ADR accredited mediator since 1996. Member of the ADR NET since 1998. Over the past nine years he has mediated a large number of disputes, including:-
Commercial contracts
Landlord and Tenant
Building Disputes
Professional Negligence
Clinical Negligence
Personal injury
Boundary disputes
Local Government
Judicial Review
Yacht Construction
"Palimony" disputes
Neighbour disputes
Professional Background
He is a practicing barrister from chambers in Sussex, having been called to the Bar in 1978.
He specialises in general common law, with particular specialisms in boundary disputes, contract, negligence and other torts, and probate.
He has represented clients as an advocate at mediations, and in the course of a career of 27 years at the Bar now has a wealth of experience at settling disputes at the court door and before.
He has delivered courses on ADR for the City University Inns of Court School of Law and is listed on the Bar Council List of Barrister Mediators
He believes in a pro-active approach to mediation when circumstances demand, but will also adopt the facilitative approach when appropriate. His views, which are influenced by the arguments put forward by Bernard Mayer in his book "Beyond Neutrality" hold that a mediator can be neutral without being neutered, and must work with parties to understand the nature of their conflict, assist them to manage the conflict and engage with others, and when appropriate, assist in finding a constructive path towards resolving the conflict.
Comments from participants in his mediations.
“Dear Mr Argent, ………….The client came in with a grievance and went out satisfied. It is a credit to our profession that at long last we have found men like you to mediate……..”
“I found all the Court staff involved in the mediation service extremely enthusiastic and helpful, and the mediator who assisted us was excellent”
“You must come to Blackpool and talk to us at the TUC. Today has been a revelation.”
Personal
He is married with three daughters, living in Chichester.
His hobbies include sailing, classical music, and photography.
