Edward Foster has assumed that in all mediations, or perhaps in most of them, the result is a 50/50 settlement.

From 35 years’ experience of mediations as a solicitor, and 12 years’ experience as a mediator, I have to say that is simply not the case.

Furthermore, if a proposed deal in a mediation is unacceptable, a party need not agree and can go back to court. While there remains this apparent bias by some of our profession against mediation, it is hard to see how their clients can be well served, as they will be guided away from a process that has an 80% success record.

I do not agree with compulsory mediation, but let us approach this proven and successful alternative means of resolving disputes with an open mind.

Alan Langleben, Rochman Landau, London W1