Legal Directories

Paul has been consistently recommended in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 since 2008.

“Ability to get the legal arguments and factual issues very quickly, and then concentrate on finding a pragmatic solution.” “He’s very experienced, and has a commercial approach that can cut through the issues.” Chambers and Partners 2019

“A mediator of choice for complex and high-value disputes” The Legal 500 2018

“Paul Johnson impresses market sources with his “relaxed style which delivers results in difficult situations” … “He can bridge the unbridgeable …” Chambers and Partners 2018

“An excellent mediator for complex, multi-party disputes; he has the ability to cut to the chase and change the position of the most intransigent parties …” The Legal 500 2017

’”Well regarded” mediator Paul Johnson has continues to build upon his Manchester-based practice. He has significant experience as a commercial litigation solicitor, having transferred to the bar in 2006. He has undertaken mediations in a number of areas including employment, healthcare and insurance disputes. One source states that his “switched on, astute approach” is particularly effective.’ Chambers and Partners 2017

Previous entries describe Paul as: attracting praise for his ‘calm, realistic and measured ‘approach and his ability to ‘engage with the parties’ “the top choice for many with technically challenging disputes”; being “incredibly patient”, with a “clear structure in mind”; an “ability to focus on finding a commercial solution”; and one who is “not afraid to tackle the big issues from the start”; whilst at the same time allowing parties “to feel that they are in control of the process”.

Solicitor and Client comments

“Paul Johnson is a vastly experienced and very able mediator. His qualities are:  patience and persistence, diligence and energy, openness and trustworthiness.

He reads the papers and knows the case well and then he brings to bear considerable skill and acumen in helping the parties to try to come to acceptable, commercial terms. He is not afraid to tell you what he really thinks about the stance you are taking but he does so in a courteous and reasonable manner.

One of his great qualities is that he is very nice about it all and he is very easy to work with; he conducts the process of mediation in a calm and courteous manner which helps to take the heat out of the most controversial of disputes. Equally he uses his wit and imagination to get the parties to try different things if they are not making progress and he does not give up easily.

He is very effective and excellent value for money.”

“Paul’s affable manner belies his steely determination and intelligence”

“Quick to engage with the parties and quick to identify and communicate the issues that mattered.  Equally quick and adept at facilitating constructive negotiations”

“Brilliant”

“A wonderful understated manner”

“He was sensational.  The most accomplished mediator I’ve ever some across”

“He is unfailingly charming and persuasive, even in challenging and seemingly intractable disputes”

“His style was very positive and encouraged open constructive dialogue.  He was excellent”

“Very courteous, but tough when needed to be”

“The facilitative approach worked wonderfully … settlement would have been far less likely within the time span we had, if you had not been the mediator”

“I liked the way he got to know everybody and got everyone talking without realising they were actually talking”

“(He) has a wealth of experience and knowledge and as a practitioner in this field he excelled”