I've been representing clients in litigation for over 30 years, as a solicitor for a decade and a barrister for over two decades. Since 2007, I've been a civil/commercial mediator and have been fortunate to have had a great many positive experiences in mediations.One important lesson that I have learnt in my career is that people are at their best when they are focusing on co-operation, looking to the future with positivity, rather than dwelling on past disappointments. Another is that we lawyers must continually remind ourselves that people are emotional beings. Until we grasp that our clients (just like ourselves) do not make every decision in life on a rational basis and take the time to understand the emotional implications of a situation, it is difficult to do the job of dispute resolution. I am completely convinced that, in the great majority of cases, clients' interests are served far better by mediation than litigation.To all clients, I offer professionalism with courtesy and good humour.