Colin Bourne | Manchester, Leeds & Birmingham

Profile

Colin Bourne is an accredited mediator with the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) and has mediated in a wide range of commercial disputes, many of them high value and multi-party cases.  Prior to his accreditation with CEDR in 2000, Colin's knowledge of and practice in employment law was developed over 35 years, predating his call to the Bar in 1997.

Colin has long been an advocate of the use of mediation in complex cases, particularly where adversarial litigation is likely to have a destructive effect.  Where there is a need to preserve existing relationships such an outcome is not within the gift of any Court or Tribunal.  Colin approaches disputes not merely to try to settle a claim but to deal with the underlying problem that led to the claim itself; he is particularly effective at helping all parties to look forward for a solution rather than backwards to apportion blame and his real skill lies in encouraging the parties to think differently.

On the few occasions when the mediation does not result in agreement on the day, it can narrow the areas of dispute and may lead to a resolution soon after.

Some of Colin's recent successful mediations include:

• Disability discrimination claim brought by patient against dental practice
• Dispute over access to ill-health retirement pension
• Claim and counter-claim relating to use of warehouse facilities
• Professional negligence in large scale construction project
• Division of assets on wind-up of partnership
• Dispute over terms of will
• Withdrawal of University place
• Breach of contract/professional negligence in provision of services

In addition, he has acted for and against local authorities and NHS Trusts and has much experience of complex, multi-party TUPE cases.  He advised on and represented parties involved in applications for statutory recognition before the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).

He has also mediated in high value employment claims concerning senior employees, shareholders and directors.  Discrimination and harassment claims are especially suited to the process of mediation and Colin has wide experience both as a mediator and as an advocate for parties in mediation.

Year of Call: 1997

Areas of Expertise

Memberships

Centre for Dispute Resolution

Association of Northern Mediators 

Qualifications

LLB (Hons) Manchester Metropolitan University

BVC Inns of Court School of Law

Recommendations

Legal 500 2020

"A prominent mediator in employment disputes."

Chambers UK 2020

"A long-term employment advocate now best known for his mediation work. His specialist areas include TUPE, whistle-blowing, trade union recognition and industrial law."

Chambers UK 2019

"An exceptional advocate. His speed at getting to grips with a case is astounding and his retention of information is second to none. He is incredibly approachable and puts both the solicitor and the client at ease immediately."

Legal 500 2019

"Highly experienced in multi-party TUPE cases."

Previous editions of Chambers UK and the Legal 500 have commented.:

"His knowledge of trade unions and labour relations is very valuable."

‘Recommended for a broad spectrum of employment matters.’

His practice includes TUPE, unfair dismissal and whistleblowing cases.’

"He has compendious knowledge of the law, and is a tenacious and incisive advocate with a very user-friendly manner." "He is a robust individual and will always give full value to his clients." 

"He knows what he's doing; he's on top of the papers and he's happy to get involved with a fight."

"A persuasive advocate, who has a very good manner with clients."

"There's not a case or legal provision he doesn't know."

“encyclopaedic knowledge of discrimination law” “a formidable opponent” commended for his “precise advice and ability to put clients at ease in any situation” “always provides timely, high quality advice”

"He is a very experienced barrister in knotty discrimination cases. He is an excellent strategist, always four steps ahead." "He is a seasoned pro who knows the law inside out. He is very comfortable in employment advocacy; it's his subject area. He is a true specialist and I have the highest regard for him."