Colin David Russ

Mediation

Owner of Colin David Russ t/a CDR

Originally qualified as a lawyer, Colin practiced as a commercial litigation lawyer for over 20 years, ultimately as Head of Litigation at the Birmingham office of global law firm DLA Piper. After his interest in the mediation process grew, Colin gained his Mediator Accreditation and left DLA (as it was then) to set up his mediation practice. Over the last 24 years Colin has built up a thriving, independent commercial mediation practice in the UK.

His clients include many of the UK’s leading law firms and he has considerable expertise in high value multi-party mediations, involving complex multi-issue disputes.

Highly focused on the quality of the mediation process and to ensure the mediation has the maximum chance of success, Colin guarantees not to accept another mediation appointment the day before or day after an existing mediation commitment. This ring-fenced approach to bookings ensures full preparation ahead of the mediation and allows time to be available the next day, should the mediation overrun.

Colin has mediated disputes across a broad range of subjects and has developed particular expertise in relation to disputes arising out of: • Defective Cladding Claims • Insolvency Issues • Construction Disputes • Professional Negligence • Commercial Contracts • Shareholder/Partnership Disputes • Real Estate • Intellectual Property • Financial Services

Colin is known for being one of the most technology-embracing mediators in the UK. He launched CDR Remote at the start of the COVID pandemic. This pioneering service enabled Colin to deliver effective mediation remotely using a secure video conferencing platform. Proving to be hugely popular with both law firms and their clients, even after in-person mediators were allowed again, Colin continues to run many of his mediations online each year.

Colin’s ability to embrace technology doesn’t just stop at online mediations, he also has his availability calendar in real-time on his website. This enables clients to check if he’s available and send a booking request via the website. Plus, he is completely transparent about his fees - clearly listing his rates on the website. Even though Colin has offered these additional services for many years, and they work well for both Colin and his clients, he remains one of only a small handful of meditators to do so.

English