Click here for Bill’s interview with the Global Pound Conference series

Bill is delighted and honoured to be named as the UK’s “ADR Lawyer of the Year” in the 2017 Global 100.

The publication consists of only 100 of the World’s leading firms and individuals, with votes received from people in over 163 countries, and aims to “provide … a comprehensive understanding of those firms that are truly leaders within their chosen areas of specialisation”, to “provide a benchmark of the very best of the best”.

Based on nominees’ domestic and international work, the judges focus strongly on criteria such as the complexity and strategic significance of work conducted, as well as its scale and the use of any ground-breaking or innovative processes used. Winners are required to receive no less than 23% in votes from the global readership, currently in excess of 151,000.

A new textbook on international commercial mediation in the EU has just been published, by Wolters Kluwer.  The book is the first of its kind to focus on the law and regulatory structure governing international mediation in each EU Member State, with the England and Wales section co-authored by Bill, together with Alexander Oddy and Jan O’Neill of Herbert Smith Freehills.

Described as “a highly effective way to analyse the quality and robustness of each of the EU’s twenty-nine national jurisdictions’ legal frameworks relevant to mediation (including legislation, case law, practice directions, codes of conduct, standards, and other regulatory instruments) and factor such an analysis into choices about governing law in mediation clauses and other agreement”, the book is itself a mark of the growth of international mediation.  That is certainly reflected in Bill’s own mediation practice, which has seen him work with parties in and from over fifty countries to date.

Bill is delighted and honoured to be named as one of ten global Thought Leaders in Mediation 2017, by Who’s Who Legal.

The publication Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders “brings together for the first time the insight, expertise and wisdom of some of the world’s foremost lawyers in a single book”, and “aims to shine a light on what makes these lawyers the apogee of the profession. They are worthy of special mention owing not only to their vast expertise and experience advising on some of the world’s most significant and cutting-edge legal matters, but also their ability to innovate, inspire, and go above and beyond to deliver for their clients”.

Bill is delighted to feature again this year in the top-ranking categories of both Legal 500 2016 and Who’s Who Legal 2016, the latter identifying him amongst a small group of the world’s leading mediators.

Bill has been ranked in the world’s top ten mediators by Who’s Who Legal for each of 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, and topped the list in 2014.

Bill spent this week leading training for EU diplomats and public officials in political peace processes.   An annual event, the course is run in conjunction with the Edward M Kennedy Institute, part of the National University of Ireland, and is aimed at enhancing the mediation and negotiation capacity of key public sector figures in the EU and beyond.  The centre-piece of the course is a major two-day mediation simulation involving military and other personnel, during which the students are tested on their capacity to mediate under very intensive conditions relating to a major outbreak of violence.

The course habitually receives enthusiastic feedback and this year was no exception:

“…A truly immersive and transformative experience and a critical lesson in interpersonal communication.”
DB,  Communication Adviser to the European Commissioner for Regional Policy
 
“Your mediation course was out of the top drawer, both in terms of content and delivery.   The focus on the human side of mediation, and the emphasis on doing it (rather than just talking about it) through the Simulation resulted in a great learning experience.  Your highly experienced team of facilitators and mentors complemented each other and went the extra mile to share their knowledge and personal insights; they really were outstanding.”  SG, ISSAT/DCAF Geneva 

“The course was one of the best educational programs I have ever  undertaken.  The combination of distance learning, classroom instruction and practical lessons provided the optimal learning  experience.  The credentials of the tutors were outstanding and the method of teaching highly effective. Although the course is for CSDP Mediation training, I believe it would  be useful for anyone in a management position.”  P Mac B- Legal and Public Affairs/PR consultant
  
 “This is as real as it gets. I highly recommend it.”   MEK, North Africa and Sahel, Crisis Management Initiative, Finland

Bill has received the Archbishop of Canterbury’s inaugural Hubert Walter Award for “outstanding services” to reconciliation.   The newly-created award was conferred on Bill by the Archbishop, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, at a ceremony at Lambeth Palace on Thursday 31st March, 2016.   The citation recognizes Bill’s pioneering commitment to conflict resolution and reconciliation in the national and international sphere, both within and beyond the church.

Bill was in Kyiv this week for meetings with Ukrainian politicians and others at the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament, pictured below), aimed at finding a way forward for Ukraine’s proposed mediation reforms.   Several attempts to pass mediation legislation have previously failed, and views are divided over the best approach.   Bill also met at length with mediators to discuss their concerns and aspirations.

Bill Marsh has been re-appointed to the Mediator Panel of Sport Resolutions, the UK’s leading sports dispute resolution body.

Bill has mediated many sports related disputes, including most recently the negotiations allowing the return of Coventry City FC to the Ricoh Arena.