Aimée Girdwood

About

Approach

My approach to mediation is careful, fair and practical. I prepare thoroughly and draw on my legal experience, while recognising that disputes are about people as well as legal issues. I create a calm and constructive environment where each party can be heard, discuss the issues openly and make informed decisions about the way forward. I look beyond the immediate dispute to understand the wider business context. This may include the parties’ relationships, financial and commercial pressures, how decisions have been made, the interests of others affected by the dispute and the risks of allowing it to continue. By listening carefully and asking focused questions, I help the parties identify what matters most, assess their options realistically and consider practical ways to resolve the dispute. I do not decide the outcome or impose a solution. My role is to guide a fair and well managed process in which the parties remain in control of their decisions and, wherever possible, reach an agreement that is workable and lasting.