ISSUE SPOTLIGHT: LEGAL SERVICES


ISSUE SPOTLIGHT


MEDIATION CAN BE BETTER THAN LITIGATION


Focus Mediation has outlined the difference between mediation and litigation and is encouraging people in dispute to consider mediation rather than heading straight for a fight. Managing director and lead


mediator Mary Banham-Hall said: “I’m often asked the difference between mediation and legal services and why I gave up being a solicitor to mediate. Well, firstly, I still hold my solicitor’s practising certificate and keep up-to- date with the law. It’s a solid foundation for effective mediation. “So what is the difference


between mediation and legal services? “Lawyers advise what is in


your best interests and will seek to get the best possible settlement terms for your dispute. There will normally be at least two parties and with a minimum of two lawyers trying to get the best deal. “This adversarial negotiation


costs time and money – sometimes helping you avoid catastrophic mistakes, but sometimes the costs exceed the benefit and a more commercial view must be taken. Mediators use interest-based negotiation to help people work out what is best for them.” Mary added: “Mediation can


take into account non-legal issues, so is more likely to result in that Holy Grail – the ‘Win Win’ solution. Relationships, whether business or family, are more likely to survive mediation than litigation, as you do not become opponents in a fight. “So if you have a business,


employment, workplace or family dispute, we have much more to offer than a fight.”


Call: 01908 231132 Visit: www.focus- mediation.co.uk


22 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2018


Tollers Solicitors Milton Keynes have announced a new addition to the firm’s Commercial Services Business Unit. Craig Harrison has joined the


firm as a partner and head of the firm’s corporate and commercial team. Craig is based in Tollers’ Milton Keynes office and will manage the firm’s corporate and commercial operation across all of the Tollers offices. Craig is a highly


accomplished corporate solicitor and brings a wealth of experience to the team, having spent over 17 years acting for corporates, professionals and owner managed businesses both in London and the surrounding Home Counties. In these roles he provided advice, guidance and support across a wide range of corporate transactions including mergers and acquisitions, investments, share buybacks, share option schemes, financing arrangements and joint ventures.


‘CLIENTS


OFTEN WANT MUCH MORE THAN


TRADITIONAL LEGAL ADVICE’


L-R: Gary Tait, Craig Harrison and Duncan Nicholson Craig said: “I am relishing


the opportunity to work with the team


at Tollers. I recognise that in such a fast-moving legal


climate, clients often want much more than traditional legal advice. “Commerciality in approach is


what many clients now demand and at Tollers we can deliver a seamless service with a commitment to providing solutions


and ensuring that our clients make the most of their opportunities.” As head of the corporate and


commercial team, Craig’s vision is to build on Tollers’ successful history of supporting businesses by creating a cohesive team of lawyers that deliver commercially astute and client focused advice to Tollers business clients.


Call: 01604 258558 Email: craig.harrison@tollers.co.uk


LAW FIRM MOVES TO NEW OFFICES


Pictons Solicitors have moved into new state-of-the- art offices in Central Milton Keynes. The law firm, offering legal advice for you, your


family and your business, is now based at Witan Studios, in Witan Gate West, which boasts an on-site cafe, designer desks and chairs, secure bike storage and a central location. Pictons’ managing partner, Sukh Saini, said: “One of


our areas of expertise is employment law and we know that happy workers are much more productive. “In fact, research has shown that employees who are


happy at work are 12% more productive. As a leading regional law firm, we believe in giving our people the best working environment.” The new offices also provide a pleasant environment


for visitors, clients and contacts. Sukh added: “This office move is a testament to our


commitment and continued growth in Milton Keynes and with such pleasant surroundings I’m sure that our Milton Keynes team will continue to thrive.”


The Chamber highlights the LEGAL SERVICES available to local businesses


NEW CORPORATE HEAD FOR LOCAL SOLICITORS


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