Mediation Services | Professional Mediation Lawyers
PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS
Helping people move forward respectfully, safely and with dignity
Some of the most powerful resolutions happen outside the courtroom, when people choose to come to the table, speak honestly, and seek peace.
At Vocare Law, we offer professional mediation services designed for organisations, communities, and individuals facing complex or sensitive disputes. Our experienced mediators can help create safe, structured spaces to address conflict and move forward with clarity and care.
Who We Can Help
Our mediation services support a wide range of legal and organisational matters:
- Committee breakdowns
- Personality or values clashes
- Ethical disagreements
- Role clarity or boundary disputes
Our team brings broad experience across a range of industries and can assist with a variety of matters, including:
- Employment disputes
- Workplace conflict
- Governance and succession issues
- Mission or values alignment
Our Mediation Methods
Mediation, an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method, is a confidential and voluntary alternative dispute resolution process. A neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates conversation between those in conflict to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
It’s not about assigning blame or winning arguments. It’s about restoring communication, uncovering interests, and preserving relationships where possible. Our mediators support and guide you through the process with professionalism, neutrality, and a focus on long-term resolution.
We offer a range of mediation approaches to suit the unique needs of each matter and the parties involved.
In-person mediation provides the benefit of physical presence. This can help build trust and rapport between parties. Sessions may be held at our offices, a mutually agreed neutral venue, or on-site when appropriate. In-person can foster a deeper level of engagement and often helps parties read each other’s non-verbal cues, which can be critical to finding understanding and resolution.
Where distance, time constraints, or health considerations make in-person sessions difficult, online mediation offers a secure and flexible alternative. Using a private video conferencing platform, we can support parties from different locations to engage effectively. Many clients find that the relative privacy of their own space encourages more open dialogue.
Sometimes a combination of in-person and online sessions provides the most practical solution. This flexible approach allows for part of the process to happen face-to-face (such as joint sessions) – while individual or follow-up meetings can be online. A hybrid arrangement accommodates participants’ varying schedules and comfort levels, while maintaining the integrity of the process.
In situations where it may not be safe or constructive for parties to be in the same room, our mediators can act as intermediaries, working with each party individually. Shuttle mediation allows each side to voice concerns, explore options, and receive support without direct confrontation. This approach is particularly useful when emotions are high or relationships have significantly broken down.
For organisations and individuals who value a Christian approach to conflict resolution, we offer faith-informed mediation. This model incorporates biblical principles such as reconciliation, humility, justice, and grace. It provides a space where participants can engage not only with legal and relational issues but also with spiritual values, helping them move forward in alignment with their faith.
Key Mediators at Vocare Law
Our team includes Nationally Accredited Mediators with deep experience in working alongside faith-based organisations, charities, schools, and not-for-profits.
Fran Keyes
Practice Leader
Fran Keyes is a senior and well-respected Lawyer and Litigator, admitted to practice as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Queensland, the Federal Court of Australia and the High Court of Australia. Fran has been Practice Leader of the Employment and Discrimination team at Vocare Law since 2018. Fran previously was a senior legal advisor to various State government departments including Justice and Attorney-General, WorkCover Queensland, Premier and Cabinet, Education and Queensland Police Service.
Since 2018 Fran has been a Nationally Accredited Mediator regularly mediating disputes for our School and not-for-profit clients. Through her work as a mediator Fran derives great satisfaction helping people resolve workplace conflicts by developing unique practical and sustainable solutions, fostering better communication and understanding, leading to a mutually agreeable resolution. Fran is deeply committed to her work with Vocare Law and the clients we serve.
Alistair Macpherson
Managing Director
Alistair Macpherson is an Australian Legal Practitioner. He was admitted as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory in 2001 and has experience in the ACT, NSW and QLD jurisdictions.
Alistair has been employed as a legal adviser and solicitor by a number of government organisations, such as:
- Department of Defence
- Australian Federal Police
- Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Simon Mason
Senior Associate
Simon Mason is a qualified lawyer and NMAS-accredited mediator with a Master of Laws (Hons) from ANU, focusing on administrative and commercial law. He brings extensive experience in mediation, charity law, corporate structuring, and regulatory compliance, particularly with start-ups, NDIS providers, schools, and not-for-profits. Simon also leads Vocare Law’s migration law practice and frequently appears as a solicitor-advocate in federal courts.
With a background in legal education and vocational training, Simon is especially passionate about helping socially driven enterprises navigate conflict. He finds particular joy in guiding disputing parties toward resolution, believing that effective mediation strengthens relationships and enhances the impact of purpose-driven organisations.
A Faith-Informed Approach to Mediation
Mediation reflects the deep spiritual principle of reconciliation. The role of the mediator is a peacemaker, someone who stands in the gap to help restore what’s been broken. For example, in the Judeo-Christian tradition:
- Jesus Himself is described as the ultimate mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), reconciling humanity to God.
- In Matthew 18, believers are encouraged to resolve conflict personally and with wise witnesses before turning to more formal processes.
- Proverbs speaks of wise counsel, soft answers, and the power of peacemaking (Proverbs 15:1, 17:14, 19:11).
At Vocare Law, our mediation practice is informed by these principles. We see mediation as an opportunity not just to solve problems but to embody values of grace, humility, and truth.
Our Mediation Process
Here’s what you can expect when you engage Vocare Law for mediation:
- Initial Contact: Confidential discussion to determine suitability and readiness for mediation.
- Agreement to Mediate: All parties sign a written agreement outlining the process, confidentiality and scope.
- Pre-Mediation Preparation: We speak with each party separately to understand perspectives and clarify expectations.
- Mediation Session(s): We facilitate a structured conversation, either in joint sessions or shuttle format.
- Outcome: If agreement is reached, it may be recorded in writing and signed by both parties.
- Follow-Up: In some cases, we provide a debrief, check-in, or guidance on implementation.
The Benefits of Mediation
Of all methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution, mediation is preferred several reasons:
- Confidential: Keep matters private and off public record.
- Cost-Effective: Avoid the costs of court proceedings and prolonged legal action.
- Time Efficient: Resolve legal disputes in weeks, not years.
- Relationship-Preserving: Especially where ongoing contact is essential.
- Empowering: You stay in control of the outcome, not a judge or external investigator.
- Values-Based: For Christian organisations, our process can reflect your convictions and calling.
Talk to Us
Conflict can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to define the future.
Our team is ready to walk with you calmly, wisely, and professionally. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to begin, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
For information regarding mediation costs or to address any concerns, reach out today to speak confidentially with one of our mediation lawyers.
Advice You Can Trust
We offer customised professional legal services tailored to meet our clients’ needs. Our values are service, care and excellence. Our people are our strength. We nurture them by creating a healthy team environment which encourages them to make positive contributions in delivering our legal services. Our communities are missions focused. We exercise our generosity by making contributions at a local, national and international level.
