Mediation Charging Guide

How Much Do Mediators Charge?

Fee Setting for Civil, Commercial and Workplace Mediation

Fixed Fee Mediation – A Growing Standard

An increasing number of mediators are adopting fixed fee mediation as a core pricing model.

Fixed fees allow mediators to:

Clearly define scope and expectations
Avoid time-based fee disputes
Position their service as outcome-focused rather than time-led

Fixed fee models commonly include:

Pre-mediation preparation
A defined half-day or full-day mediation session
Post-mediation outcome documentation

This structure is particularly effective in workplace and commercial mediation, where organisations value predictability and internal budget control.

Our Fixed Fee Mediation framework sets out a replicable model that mediators can adopt or adapt within their own practice.

UK mediators typically charge £120–£250 per hour per party, or £600–£2,500 per party for session-based, fixed fee, or full-day mediation, depending on dispute type, complexity, and mediator experience. Fixed fee mediation is increasingly adopted in civil, commercial and workplace practice.

Key Considerations When Setting Your Fees

When setting or reviewing your mediation fees, consider:

Area of practice (civil, commercial, workplace)
Typical case complexity and preparation time
Number of parties involved
Online versus in-person delivery
Your experience, accreditation and market position
The need for clarity and predictability for parties

Fees should always be explained clearly at the enquiry stage and confirmed before mediation begins.

Strategic Positioning: Cost vs Value

Mediation fees should reflect value delivered, not just time spent. As your practice develops, many mediators move away from hourly pricing towards defined packages and fixed fees, which:

Support professional positioning
Improve conversion at enquiry stage
Reduce administrative friction
Align mediation with commercial best practice

A well-structured fee model reinforces mediation as a credible alternative to litigation, rather than a low-cost compromise.

how much should i charge for mediation services?

Mediators regularly ask the question: how much should I charge for mediation?

The answer depends on your practice focus, experience, market positioning, and the fee structure you adopt.

This page is intended as a fee-setting reference point for mediators, particularly those practising in civil, commercial, and workplace mediation. It outlines typical UK ranges, common pricing models, and considerations to help you set fees that are fair, proportionate, and commercially sustainable.

At The Dispute Resolution Agency, we encourage transparent, clearly structured fees that support both mediator professionalism and client confidence.

Typical Mediation Fee Ranges (UK)

Hourly Rates

Hourly pricing remains common, particularly for civil and workplace mediation, early-stage disputes, or where flexibility is required.

Typical UK ranges include:

£120–£250 per hour per party
Online mediation often sits at the lower end of this range
Rates tend to increase with mediator experience, accreditation, and sector specialism

Hourly pricing can work well for emerging practices, but may introduce uncertainty for parties if the scope of work expands.

Session and Day Rates

Many mediators move towards session-based pricing as their practice matures, offering greater clarity and perceived value.

Common benchmarks include:

Half-day mediation: £600–£1,200 per party
Full-day mediation: £1,250–£1,750 per party
Fees may include preparation time and post-mediation summaries

This approach supports clearer expectations and reduces fee sensitivity during the mediation process.

Commercial Mediation Fees

For commercial mediation, pricing is typically higher due to claim value, preparation requirements, and stakeholder complexity.

Indicative ranges include:

£1,500–£2,500+ per party for a full-day mediation
Senior or specialist mediators may charge above this range
Preparation and document review may be bundled or priced separately

Commercial clients often prioritise experience, efficiency, and certainty over low headline fees.