Areas of expertise
Professional Negligence
Claims involving solicitors, surveyors, accountants, architects and other professional advisers.
Introduction
Professional negligence claims combine a difficult legal analysis — duty, breach, causation and loss — with something more personal. The claimant feels badly let down; the professional's reputation and insurance record are at stake.
Most claims are conducted through insurers and panel solicitors, which adds a layer of authority levels, reserves and reporting to the negotiation.
What we cover
- Solicitors and barristers
- Surveyors and valuers
- Accountants and auditors
- Architects and engineers
- Financial advisers, brokers and other professionals
Why mediation?
These claims are document-heavy and expert-driven, and costs escalate quickly. Mediation allows breach and causation to be examined confidentially, without the exposure of a public trial or a reported judgment.
It also gives the claimant something litigation rarely provides: the chance to be heard directly, and sometimes an explanation or acknowledgement that matters as much as the money.
How ProMediate can help
Several of our panel have practised in professional risk and insurance work and understand how insurers assess a claim, set reserves and obtain authority. We plan the day around those realities.
We test each side's assessment of prospects privately and realistically, help bridge the gap between reserve and expectation, and can accommodate structured settlements, contribution between defendants and confidentiality terms.
Why choose ProMediate?
An experienced panel
Barristers, solicitors and senior professionals who have mediated across the full range of commercial, civil and workplace disputes.
CMC Registered Provider
ProMediate is a Civil Mediation Council Registered Mediation Provider, working to recognised professional and complaints standards.
Nationwide coverage
We arrange mediations throughout England and Wales, at a venue convenient to the parties or at our own arranged rooms.
Online and face to face
Full online mediation on Teams or Zoom, hybrid sessions and traditional in-person days — whichever suits the dispute.
Flexible appointments
Evening, weekend and short-notice appointments are available, and most mediations can be arranged within two to three weeks.
Confidential throughout
The process is private and without prejudice. Nothing said in the mediation can be used later if the matter does not settle.
Commercial and pragmatic
We focus on outcomes that work in practice — payment terms, future arrangements and clean settlements — not on winning arguments.
Frequently asked questions
- Will the insurer attend?
- Usually a claims handler attends or is available by telephone with authority. We confirm authority levels before the day so time is not wasted.
- Does mediating suggest an admission?
- No. Mediation is without prejudice and agreeing to mediate is not an admission of liability. The courts expect parties to consider it.
- Can an apology form part of the settlement?
- Yes, where the professional is willing. Non-financial terms of this kind often unlock a settlement.
Request a mediation
Request a mediation, ask for a quotation or speak to our team about this dispute. Tell us briefly what has happened and we will suggest suitable mediators, available dates and a fixed fee — usually within one working day.