the goal is to produce a binding settlement. If the parties reach an agreement, its terms are documented in a formal written contract, known as a Settlement Agreement. Once signed by all parties, this document becomes a legally binding and enforceable contract, providing a final and conclusive resolution to the dispute.
For matters already before the courts in London or elsewhere, the settlement can also be formalised through a specific court order, such as a Tomlin Order, which stays the legal proceedings on the agreed terms. This ensures the agreement has the full authority of the court.
Choosing mediation to resolve a dispute offers several significant advantages over more adversarial processes like court litigation or arbitration. For businesses and individuals, from SMEs in the South East to corporations in the City or Canary Wharf, these benefits can be crucial.
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Speed and Cost-Effectiveness: Mediation is significantly faster and more affordable than going to court. A dispute can often be resolved in a single day, avoiding the months or years of procedural steps, legal fees, and court costs associated with litigation.
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Confidentiality: Unlike public court proceedings, mediation is entirely private and confidential. This is vital for protecting commercial reputations, sensitive business information, and personal privacy, which is particularly important in complex workplace, insurance, or regulatory matters.
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Control and Flexibility: In mediation, you and the other party retain control over the outcome. A court imposes a decision, but a mediator helps you negotiate your own settlement. This allows for flexible and commercially pragmatic solutions that a judge may not have the power to order.
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Preservation of Relationships: Litigation is inherently adversarial and often destroys business or professional relationships. Mediation is a collaborative process focused on finding a mutually agreeable way forward, making it possible to preserve valuable commercial or workplace connections.
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High Success Rate: A vast majority of commercial mediations result in a settlement. The process is highly effective because it focuses on the underlying interests and commercial realities rather than just the strict legal rights and wrongs.
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Certainty of Outcome: A successful mediation concludes with a signed, legally binding settlement agreement. This provides immediate certainty and finality, eliminating the risk and stress of an uncertain judgment at trial.
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how mediation works
Mediation is a confidential, voluntary process for resolving disputes without the cost or stress of court. As an accredited mediator based in London, I help parties—from City firms to South East SMEs—negotiate practical settlements, often within a single day.
Is Mediation Right for You?
It’s ideal for commercial contracts, insurance claims, workplace issues, property, and regulatory matters. Mediation supports quicker, cost-effective resolutions while keeping control in your hands and relationships intact.
What to Expect:
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Flexible Format: Meet in-person at a central London location (City, Canary Wharf, Holborn), your premises in the South East, or online via secure virtual platforms.
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Structured, Simple Steps:
Pre-mediation call and agreement
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Exchange of brief position statements
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Opening joint session
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Private caucuses and negotiations
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Settlement formalities
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Cost-Efficient: Fixed day or half-day fees, with costs typically shared. Online mediation further reduces venue and travel expenses.
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Support Throughout: I manage the process impartially. Your legal advisors and decision-maker are welcome; my focus is on achieving a final, workable settlement.
Next Steps:
Contact me with a summary of your dispute and preferred dates. I’ll guide you through the process, from quoting to the mediation day, so you can move forward, with confidence.
Initial Consultation
We'll discuss your dispute confidentially and assess if mediation is the right fit.
Preparation
We'll gather and organise relevant documentation and help you prepare questions,statements, and focus your aims.
Mediation
We'll organise the session according to your needs and use the time to support you to narrow the issues and reach an agreement.
Resolution
We will work towards reaching an enforceable agreement that satisfies all parties.
Why Work With Nick?
Nick McMahon brings a wealth of experience as an accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator and qualified Solicitor.
With years of experience as a regulatory and litigation lawyer before becoming an accredited mediator, I understand the pressures and risks of disputes from your perspective, ensuring a process grounded in legal reality.
I prioritise commercial pragmatism over rigid legal standpoints, guiding parties toward workable and lasting settlements that make business sense.
My expertise spans a wide range of disputes—including complex commercial, insurance, workplace, and regulatory matters—allowing me to quickly grasp the core issues unique to your situation.
My approach is proactive and settlement-focused; I am persistent in helping you explore every avenue for agreement, ensuring the best possible chance of resolving your dispute on the day.
I offer a fully flexible service with options for in-person mediations across London and the South East, as well as secure and efficient online mediations to suit your convenience and budget.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
“A calm and reassuring presence for all his clients...”
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
“An excellent mediation facility and seamless service'”
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
“Very useful, highly professional”
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
“Nick McMahon is exceptional. Approachable, experienced, confident and knowledgeable as well as prompt and clear”
Contact Nick
Let's get you speaking to Nick and start your journey towards achieving resolution of your situation. Complete the online form or contact him using the details below.