Testimonials
The purpose of this section is to enable you to get a feel for what people say about me. In the first part there are comments from individuals who have mediated with me and in the second part you will find some of the comments made by the established legal directories, the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Whilst I am grateful for all these responses, I do recognise that I am only as good as the parties in today’s mediation think I am.
Individuals’ Comments:
“Phillip’s handling of the Porton Down mediation was undoubtedly key to resolving this litigation going back for a decade against the MoD. His handling was a “master class” in mediation in resolving issues between the Porton Down veterans and the MoD. Without his experience and devotion to the task I sincerely doubt that a resolution would have been achieved.”
Claimant’s solicitor in highly publicised Class Action
“Untouchable heavyweight. Measured, decisive and diplomatic. A wise old master who applies his considerable skills across a broad range of disputes.”
Managing Director of UK Mediation Service Provider
"I would like to thank you on behalf of the whole of the team for the fantastic job you did yesterday. Without your determination and insight I do not think the parties would have been able to resolve their differences.”
Lead Litigation Partner, National Law Firm
“Phillip,
I haven't managed to get through to you this morning to thank you personally for your stalwart efforts yesterday so I am resorting to the email. As I said, I do not think I have ever met a more patient, a more professional or a more effective practitioner of the dark art of mediation.
Many, many thanks. We most certainly could not have done it without you! What a difficult bunch!"
Partner, Specialist Law Firm, London
“I was extremely impressed by your professionalism, which clearly justifies the ranking you've achieved in the legal directories. I thought you showed real skill and experience in knowing when to deploy the various strategies available. Insofar as there were face to face meetings, they occurred at precisely the right moments and involved the right people. Your authority on the relevant commercial and business matters was useful when needed in order to inject some realism, and your assistance in keeping the drafting simple was also invaluable."
Senior Barrister, London Chambers
"Thank you for your help on the day of the mediation. I am delighted that a settlement was reached.”
Associate, Midlands Law Firm
"It was indeed a pleasure to work with you and I hope we have the opportunity to do so again in the future."
Litigation Partner, Guernsey
"Phillip is very good; our professional client was very impressed by him. He had much more energy and drive than your average mediator."
Associate, Specialist in Professional Negligence
International Law Firm, London office
"I do thank you for your assistance with the mediation. Without doubt this mediation facilitated the settlement and therefore saved both parties significant time and money."
Group Legal Counsel, Publishing House
“Many thanks Phillip for keeping the momentum going during the day and suggesting the "split" at the end which kept the claim beneath the psychologically important 7 digits.”
Associate, International Law Firm, London
“Thank you for your comments but more importantly for your efforts on the day.
I have completely bought into the process. This year I have settled 50m pounds in claims over 6 mediations with 100 per cent settlement rate. Not all with a lead in of 7 days!
Our team and I are happy to say, with your encouragement, that we had confidence in you to help us find a deal. I have today recommended you to a colleague.
No doubt we will work together again soon.”
Lead Litigation Partner, Specialist Insurance Law Firm, London
“Dear Phillip,
Thank you for your comments. We are pleased with the successful conclusion of this case. At dinner afterwards K, in particular, felt that your role in the final session between him and M was key to achieving the final settlement.
Thank you for your assistance in bringing the parties together.”
Litigation Partner, International Law Firm, Leeds
Directories:-
Phillip ranks among the few to be gaining an international following. Equally in demand in the regions as well as the city, he is rated as “outstanding” with his blend of “charisma, dedication and enthusiasm” widely noted. He “balances being approachable with being authoritarian, does not look down on the parties” and uses his personality to great effect in “keeping dialogue alive”.
Legal 500 2009 Edition.
Phillip Howell-Richardson is “quick to gain parties confidence” and “enjoys the rare distinction of combining dogged perseverance with insightful intervention and creative flair.”
Legal 500, 2008 Edition
With great personal warmth and a “natural affinity for the shifting dynamics of a mediation”, Phillip Howell-Richardson continues to fire the enthusiasm of City law firms. He is quick to gain parties’ confidence, handles clients with “ease and aplomb”, and enjoys the rare distinction of combining dogged perseverance with insightful interventions and creative flair.
Legal 500, 2007 Edition
Phillip Howell-Richardson is a “hugely experienced”' and “hands-on” mediator considered “supremely effective”' across a range of disputes. Clients find him “pleasant”', “affable” and “absolutely charming”, but nevertheless “dogged in the extreme” where any hope of maintaining dialogue remains. In mediations he has shown “real skill and experience in knowing when to deploy the various strategies available."
Legal 500, 2006 Edition
“One of the mediation masters” Howell-Richardson has established an excellent reputation.
Chambers & Partners, 2009 Edition
Lawyers favour Howell-Richardson for his “charm, sense of humour, intellect and patience.” He adopts a much-lauded “even-handed approach” in large-scale mediations originating in sectors ranging from insurance and IT to construction and property, and boasts profound experience of professional negligence and inheritance issues. While most of his workload is domestic, he recently cast his net further afield, mediating in Paris. Interviewees detailing his myriad strengths reserve particular praise for his excellence as a communicator. His ability to imbue intellectual rigour with a “warmth and humanity” means that he sustains superb relations with all parties. He excels at “reducing complex issues to bite-sized amounts.”
Chambers & Partners, 2008 Edition
“Immersed in the world of mediation,” Howell-Richardson is a “technical and well-respected mediator.” His “equable” nature lends itself well to the process of mediation; solicitors and clients find that he is “someone who you can work with,” as he is an effective communicator who establishes dialogue between the parties. Since joining SJ Berwin his practice has “blossomed” and is “constantly stretching and growing.”
Chambers & Partners, 2007 Edition
Clients enthuse about his “seemingly effortless mediation technique” which has generated a strong success rate. Of late, he has mediated on a number of disputes in Guernsey, with far-reaching consequences.
Chambers & Partners, 2006 Edition
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