What people say - Barristers

“The friendly but firm approach to evaluation adopted by Andrew Lewis QC inspired confidence in my clients and enabled settlement of a longstanding, difficult and hard-fought PI case which would otherwise inevitably have progressed to a time consuming, expensive and risky trial. The evaluation process was (by contrast) far quicker and much less stressful, albeit involving careful scrutiny of the large amounts of evidence submitted by both parties. Andrew successfully facilitated what proved to be an excellent means of alternative dispute resolution.”

Jonathan Grace

Barrister

Deans Court Chambers

“Dame Janet Smith was exceptional in achieving a positive outcome for a very vulnerable victim of discrimination. She was empathetic and quickly gained my client’s trust in her ability to reach a ‘just’ outcome. She recognised the importance of non-pecuniary remedies in a case where my client had been very damaged, and to that end secured a fulsome face-to-face apology – something my client would not have achieved in the litigation – so smoothing the way for a resolution of a long running dispute”.

Karon Monaghan

Barrister

Matrix Chambers

“Independent Evaluation is a fantastic route to settlement, particularly where you and your opponent may be entrenched in polar positions. Having a non-binding yet frank assessment of your case from an Evaluator with great gravitas, legal acumen and relevant experience is the optimum solution. Dame Janet Smith came to a fair and well reasoned Evaluation of my client’s personal injury claim which had been fiercely contested on grounds of both factual and medical causation. I would unreservedly recommend the service and, in particular, Dame Janet Smith to fellow personal injury and clinical negligence practitioners.”

Francesca Martin

Barrister

No5 Chambers

“Of particular value in a case in which there has been a lack of trust between the parties and bridge-building is required.”

Neil Block QC

Joint Head of Chambers

39 Essex Chambers

“The litigation skill set includes recognising when cases may benefit from engaging in alternative dispute resolution.  The use of Independent Evaluation is now a well-recognised ADR route.  Members of Temple Gardens appear as advocates for both claimants and defendants throughout the process.  Utilising all this expertise through this innovative and dynamic process has resulted in a high success rate of rapid, optimal settlements being achieved.” 

Simon Browne QC

Temple Gardens Chamber

“I had a case in which my insurers were faced with a substantial claim … The two sides became entrenched, and the relationship between respective solicitors was not easy.  My solicitors suggested evaluation, which seemed to be accepted reluctantly by the other side.”

“Dame Janet Smith dealt with the case at IE in London.  The claim proceeded to a successful resolution when I do not think it would have settled via a conventional JSM despite the fact that personally I get on well with my opponent. I cannot say what eventually persuaded the claimant’s side, but I know that our side found the Evaluator’s input valuable.”

Alan Jeffreys QC

Catastrophic Personal Injury Specialist

Farrar’s Building

“My first experience of Independent Evaluation was an overwhelmingly positive one. My client achieved a settlement that he was very happy with many months sooner than he might have done via other ADR means. Rhiannon Jones QC did a superb job of testing the merits of the parties’ respective arguments on quantum. I will be recommending the process in future.”

Anthony Johnson

Barrister

Temple Garden Chambers