Hosted by Zakia Khalid, Commercial Litigation Solicitor & Debt Recovery Trainer, with David Goldberg, Partner at EMW Law & Legal 500 Lead Mediator.

Episode 10: Partnership Over! Mediate the Mess

When professional relationships break down, the dispute is often more complex than just money.

In this episode, David and I tackle the complicated world of shareholder and partnership disputes. We discuss why these conflicts are often intensely personal and commercial, moving beyond simple money claims to include breaches of restrictive covenants, procurement arguments, and bad blood in niche industries.

Tune in to understand:

• The core legal complexities of shareholder disputes (e.g., non-compete clauses and client solicitation).

• How a three-party mediation might arise from a breach of covenant.

• Why partnership disputes, often lacking formal agreements, can be the hardest to untangle.

• The various resolutions sought in these cases, from financial damages to undertakings.

Discover why mediation is the essential tool for resolving these personal and commercial messes without airing your dirty laundry in public.

Together, we unpack the real strategies, tips, and insights behind successful mediation.

Tune in to ensure your clients are calm, focused, and ready to resolve the conflict!

Hosts:

Zakia Khalid - ⁠https://www.zakiakhalidlaw.co.uk/⁠

Zakia is a Debt Recovery Solicitor and Trainer to business finance and credit control teams, helping them understand and navigate the legal process of recovering unpaid invoices/debts to ensure cashflow is protected and bad debts are collected.

David Goldberg - ⁠https://www.emwlaw.com/⁠

David is a solicitor-mediator accredited by CEDR and recognised in the legal 500 for the last three years. He can mediate a whole array of matters face to face or over Zoom. Please contact David direct by email (⁠david.goldberg@emwlaw.com⁠) or via LinkedIn for more details, a CV or with any questions.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Right Here Creative - ⁠https://www.rightherecreative.co.uk/⁠

GD Associates - ⁠https://www.gdassociates.net/

Hosted by Zakia Khalid, Commercial Litigation Solicitor & Debt Recovery Trainer, with David Goldberg, Partner at EMW Law & Legal 500 Lead Mediator. Together, we unpack the real strategies, tips, and insights behind successful mediation.
Before you step into the mediation room, are you and are your clients truly ready?

Join David and I as we discuss the crucial art of managing client expectations around mediation. We discuss why setting the right tone is essential, how to explain the "without prejudice" nature of the day, and why relaxing into the process is the key to resolution.

• How to prepare clients to think "resolution" rather than "litigation."

• The critical differences between a mediation and a court trial.

• Why the first party to make an offer is actually making a positive move.

• David's tips for maintaining energy and focus during the day's "peaks and troughs."

Tune in to ensure your clients are calm, focused, and ready to resolve the conflict!

Hosts:

Zakia Khalid - https://www.zakiakhalidlaw.co.uk/

Zakia is a Debt Recovery Solicitor and Trainer to business finance and credit control teams, helping them understand and navigate the legal process of recovering unpaid invoices/debts to ensure cashflow is protected and bad debts are collected.

David Goldberg - https://www.emwlaw.com/

David is a solicitor-mediator accredited by CEDR and recognised in the legal 500 for the last three years. He can mediate a whole array of matters face to face or over Zoom. Please contact David direct by email (david.goldberg@emwlaw.com) or via LinkedIn for more details, a CV or with any questions.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Right Here Creative - https://www.rightherecreative.co.uk/

GD Associates - https://www.gdassociates.net/

PART TWO - Avoiding Nasty Surprises:

In Part Two David Goldberg, accredited mediator and Solicitor and I discuss on the day surprises, red flags and the way to deal with them. We look at:

Handling new information or “clangers” on the day

Real-world examples of surprises

Managing reactions and maintaining good faith

Turning negatives into positives

Keeping mediation productive and constructive

Learn how to handle and, more importantly, avoid red flags, disastrous new information, that can derail the entire resolution process.

Tune in for practical advice on mitigating risk and finding a commercial resolution.

Hosts:

Zakia Khalid - ⁠https://www.zakiakhalidlaw.co.uk/⁠

Zakia is a Debt Recovery Solicitor and Trainer to business finance and credit control teams, helping them understand and navigate the legal process of recovering unpaid invoices/debts to ensure cashflow is protected and bad debts are collected.

David Goldberg - ⁠https://www.emwlaw.com/⁠

David is a solicitor-mediator accredited by CEDR and recognised in the legal 500 for the last three years. He can mediate a whole array of matters face to face or over Zoom. Please contact David direct by email (⁠david.goldberg@emwlaw.com⁠) or via LinkedIn for more details, a CV or with any questions.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Right Here Creative - ⁠https://www.rightherecreative.co.uk/⁠

GD Associates - ⁠https://www.gdassociates.net/⁠

Avoiding Nasty Surprises: Essential Mediation Prep!!

Going into a mediation expecting a straight win? Think again.

In this crucial episode Part One

, David Goldberg, accredited mediator and I discuss the essential preparation parties need before and during a mediation to ensure a successful outcome.

We tackle the need for realistic expectations, the challenge of negotiating when a debtor has no money, and the vital role of Position Statements.

Learn how to handle and, more importantly, avoid last-minute clangers, disastrous new information, that can derail the entire resolution process.

Don't let a surprise invoice or a sudden financial collapse ruin your day!

Tune in for practical advice on mitigating risk and finding a commercial resolution.

Hosts:

Zakia Khalid - https://www.zakiakhalidlaw.co.uk/

Zakia is a Debt Recovery Solicitor and Trainer to business finance and credit control teams, helping them understand and navigate the legal process of recovering unpaid invoices/debts to ensure cashflow is protected and bad debts are collected.

David Goldberg - https://www.emwlaw.com/

David is a solicitor-mediator accredited by CEDR and recognised in the legal 500 for the last three years. He can mediate a whole array of matters face to face or over Zoom. Please contact David direct by email (david.goldberg@emwlaw.com) or via LinkedIn for more details, a CV or with any questions.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Right Here Creative - https://www.rightherecreative.co.uk/

GD Associates - https://www.gdassociates.net/

Hosted by Zakia Khalid, Commercial Litigation Solicitor & Debt Recovery Trainer, with David Goldberg, Partner at EMW Law & Legal 500 Lead Mediator. Together, we unpack the real strategies, tips, and insights behind successful mediation.

In this episode,David Goldberg, Partner at EMW Law and Legal 500 accredited mediator and disputes lawyer and I delve into one of the most crucial, and frustrating, moments in any mediation: breaking a deadlock.

When parties are close to settlement but not quite there, laptops are shutting and papers are being shuffle, how does a mediator keep the process alive? David shares his forthright style for pushing through that final barrier, explaining why being 'close but not close enough' can actually be a tactical advantage.

We discuss:

The psychological pressure tactics mediators use to focus minds.
Reframing the conversation to highlight progress and achievements.
How to close that final, 'silly' gap, whether it's £1,000 or a neighbour's footpath.

The emotional complexity of neighbourhood disputes versus commercial cases.

Unexpected resolutions, can neighbours live next door to each and move on from the dispute.

Find out how to turn a moment of tension into a positive step towards resolution.

Listeners will learn the expert strategies mediators use to overcome negotiation fatigue and secure a final agreement when all hope seems lost.

Hosts:

Zakia Khalid - https://www.zakiakhalidlaw.co.uk/

Zakia is a Debt Recovery Solicitor and Trainer to business finance and credit control teams, helping them understand and navigate the legal process of recovering unpaid invoices/debts to ensure cashflow is protected and bad debts are collected.

David Goldberg - https://www.emwlaw.com/

David is a solicitor-mediator accredited by CEDR and recognised in the legal 500 for the last three years. He can mediate a whole array of matters face to face or over Zoom. Please contact David direct by email (david.goldberg@emwlaw.com) or via LinkedIn for more details, a CV or with any questions.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Right Here Creative - https://www.rightherecreative.co.uk/

GD Associates - https://www.gdassociates.net/

Early resolution, avoiding stress, time and expense!!

Every business owner knows that disputes drain time, energy, and money. In this essential episode, David Goldberg, accredited Mediator and I tackle the core question:

How can you resolve conflicts early, efficiently, and with minimal stress?

David shares strategies for getting to a settlement before you're deep into litigation, discussing how pre-issue mediation can save massive costs and hassle.

We also explore the role of the impartial mediator in cutting through the noise and focusing on the core issues. Learn how to be serious and fully engaged in the resolution process to avoid the expense and stress of a full court battle.

Key areas we cover:

The critical benefits of resolving disputes pre-issue (before legal proceedings start).

How early mediation helps businesses avoid the high cost and stress of full litigation.

The mediator's role as a neutral "cog" in narrowing issues and driving settlement.

When and how a party can approach a mediator directly.

Hosts:

Zakia Khalid - https://www.zakiakhalidlaw.co.uk/

Zakia is a Debt Recovery Solicitor and Trainer to business finance and credit control teams, helping them understand and navigate the legal process of recovering unpaid invoices/debts to ensure cashflow is protected and bad debts are collected.

David Goldberg - https://www.emwlaw.com/

David is a solicitor-mediator accredited by CEDR and recognised in the legal 500 for the last three years. He can mediate a whole array of matters face to face or over Zoom. Please contact David direct by email (david.goldberg@emwlaw.com) or via LinkedIn for more details, a CV or with any questions.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Right Here Creative - https://www.rightherecreative.co.uk/

GD Associates - https://www.gdassociates.net/

In this episode, David Goldberg and I explore the evolution of mediation from a voluntary alternative to a key and compulsory component of the legal system.

We discuss the recent court rules that give judges the power to compel parties to mediate, the crucial role of an impartial third party, and the financial risks of refusing to mediate. Tune in to understand why the tide is turning and how this changing landscape impacts your path to resolution.

Key topics we cover:

• How courts are now compelling parties to mediate.
• The benefits of using an independent, impartial third-party mediator.
• The risks and cost implications of refusing to engage in mediation.
• Why mediation statistics show a high success rate

Whether you’re a solicitor advising clients, a business facing disputes, or just curious about the world of mediation, this episode offers practical insights and and an understanding on the changing landscape of mediation and how it's shaping the future of conflict resolution.

Hosts:

Zakia Khalid - https://www.zakiakhalidlaw.co.uk/

Zakia is a Debt Recovery Solicitor and Trainer to business finance and credit control teams, helping them understand and navigate the legal process of recovering unpaid invoices/debts to ensure cashflow is protected and bad debts are collected.

David Goldberg - https://www.emwlaw.com/

David is a solicitor-mediator accredited by CEDR and recognised in the legal 500 for the last three years. He can mediate a whole array of matters face to face or over Zoom. Please contact David direct by email (david.goldberg@emwlaw.com) or via LinkedIn for more details, a CV or with any questions.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Right Here Creative - https://www.rightherecreative.co.uk/

GD Associates - https://www.gdassociates.net/

When it comes to mediation, not all mediators are created equal. In this episode of Calm the Conflict – The Art of Resolution, David Goldberg (Legal 500, Cedr Accredited Mediator) and I, (Commercial Litigation Solicitor & Debt Recovery Trainer) unpack the big question: how do you choose the right mediator for your dispute?

From personality fit and professional background to fees, style, and client compatibility, they explore:

• The difference between bluntness and aggression in mediation
• Why mediator personality can make or break the process
• How to weigh cost, experience, and qualifications
• Whether niche expertise really matters—or if a broad perspective is better

David also opens up about his own direct, no-nonsense approach—why bluntness can be effective without being aggressive, and how the mediator’s job is to keep the process focused, efficient, and impartial.

Whether you’re a solicitor advising clients, a business facing disputes, or just curious about how mediators are picked, this episode offers practical insights and candid stories that show what really matters when choosing the person to guide your conflict toward resolution.

Hosts:

Zakia Khalid - https://www.zakiakhalidlaw.co.uk/

Zakia is a Debt Recovery Solicitor and Trainer to business finance and credit control teams, helping them understand and navigate the legal process of recovering unpaid invoices/debts to ensure cashflow is protected and bad debts are collected.

David Goldberg - https://www.emwlaw.com/

David is a solicitor-mediator accredited by CEDR and recognised in the legal 500 for the last three years. He can mediate a whole array of matters face to face or over Zoom. Please contact David direct by email (david.goldberg@emwlaw.com) or via LinkedIn for more details, a CV or with any questions.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Right Here Creative - https://www.rightherecreative.co.uk/

GD Associates - https://www.gdassociates.net/