Patrick Walker

Consistently ranked in tier 1 in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 directories, and with excellent feedback including in video mediations, Patrick is one of the UK’s busiest mediators.

Whilst in private practice, Patrick specialised in property law and has earned a reputation as a leader in that field, appearing in all courts, the Lands Tribunal and the Agricultural Land Tribunal. He has experience as a Recorder and Deputy High Court Judge and now mediates full time. With over 25 years’ experience as a mediator he mediates most types of commercial disputes together with contentious probate and trust disputes and is frequently struck by the contrast between disillusioned parties at trial and satisfied parties at mediation. Legal directory references note that he provides 'everything you want from a mediator' and manages to combine 'a measured professional and firm' approach with a 'light, friendly and inclusive' touch. He brings a highly-informed and pragmatic approach to all disputes including property, broad commercial disputes and family and trust matters'.

Patrick conducts mediations with perception and authority in both his specialist field of property law and in a wide variety of commercial disputes including intellectual property and statutory undertakers and in areas as diverse as personal injury, nuisance and family and trust matters.  He is experienced in multiparty disputes and is equally used to working with Leading Counsel or litigants in person.  He works nationally and has a high success rate.

With thorough and detailed preparation, Patrick aims to grasp the key issues quickly and  ‘hit the ground running’. He develops rapport with an assured but relaxed style, blending gravitas with a good sense of humour. He makes no apologies for rigorous reality testing in each room. He is flexible and is always looking for different ways to bring the parties closer together. He is pragmatic and approachable.

Agriculture

Aviation

Breach of contract

Clinical Negligence

Commercial contracts

Construction & property

Corporate recovery

Distribution, agency & licensing

Energy, oil & gas

Engineering

Environment

Fraud, deceit & conversion

Information technology (IT)

Insolvency

Insurance

Intellectual property, trademark, patents & copyright

Landlord & tenant

Licensing

Manufacturing

Mining

Mortgage lending

Partnership disputes

Pensions & insurance mis-selling

Pensions & life assurance

Planning & local government

Professional negligence

Retail

Rights of way, boundaries & adverse possession

Shareholder disputes

Sale of goods

Sale of goods and services

Shareholder disputes

Statutory authorities

Telecom

Transport & infrastructure planning

Transport & logistics

Trespass & nuisance

Trusts, wills, probate and inheritance

Undue influence

Water industry

The most recent editions of the directories say the following about Patrick:

Legal 500 2026, Band 1:

‘A first-rate and highly capable mediator for complex cases and multi-party disputes’, Patrick Walker at IPOS Mediation has ’an excellent track record. He is always fully prepared and understands the issues in play, and he doesn’t miss an opportunity to explore alternative ways in which to resolve a dispute’. A full-time and longstanding mediator, Walker mediates a vast range of commercial disputes, in relation to share purchase agreements, partnerships, commercial contracts and insurance. Experienced in multi-party mediations, Walker further covers contentious probate and trust conflicts, along with IP, personal injury and family business-related cases. He is also a well-known property law specialist.

Legal 500, 2025, Band 1:

A longstanding commercial mediator, Patrick Walker is ’quickly able to establish a rapport with parties and build up trust in the room with his confident and assuring manner. His no-nonsense attitude means that both sides take a realistic approach when it matters’. Walker conducts mediations within both his specialist area of property law and a range of commercial disputes. Examples include mediations concerning IP, statutory undertakers, personal injury, nuisance, and family and trust matters. Working at national levels, Walker is also experienced in multiparty disputes, and additionally sits part-time as Recorder and Deputy High Court Judge.

Legal 500, 2024, Band 1:

‘The most effective and easiest mediator to work with on the circuit‘, Patrick Walker's ‘ability to deal with clients is truly first rate‘. Walker maintains bases in both London and Leeds, but is also an active provider of online mediations. With an enviable property and commercial background, Walker’s current mediation practice encompasses professional negligence, contentious probate, and share purchase and construction disputes. As a full time mediator, Walker mediates frequently high-value matters twice or three times a week; and recent mediations include a bankruptcy-related claim and the unlawful roof space development at a London high-rise.

Legal 500, 2023, Band 1:

Qualified as a mediator in 1997, Patrick Walker is ‘always well prepared and quickly hones in on the real issues – great attention to detail, patience and persistence.‘ He works from bases in both London and Leeds, and is now firmly established as a provider of online mediations; and since March 2020, Walker has completed over 200 online mediations nationally and abroad. With a substantial property and commercial background, he currently mediates a wide variety of disputes, in relation to professional negligence, contentious probate, share purchases and construction. Recent work includes Covid-19-related lockdown property and commercial disputes, as well as cladding and other high-rise safety issues.

Legal 500, 2022, Band 1:

A full-time mediator since 2016, Patrick Walker 'gives every confidence that he is in control of the mediation process - he is calm and firm in dealing with the various parties, and in trying to identify areas that could be catalysts for discussions'. Previously working throughout the UK from bases in London and Leeds, Walker now operates exclusively online as a result of the pandemic, serving clients both in the UK and abroad. Typically mediating two or three times a week, his areas of specialism include professional negligence, contentious probate, share purchases and construction.

Legal 500, 2021, Band 1:

Patrick Walker is ‘a particular favourite and go-to mediator for property disputes. He goes above and beyond, and directs the parties skilfully to the heart of the dispute‘. Working from bases in London and Leeds, and as a full-time mediator since 2016, Walker typically mediates two or three times a week, with his workload increasingly including two-day mediations and high-value disputes. He has a significant property and commercial background, and mediates in a wide variety of matters that frequently concern professional negligence, contentious probate, share purchases and construction issues. Examples of Walker’s mediations include a contested long lease for a chapel and the wing of a stately home, marina and boating rights work, partnership issues for dentists and doctors, and multimedia and advertising hoarding lease disputes.

Legal 500, 2020, Band 1:

Patrick Walker is ‘an exceptional mediator, who is easy to work with, trustworthy and focused – his no-nonsense approach is to be admired and he is skilful in handling difficult clients’. Walker has a significant property and commercial background and has worked full time as a mediator since 2016; he is highly regarded for his mediation of disputes, including professional negligence, contentious probate, share purchases and construction matters.

Legal 500, 2019, Band 1:

'Playing out his role very articulately, fairly and confidently', Patrick Walker is 'a very professional mediator who is measured and well versed in legal principles and he fully appreciates and delivers to the client the commerciality of settlement over litigation'.

Chambers and Partners 2025, Band 1:

Patrick Walker enjoys a sterling reputation as a mediator. His practice is active in professional negligence, fraud and contentious probate disputes, and he displays particular strength in high-value cases concerning property. "Patrick is a really good guy to work with. He is highly intelligent and has a great manner." "He has really in-depth knowledge of property law. He is also easy to deal with and has a skill for finding ways to resolve a dispute." "He's very knowledgeable, puts the pressure on when it's appropriate and can react to situations well."

Chambers and Partners, 2024, Band 1:

Patrick Walker enjoys a sterling reputation as a mediator. His practice is active in professional negligence, fraud and contentious probate disputes, and he displays particular strength in cases concerning property. "He is very helpful in bringing people together who aren't usually inclined to work together." "He's great and can manage the parties really well." "Patrick is my go-to mediator I like to use. He's very good and sits as a judge, so he understands the subject matter of disputes. He's very good at establishing a rapport with pretty much everyone and is able to spend time with different personalities, finding a way to connect with them and build trust." 

Chambers and Partners, 2023, Band 1:

Patrick Walker enjoys a sterling reputation as a mediator. His practice is active in professional negligence, fraud and contentious probate disputes, and displays particular strength in cases concerning property. "He has a great track record and is one of the top mediators in the country." "He has a great deal of experience and sits as a part-time judge, which helps his views on matters land well with clients. He is patient and thorough." "He is well prepared, impartial and good at gaining trust. He gently guides people in the right direction."

Chambers and Partners, 2022, Band 1:

Patrick Walker enjoys a sterling reputation as a mediator. His practice is active in professional negligence, fraud and contentious probate disputes, and displays particular strength in cases concerning property."He works really hard to get the settlement and can gain the trust of both sides." "Patrick is an excellent mediator - he had a firm grasp of the legal issues and the factual background of the case, which was essential in helping him to navigate the dispute."

Chambers and Partners, 2021, Band 1:

Patrick Walker of IPOS Mediation enjoys a sterling reputation as a mediator. His practice is active in professional negligence, fraud and contentious probate disputes, and displays particular strength in cases concerning property."Patrick is attuned to the personalities involved, very well prepared and able to gain the trust of clients."

Chambers and Partners, 2020, Band 1:

Highly regarded for his work in significant mediations and demonstrates recognised expertise in property cases. His practice exhibits broader strength in professional negligence, probate and fraud disputes. Clients say: “He quickly establishes a rapport and goes above and beyond to settle a case. He’s excellent.” 

Chambers and Partners, 2019, Band 1:

"He's unbelievable at getting results in difficult situations; he's very objective and has high emotional intelligence so understands people." 

Lexology Index (formerly Who's Who Legal) 2025, Commercial Mediation:

“Patrick is a real leader in the field” “He is very responsive and supportive”

Who's Who Legal 2019:

Recognised as a leading mediator.

1997 – present: Independent commercial mediator

1979-1999 – Leeds Chambers and founder member Chancery House Chambers

2004- present – Recorder (Civil) and Deputy High Court Judge

CEDR accredited ADR Group accredited IMI accredited

Online and in-person mediation feedback

"Ahead of the mediation Patrick was extremely accommodating in respect of submission of the position statements/bundle, which helped on this case. On the day he was excellent in coordinating the parties and I felt his approach was well received. The joint session was longer than I have previously experienced/might have expected, but allowed us to cover ground quite quickly and move towards offers." 5th May 2026

"The mediator was outstanding. Clearly all over the details of the matter and the positions of both parties. Engaging and fair in all discussions and got the balance between speaking with the parties and giving time for reflection/discussion just right. Undoubtedly his approach helped to arriving at a settlement." 19th June 2025

"Patrick came highly recommended by a highly credible source, and did not disappoint. Patrick was highly engaged, disciplined, co-operative, collaborative and firm all in one – I don’t know how he spun all those plates – it was an impressive experience." 29th January 2025

"I have nothing but high praise for how Patrick handled the day, and he is undoubtedly one of the best mediators that I have used."

Patrick was well prepared, and ahead of mediation he had digested admirable amounts of the long-running case and its factual nuances. He gave each party the space they needed to make the points they wished to, but was rigorous in challenging statements where necessary and encouraging each party to see the risks ahead of it. With his input, we would able to bridge a considerable gap between the parties' positions to reach a resolution."

Patrick was also extremely personable and did very well at putting the client at ease, and ensuring the client felt fully listened to." 23rd September 2024 

"Patrick's assistance was a pivotal factor in the success of the mediation. Patrick knew how to pinpoint the areas upon which to build an agreement, and focus the parties towards the goal." 21st August 2024 

"Patrick was hugely helpful throughout this entire process. He was highly focused and was helpful in managing both the group sessions and one to one meetings. Very professional, experienced and calm. He picked up key issues quickly. I would like to thank Patrick for his professionalism and hard work for assisting in resolving my client's case."

"My first experience of Patrick and I very much doubt my last. He is an exceptionally talented mediator who possesses that magic touch which distinguishes those who would like to be successful and those who are successful mediators." 16th November 2023

"I was very impressed with Patrick and he was extremely useful in enabling us to settle the matter on the day. I felt that he took on board our comments/concerns at the outset  and also challenged us on some of our arguments. He was a pleasure to work with and I know that both our insured client and insurers were impressed and thought highly of him." 14th November 2023

“Patrick came highly recommended as a mediator and did not disappoint. Patrick was clearly very well prepared and was on top of all of the key details in this complex group litigation with multiple heads of claim. He took the time to meet the legal representatives in advance to ensure that the multi-day mediation got off to a clear start on the first day. Patrick understood the need to listen and allow the parties to get matters off their chest as a necessary part of the mediation process. He was quickly able to establish a rapport with the parties and build up trust in the room with his confident and assuring manner. His no-nonsense attitude meant that both sides took a realistic approach when it mattered. Patrick’s skilful approach guided the parties to achieve settlement on all issues, in two thirds of the time that had been allocated for the mediation. 5/5” 13th & 14th March 2023

“Patrick Walker continues to be perhaps the most relaxed and indeed best communicator operating. It is a huge assistance to have his input and the openness of the discussions that he engages in with clients. 5/5. Pre-mediation, mediation and indeed post-mediation administration were all first rate 5/5.” 14th February 2023

“Patrick is an exceptional mediator, well ahead of the game and his competitors. Absolutely first rate and his amazing skill and gravitas helped to get the deal done in a very difficult case. The clients were very relieved and pleased 5/5. Admin was excellent, very straight forward, on time and well organised 5/5.” 14th February 2023

“Patrick was recommended by many of my colleagues and I was interested to see Patrick’s overall approach to mediation. Patrick managed to successfully encourage a constructive and positive dialogue, whilst equally testing our respective positions. Patrick was extremely enthusiastic and engaging which I believe in turn assisted both parties on achieving an excellent result. The use of ‘break out’ rooms and other functions made the mediation a very practical, efficient and user friendly experience. I would have no hesitation in utilising video mediation again in the future. 5/5” 9th and 10th January 2023

“Very well prepared. Excellent approach. Personable. I particularly like that Patrick challenges the parties and their positions. Too many mediators suffer from a blind “facilitation syndrome”. Patrick gets properly stuck in. The impression is that he genuinely cares.” The video mediation process is my preferred forum. Better (and more effective) than in-person. Allows a more productive dynamic. Reduces contention. IT process is faultless, easy and efficient. Idiot proof. 4.5/5” 9th and 10th January 2023

“Patrick was fair, concise, and efficient throughout.  He put the client at ease, which really helped the process.  Very impressed. The familiarisation session offered was helpful and made me more confident to deal with the technology over the two days.  Would definitely recommend. 5/5” 9th and 10th January 2023

"Patrick was very relaxed and engaging and this helped put our clients at ease. We felt that Patrick was very prepared, and that he had just the right balance as to the detail." 29th September 2022

“Very good, thorough, had read the papers well and engaged well with the client. The video mediation process is excellent. There really is no difference between in person and video other than the benefit of video being that there are no delays in the commencement of the mediation. All round a much easier process and something that people should not be frightened of doing. 5/5” 30th November 2021

"Patrick was a safe pair of hands, very authoritative and could draw on a clear wealth of experience to win the trust and respect of the parties. Due to this we were able to reach a settlement. Would definitely recommend Patrick to other connection." 19th November 2021

“Clearly experienced and assured and, while with a light touch on the face of it, kept a firm hand on the mediation to keep it going with due pressure whenever needed.  We needed persuasion to mediate by video, due to poor previous experience in the covid period, but (to our pleasant surprise) the mediation process was not impaired. All worked smoothly technically and practically.  Settlement of the claim was reached by  mid-afternoon.  Significant progress was also made on a wider non-litigated issue between the parties. 5/5”  15th  September 2021

“I have mediated with a number of top tier mediators and Patrick stands out head and shoulders above the others. He is always very well prepared, which allows the mediation to progress constructively from the outset. Patrick will ask the right questions, “stress test” the evidence and play the devil’s advocate and always manages to conducts himself a firm but considered and compassionate manner. I would highly recommend Patrick as a mediator.  The video mediation process is extremely effective, to the point that I see it as the norm going forward 5/5” 5th August 2021

“Patrick embraced the mediation with a very firm grasp of the key factual and legal issues involved. At all times, he conducted the session with a reassuring, good humoured and considered manner.  This considerably helped the parties fully engage with one another, and ultimately, to reach an agreement.  On our side, the members of the legal and client teams were very impressed with the smooth and charming approach that Patrick effortlessly deployed. The Zoom platform worked seamlessly. The private rooms and group sessions simulated an in-person session very effectively. 5/5” 21st July 2021

“I was very pleasantly surprised with the effectiveness and ease of use of the video mediation process.  I had some concerns before the day that the impact which the physical presence of the other party, lawyers and mediators can often have would be lost, and that this would have a negative impact on the prospects of reaching an agreement.  Fortunately this was misplaced.  The meeting was appropriately formal and focussed, whilst allowing additional flexibility and comfort for the parties which ultimately had a positive effect. 5/5”10th May 2021

"Very impressive – Patrick is straightforward, open with absolute integrity. He is highly experienced and knowledgeable in property law, and very quickly grasps the issues. I very much like his “devil’s advocate” approach with the parties – something not all mediators do – which ensure both parties are tested on their possible weaknesses. He doesn’t push parties to reach a deal at any cost, and works with the parties to understand their positions. 5/5” 19th April 2021

“Patrick was brilliant at helping the parties understand the risks of litigation and challenged positions where helpful. He was calm and had oodle of gravitas.  I would definitely recommend him. The video mediation process was fantastic - I would use this over face to face mediation any time. 5/5” 16th March 2021

"The video mediation process was highly effective and accommodated the traditional breakout and plenary sessions very well. I would have no hesitation in recommending or using the same service again, particularly given the travel/time savings to be made against conventional face-to-face mediation." 30th November 2020

"Patrick is an excellent mediator who encouraged the parties focus on the key issues and explore practical compromises. He facilitates important dialogue in order to help the parties work through their differences." 30th November 2020

"Patrick is excellent. Always my go-to mediator for his calm but effective manner. He works tirelessly to bring the parties together, notwithstanding the extent of the issues between them. Patrick is also personable, which is very welcomed by clients. It also serves to diffuse any tensions in the room" 22nd October 2020

“Excellent as always. I have worked with Patrick on a number of mediations and he always impresses my clients, whether they are shareholders/directors of large companies or private individuals. He works very hard on the day and tests each parties’ case robustly. The video mediation process is surprisingly effective and the technology worked seamlessly. It was a clever system (in terms of the separate virtual rooms) and everyone found it very user friendly. I’d definitely recommend virtual mediations to my clients in future and I suspect it will mean that mediations are a lot quicker to arrange.5/5” 11th September 2020

“Patrick adopts a very calm, methodical approach to the mediation, taking a very fair, reasonably and approachable manner. It was a pleasure to work with him. The video process was very workable and worthwhile. Having taken part in face to face mediations, I actually found the online process much more streamlined and effective. The day ran smoothly with no technological issues. Everything was very clearly explained by the mediator and administered very efficiently. 5/5” 23rd July 2020

“In what was a difficult case to mediate, Patrick managed the parties and sessions well, and interjected appropriately and when needed to ensure that the parties stayed on track. His prompts and suggestions kept the sessions moving, and his style of testing the parties’ assertions was helpful. He was not afraid to step in if parties started to move away from key issues. The arrangements and rules of engagement were very clear, and the familiarisation session run by Patrick was very well received by the teams and clients. 5/5” 23rd July 2020

“This was my first mediation by video, and I thought it was very effective. Any fears of the arrangements and how it would work were dispelled in the familiarisation session run by Patrick, and he was very clear and deliberate in the way in which he moved experts and lawyers into “meeting” rooms, full sessions, and break-out rooms. I did not feel that the mediation was any less effective than if it had happened in person, with all parties being visible on screen, and documents being shared on screen as and when necessary.4/5” 23rd July 2020

“I genuinely do not see how Patrick could have been better as a mediator. Throughout the preparation he was very helpful – particularly as none of the 6 parties or their solicitors had any experience of a remotely-conducted mediation, and were quite sceptical as to whether it could work at all – firm where necessary in the mediation itself, but unfailingly courteous and constructive. I do not see how it could have gone better. Based on that experience, I would recommend remote mediation even when lockdown is lifted as an effective and cost-saving alternative. 5/5” 25th June 2020

“I have been involved in many mediations, none of which have been virtual by way of Zoom. Face to face mediations work well so I was concerned how a virtual one would play out. After both the familiarisation session and the actual mediation I was left wondering why I hadn’t done a virtual mediation by way of Zoom before and comfortable that it is the way forward. It was seamless from start to finish – and when we had finished albeit at 8.30pm on a Friday night I was already home! It also saves having to agree a location and worry about travelling because it allows people all over the country and in fact all over the world to come together and take part at the push of a button. Even when we get back to a new norm I suspect that virtual mediation will be the new norm. 5/5” 29th May 2020

"Patrick was excellent. No “personal” connection lost with Patrick despite it being by Zoom. Initial reluctance but the pre-zoom helped immensely. Patrick was excellent and very well versed with the video mediation process. 5/5” May 2020

“Patrick most definitely went the extra mile in ensuring settlement on this matter which was a long running dispute which led to a long running mediation into the early hours. He played devil’s advocate at the appropriate time but provided support at other times. I will most definitely use Patrick again in the future and have already recommended him to my colleagues. I was concerned in relation to whether a Zoom mediation would be as successful as attending in person. I am not 100% convinced that it is a better way of mediating but it certainly was a positive experience for me in that the video quality was good from a visual and sound perspective and it certainly felt as if we were in the same room with all of the other parties. 5/5” May 2020

" Patrick is a superb mediator with all the right skills and traits to get the best outcome for all involved. Yesterday was my first experience of a mediation conducted by video conferencing. I was unsure if it would be as effective as a face to face version. I was very pleasantly surprised. The technology works very well, and Patrick has the necessary expertise with it. After a few hours I had almost forgotten that it was a video experience as we began to focus on the issues and negotiation just as you would in a traditional mediation. As the Head of a Property Litigation Team I have whole heartedly recommended video mediating to my team during the current virus restrictions. It really can work. Indeed this could be the start of video mediating by choice! 5/5" 25th March 2020

“Patrick’s offer to demonstrate how the mediation using ‘Zoom’ would work on the day expelled all my reservations(which were many!) regarding conducting a tripartite mediation using video conferencing. Patrick is extremely knowledgeable about Zoom and guided and reminded us of the various tools on Zoom throughout the day. The day (which very long day ) went smoothly and extremely well (we reached a settlement). We all very quickly forgot that we were using video conferencing (all parties and their representatives were dialling in from their respective homes). The ability to share documents using ‘share screen ‘ is an excellent tool as it enabled the parties (and Patrick) to see documents (plans, annotations on documents, drafting etc). Patrick is an excellent mediator and handled the difficult negotiations between the parties smoothly and expertly. I have no hesitation in recommending Patrick and mediation of course via Zoom. 5/5” March 2020

" Patrick ensured everyone was at ease and kept informed as much as possible. His knowledge of the online mediation rooms was exceptional, with only a few minor hiccups throughout the day. The online nature of the mediation in no way hindered a deal being reached, and may in some situations helped matters as meetings could be held quickly and documents edited in real time. Patrick was able to drop into rooms quickly and the call feature really helped. 5/5" 25th March 2020

" I was nervous about how the mediation process would work via Zoom, particularly with the claimant and two defendants is separate rooms in case we would either lose connection or be put in the wrong 'place' at the wrong time. However, it proved very successful. We have reached a settlement in a relatively timely matter and were able to share documents easily amongst our colleagues and the other parties using the screen sharing facility.5/5" 25th March 2020

" We were pleasantly surprised by the video mediation process, and assured that we can work differently and still reach the outcomes we strive for – I would definitely recommend." 25th March 2020

" Very good approach to dispute, picked up the key issues quickly 5/5" 26th February 2020

" Mr Walker's experience was hugely valuable in the negotiations during the course of the day. Our client informed us that they felt instantly reassured after the initial meeting in what was a very difficult day for them. A result was achieved which I feel will have saved both parties a huge amount of further expense and worry and much of this was down to the mediation service so evenly provided throughout the day my Mr Walker. Genuinely a pleasure to deal with on a stressful day for all involved. Many thanks. 5/5" 17th February 2020

" A consummate professional as always. Patrick's calm yet assertive manner, swift grasp of the issues and skill in ensuring that the parties are focused on the ultimate goal of settlement on the day has ensured his 100% success rate so far and the reason he would always be first choice for our mediation requirements. His experience is very apparent in his demeanour and way of dealing with people in, what are often, stressful circumstances. 5/5" 10th February 2020

" I really appreciated Patrick's mediation style. It was important to stress test both sides throughout the day and this helped our client in its understanding of where the strengths and the weaknesses of their claim may lie. Patrick was pragmatic and warm throughout and was a big assistance in helping the parties reach settlement. 5/5" 10th February 2020

" A most satisfactory result was achieved in what could have been a very challenging mediation. This was due to most astute handling of the day by the mediator, who was clearly on top of the issues and able to challenge the parties including on complex restrictive covenant points 5/5" 7th January 2020

Patrick is a keen cyclist and gardener. He also enjoys shooting, walking, skiing and all things outdoors. He has two black Labradors and is married with a research chemist son. He is learning to play guitar and collects Roman coins.