With over four decades of experience in litigation and alternative dispute resolution, Spenser Hillard now practices exclusively as a mediator, helping parties resolve conflicts constructively and efficiently. His extensive career has reinforced his belief in the power of dialogue to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes through collaboration, creativity, and practical problem-solving.

Spenser chairs the Bar Council ADR Panel and is a member of the Judicial ADR Liaison Committee.

Spenser is on the Communications Committee of the Civil Mediation Council and is a visiting lecturer at the Regents University course on Mediation Skills. He is also on the Delivery Group of the Slynn Foundation.  He is internationally recognised as a skilled and effective commercial mediator and mediation trainer.

Spencer has considerable mediation training experience in Eastern Europe and has taught advanced mediation skills in the Middle East on behalf of the Foreign Office and Ministry of Justice. He is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators.

If you would like more information about Spenser’s practice, please contact his clerks or call +44 (0)20 7405 6114.

Mediation

Spenser believes that mediation succeeds best when parties engage in good faith and are committed to finding common ground. He works diligently to ensure that no mediation ends without a settlement, employing creative problem-solving skills and determination to achieve resolution even in the most challenging cases.

Professional Expertise

  • Mediation Practice: Spenser specialises in facilitating complex and emotionally charged disputes, guiding parties toward amicable settlements while preserving relationships and achieving practical solutions. His approach combines determination, creativity, and a deep understanding of conflict dynamics to ensure successful outcomes.
  • International Training: Spenser has designed and delivered advanced mediation courses for trainers and qualified mediators in Romania, Latvia, Croatia, Albania, India, and Singapore. His work has helped build mediation capacity across diverse legal and cultural systems.
  • Collaborative Initiatives: Spenser has co-delivered mediation training programs for the Jordanian Judiciary in Amman, in collaboration with the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office. This work highlights his ability to adapt mediation principles to varied cultural and legal contexts, fostering effective dispute resolution globally.

Key Strengths

  • A proven track record of delivering pragmatic, tailored solutions.
  • Expertise in managing emotionally charged and high-stakes disputes.
  • Strong intercultural competence and adaptability.
  • Proven ability to train and mentor mediators across diverse jurisdictions.

Memberships

  • Chair, Bar Council ADR Panel
  • Member, Judicial ADR Liaison Committee

Notable cases

  • Operation Galleon (R v Hawkins & Others)
  • Euterpe (R v Morgan & Others)
  • R v Radak & others