“Mr Pye provides an excellent service and is always probing to find common ground. Yesterday was no different. We started miles apart and were able to reach a satisfactory outcome which saves both sides litigation costs and further distress.”
“He will always be our first choice.”
“Would definitely use Alistair again. He was well prepared, had clearly read and understood the papers, was direct with parties and applied pressure when needed. Without him I don’t believe we would have got a deal.”
“Alistair was a very effective mediator and spent the time setting out his role, delivering his insights and communicating the Claimant’s case to us in a polished and subtle manner. His experience shines through and he maintains openness with the parties that encourages and continues dialogue with him and the other side.”
“My clients were extremely grateful for the skilled way [Alistair] handled a very complex mediation, and to do so in such an empathetic fashion greatly helped them get through the day and to reach a successful conclusion.”
“Alistair got to grips with all of the issues involved and was extremely effective in his role. His unique style and no-nonsense approach helped the parties in reaching a deal. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending Alistair to others.”
“Alistair did a sterling job…[he] was helpful, interactive, inventive and won the trust of our client…I would be very happy to utilise his services in the future.”
“An all round excellent performance. Dealt with my vulerable client will care and dignity. Built a rapport swiftly. Achieved a very fair result through a lot of hard work on his part. Made it a pleasant experience for all involved on our side.”
"Would definitely use Alistair again. He was well prepared, had clearly read and understood the papers, was direct with parties and applied pressure when needed. Without him I don't believe we would have got a deal."
"I have employed Alistair Pye for a number of mediations. Alistair has his own style of mediating - he is certainly not a shuttle negotiator and works very hard to help the parties reach settlement. He does not give up easily but keeps trying to find common ground. I would definitely use and recommend Alistair again."
"The virtual mediation worked brilliantly. I would definitely propose it again and, in the future, would advocate mediation via video to avoid people having to travel from across the world to attend face-to-face."
"Alistair is a very effective communicator. I particularly liked the way that he starts the mediation - it is very useful to know what to expect from him, in terms of his approach and how he might challenge the parties. It then doesn't come as a surprise. Alistair is not afraid to get tough with the parties and sometimes that is just what a dispute needs."
"I thought Alistair was brilliant. It was a testing day and I know Alistair worked really hard to get where we got to. I had heard good things about Alistair previously and now having used him I would recommend him and certainly try to secure him for my future mediations." (Associate, Law firm, December 2019)
"Alistair was excellent, he very quickly identified the key individuals who should meet to discuss the issues in dispute. This lead to progressive settlement discussions promptly, which is key in any mediation."
"Alistair was excellent. Extremely commercial and successfully got the parties to engage. In particular difficult points, Alistair used his experienced to take the conflict and heat out of the discussion so that it was more conciliatory"
"Alistair was very good - pragmatic and has helped to bring the parties together."
"Excellent. Well prepared. Succinct. Practical. Presented the process and positions well to client. Plenary sessions well guided."
“Alistair Pye is a magician: an intractable dispute, resolved, with smiles and handshakes. His decisions as to how the parties could begin – and maintain – a dialogue were pitch perfect.”
“Alistair Pye is a very skilled operator. I was seriously impressed with his style. Whilst he was sympathetic to the participants, he was not prepared to put up with prevarication and posturing. Because of his personality, he was able to inculcate a sense of realism amongst the participants and, as a result, was able to drive forward a settlement to a problem that appeared, on more than one occasion, intractable. All in all, a privilege to watch.”
"The virtual mediation worked brilliantly. I would definitely propose it again and, in the future, would advocate mediation via video to avoid people having to travel from across the world to attend face-to-face." (City Law Firm Partner, April 2020)
"Alistair is a very effective communicator. I particularly liked the way that he starts the mediation - it is very useful to know what to expect from him, in terms of his approach and how he might challenge the parties. It then doesn't come as a surprise. Alistair is not afraid to get tough with the parties and sometimes that is just what a dispute needs." (City Law Firm Partner, April 2020)
"I thought Alistair was brilliant. It was a testing day and I know Alistair worked really hard to get where we got to. I had heard good things about Alistair previously and now having used him I would recommend him and certainly try to secure him for my future mediations." (Associate, Law firm, December 2019)
"Alistair was excellent, he very quickly identified the key individuals who should meet to discuss the issues in dispute. This lead to progressive settlement discussions promptly, which is key in any mediation." (City Law firm, September 2019)
"Alistair was excellent. Extremely commercial and successfully got the parties to engage. In particular difficult points, Alistair used his experienced to take the conflict and heat out of the discussion so that it was more conciliatory" (City Law firm, June 2019)
"Alistair was very good - pragmatic and has helped to bring the parties together." (Associate City Law firm, April 2019)
"Excellent. Well prepared. Succinct. Practical. Presented the process and positions well to client. Plenary sessions well guided." (Consultant, Regional Law firm February 2018)
“Thank you for your monumental efforts today, much appreciated by my client, counsel and myself. I am sure that it would not have settled without your input. I have no hesitation in recommending you and you are welcome to use that endorsement as you wish. ” Partner representing a party in an inheritance dispute (early 2017).
“The day proved as hard fought and entertaining as we had anticipated, but [we] were delighted to have achieved a sensible outcome. Very many thanks for all of your own efforts and expertise in this regard. I know that we had a few robust conversations in our room, but I imagine that those in the other room were far more challenging for you, and we are extremely grateful for all of your input in helping to deliver the deal”. Partner representing a party in a contract dispute, 2017.
"Mediator was fantastic. Really read the situation and the parties well and came up with the best way to reach settlement." Law firm client, July 2017.
“Alistair Pye is friendly but businesslike and exceptionally good at securing a deal - quickly.” Partner representing a party in a commercial dispute, 2017
“Alistair's skills as a mediator helped settle this farming family dispute which had been rumbling for 46 years. It was a complex case with many holes in the evidence but I am thrilled that it settled.” Partner representing a party in a farming dispute, 2017
“Alistair was excellent on this case and really helped to move things along as we only had limited time.” Partner representing a party in a commercial dispute, 2016
“Very impressed with Mr Pye. He quickly got a good grasp of the issues but remained completely neutral throughout the whole process. This was a difficult and emotive matter and he reacted to that, ensuring that the appropriate method of mediation was used at all times”. Partner representing one of the parties in an inheritance and property dispute, November 2015.
“Excellent - dealt fairly and appropriately with a very complicated and fractious dispute and did a fantastic job in securing a settlement. He was just what we needed and, importantly secured the claimant’s trust”. Associate representing one of the parties in an exceptionally complex, multi-party construction dispute, October 2015.
“Alistair had an excellent approach towards my client and spoke persuasively and straightforwardly…We would certainly use him again”. Partner representing one of the parties in a commercial dispute, September 2015.
“Alistair is my go-to mediator for all disputes”. Solicitor representing one of the parties in a commercial dispute, September 2015.
“Alistair is one of my favourite mediators because he always cuts to the chase as soon as possible. Discussions beforehand are always focused and constructive, but still challenging. On the day, my client attended with no legal advisor and said Alistair's supportive but balanced input made the whole process so much easier. The outcome we achieved was way beyond what we had hoped for, and the other party was very happy too. Dialogue was re-established between the parties so hopefully any future issues can be nipped in the bud. Don't you just love mediation??!!!” Partner acting in a neighbour dispute, April 2015.
"Alistair was excellent - he was fair and calm throughout. He asked difficult questions and challenged the parties but in a non aggressive way. His tactic of 2 offers then a final offer really focused everyone and meant that we all moved quickly to focus on the settlement and not to spend hours discussing facts that would never be agreed." Partner acting for widow in insurance claim for death in service benefit, March 2015.
“Daunting boundary dispute with difficult personalities involved. Alistair was very good at judging when to advise parties to back off and when to give them a clear talking to.” Partner acting in complex land dispute, March 2015.
“Alistair Pye – calm, credible, friendly, focussed and sufficiently assertive to get the deal done. Solicitor with 25 + years Civil Lit experience. Heavyweight. Suitable for high value (£100k plus) mediations where senior people are involved.” Partner recommending Alistair to colleagues following mediation, December 2014.
"Thank you Alistair. From a longstanding stalemate and with both parties position seemingly firmly entrenched, in challenging circumstances the work you provided in unlocking the dispute was excellent.We’d certainly have no hesitation in recommending your appointment in the future." Managing Director of large cleaning supplies company, October 2014.
"Excellent. The dispute would not have settled without the efforts of the mediator." Partner representing company in commercial dispute, September 2014.
“Alistair was excellent and trigger settlement and moved the parties by managing them well. Top class performance in a difficult dispute.” Partner representing client in a commercial dispute, August 2014.
“I would very much like to thank Alistair for his commitment, hard work, and the excellent result I think he achieved for everyone so far as I am concerned. It was not an easy mediation to have taken on given the number of parties and the initially entrenched positions taken - Alistair saw it through to the end - his experience and tact was clearly apparent to me and I am sure to everyone else. Thank you Alistair!” Partner representing one of the parties in a highly sensitive mediation of a multi-party defamation dispute, June 2014.
“Approachable, commercial and involved. Did an excellent job.” Partner commenting after mediation of an IP dispute, March 2014.
“Excellent as usual.” Solicitor commenting after successful mediation of a commercial dispute, March 2014.
“Many thanks for your excellent work on Wednesday which I really do think motivated the finish line being crossed…I come across a number of mediators in different areas from time to time, and I have to say that I found your approach very impressive – not so much the order of events (plenary, one-on-ones, sealed bids etc) which tend to feature in many mediations, but the bits in between. We could all have spent all day regurgitating the last 10 years of history between the clients, but you were able to firmly focus minds on the object of the exercise – trying to get a deal cut.” Principal of niche IP practice referring to the mediation of an IP/confidentiality dispute, February 2014.
“Alistair was extremely helpful, particularly in encouraging an atmosphere of "let's cut to the chase" which avoided hours spent salami slicing offers back and forth. I would certainly use him again and have recommended him to my colleagues as he was fully on top of the facts (which were tortuous) and the legal issues.” Associate of large commercial practice referring to the mediation of a professional negligence dispute, December 2013.
“As always, Alistair was approachable, professional and effective.” Partner of a London commercial property practice following successful mediation of a commercial property dispute, October 2013.
“Alistair Pye was excellent….” Partner commenting on successful mediation of an inheritance dispute, October 2013.
“Excellent - calm, patient, good insight and understanding of the legal and practical arguments, the diffusing of high emotions and the egos of the too numerous lawyers involved. He had to read a great deal of paperwork on short notice.” Partner of a Cardiff commercial practice commenting after successful mediation of a complex construction dispute, October 2013.
“Alistair Pye was great. Have used him twice this year.” Partner of national commercial practice following successful mediation of a commercial dispute, September 2013.
“Alistair was excellent, and his help was much appreciated.” Partner commenting following mediation of an employment dispute, June 2013.
“Alistair Pye was excellent. Proactive throughout and in the build up to the mediation. I would definitely use him again.” Partner following successful mediation of inheritance dispute, May 2013.
“Excellent closure skills.” Partner of commercial practice following mediation of a partnership dispute, March 2013.
"Alistair Pye is a magician: an intractable dispute, resolved, with smiles and handshakes. His decisions as to how the parties could begin - and maintain - a dialogue were pitch perfect." Barrister representing a party in an exceptionally acrimonious neighbour / harassment / property dispute, November 2012.
“Both David and I were impressed by the way the mediation was run and in particular the way in which you brought the parties together cut through a lot of the rubbish and posturing (on both sides) and bang on time as well.” Partner of a large commercial practice following successful mediation of a commercial property dispute, November 2012.
“Alistair was an excellent mediator and the clients were very pleased to have him around to solve the thorny issue.” Partner following mediation of a commercial dispute, October 2012.
“Just a note to thank you for your efforts in helping to bring this matter to resolution yesterday…Your approach was what was needed between two parties led by forceful and determined characters.” Partner following mediation of a commercial dispute, October 2012.
“Thank you for yesterday and whilst a settlement was not achievable, I was impressed with your firm but tactful approach to a delicate situation.” Solicitor following mediation of a property dispute, October 2012.
“Alistair was fantastic on the day….I was very unhopeful of reaching a settlement through mediation as this was the second mediation that had taken place in the case. However Alistair seemed to approach the matter logically and realistically, having a firm and concise grasp of the issues in the case and was committed to progressing matters between the parties continuously throughout the day. He took time to explain the outcomes and effects of continuing to trial. That we started the day so far apart in terms of an acceptable settlement, and finished the day having settled with signed heads of agreement, is testament to Alistair's professionalism, determination and natural ability to mediate so well. I would like to thank Alistair very much for his hard work on the day and would have no hesitation in recommending him.” Solicitor following mediation of a complex property/boundary dispute, October 2012.
“This was our third Mediation with Alistair Pye – and like good wine he just gets better with age!” Consultant representing party to land dispute, September 2012.
“I thought your approach to the mediation was exactly right, and the case wouldn't have settled without your involvement.” Partner following settlement of employment dispute, May 2012.
"Alistair's patience, determination and skill helped to avert an abortive mediation in a very difficult, multi-faceted case where the parties were literally miles apart, and turn the outcome to something that the parties could accept. Alistair gave 110% and deserves to be praised for his innovative, imaginative style and human touch. A skilled negotiator who does not want to give up when the odds are against a successful result; someone who understands people and gets to grip with the essentials.” Partner representing party to long-standing housing association dispute, May 2012.
“Alistair was excellent at winkling out the important points and drilling down into the detail.” Partner following mediation of a commercial dispute, April 2012.
“…second time we have used Alistair for mediation-excellent on each occasion.” Partner following mediation of a residential tenancy dispute. February 2012.
“Alistair was impressive and was instrumental in the parties reaching an agreement.” Solicitor following mediation of commercial property dispute, October 2011.
“Alistair Pye is a very skilled operator. I was seriously impressed with his style. Whilst he was sympathetic to the participants, he was not prepared to put up with prevarication and posturing. Because of his personality, he was able to inculcate a sense of realism amongst the participants and, as a result, was able to drive forward a settlement to a problem that appeared, on more than one occasion, intractable. All in all, a privilege to watch." Barrister following settlement of a partnership dispute, October 2011.
“I have used Alistair Pye as mediator in four recent mediations, and I have been more than happy with his approach and method. He is careful in his preparation and arrives having assimilated all the facts. He has a relaxed but business-like style, putting the parties at their ease. He is proactive in his approach, not being afraid to spell out the consequences of not settling and the advantages of coming to an agreement. And finally he is willing, when required, to take a tough line with parties – and their representatives – who fail to take a constructive approach to the mediation process. The result has been a high success rate in terms of settlement, and I certainly plan to use Alistair’s services again in the future.” Partner of a large south coast regional practice.
“Alistair is a very experienced and eminently practical mediator who can see straight to the heart of the matter. He is enthusiastic and genuinely interested in the dispute and will see a way forward when others can only see a dead end. His incisive questions ensure that the mediation does not stagnate. Alistair is very calm and focused even when all else is chaos and is very responsive to new situations. He is a rock of stability when emotions are running high.” Barrister following settlement of a commercial dispute.
“I commend you for asking direct, possibly difficult questions; you seemed to really help to probe the merits of each party’s case. Other mediators have been more passive and so less effective. I believe that your input was vital.” Solicitor for a party of a construction dispute.
"The mediator was deceptively laid back and hid a bite that concentrated minds and settled a difficult and complex case. As proof of that, it took four lawyers three-and-a-half hours to draw up the Tomlin Order after settlement had been reached.” Partner representing party to a partnership dispute.
“I was extremely impressed with Alistair’s consummate ability to keep the negotiations focused toward settlement. His skill in preventing the discussions dwelling on unhelpful or irrelevant topics saved considerable time and expense to all those involved.” Mediation observer
"Without his assistance, this seven-year-old dispute would not have settled.”
"… an excellent communicator..."
“The first mediation I have attended where the claim settled before the preliminary meeting – and I suspect the last!”
“A natural... Excellent grasp of the issues, great with the clients.”
“… excellent throughout the mediation, from the pre-mediation communication to the conduct of the day’s negotiations.”
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