Profile

Paul Johnson is one of the leading independent mediators in the UK.  

His work as an independent mediator has been variously described by The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, and parties as: “brilliant”, “sensational”, with a “wonderful understated” and “affable manner” that “belies his steely determination and intelligence” together with a “skill and expertise” that “inspires confidence in the process” and “makes mediation appear easy”. 

He is one of the most experienced independent mediators in the UK, having mediated over 1000 disputes.

He qualified as a solicitor in 1990 and became one of the senior commercial litigation partners and head of corporate recovery and insolvency at Pannone LLP.  In 2006, he left partnership and his solicitor practice to focus solely on mediation.  To assist that change, he transferred to the Bar.  From 2006 he was a tenant at Kings Chambers (Manchester) until he moved to Exchange Chambers (Manchester) in 2017.  In 2022 he moved his main practice Serle Court Chambers in London (www.serlecourt.co.uk) where he is now a full tenant (having been an associate since 2008).  He remains a mediator and door tenant at Exchange Chambers.  He is also a member of the ADR Committee of the Bar Council and a member of the Sport Resolution panel of mediators.

Reflecting on the decision to be a professional independent mediator, Paul says:

“In 2006, I decided to leave partnership in a law firm to pursue a career as a professional independent mediator.  At that time, my broad view was that mediation would become an integral part of the litigation landscape.  Such thoughts were borne from my considerable experience as a litigation lawyer and the sensitive feeling that the litigation process from its beginning to a conclusion at trial often failed to provide parties the proper and considered opportunity to resolve their challenging disputes in a meaningful and cost effective way.  

In my role as an independent mediator, I endeavour to create a confidential and focused environment for parties to reflect on the dispute and consider how they could agree solutions that work.  

I would like to think I that I have helped thousands of litigants achieve settlements that have enabled them (whether they be individuals or commercial entities) to progress from the dispute, both professionally and personally.   

For me, taking the step to be an independent mediator was the best professional decision I have made.  I find the challenge of helping parties resolve disputes hugely satisfying.  The desire to help was part of me when I first became a lawyer and remains at the core of my work as an independent mediator.”

Paul’s success rate as a mediator is around 90%.  If the only benchmark of settlements mediated by Paul is the quantum of legal costs saved by the parties then such amount will be over £300m.