Practice Overview
Toby brings to mediation a wealth of experience from his litigation practice, as well as insights from the Courtroom as a Solicitor Advocate. He is a Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at his firm based in Buckinghamshire. Whilst he has knowledge of the legal framework of most disputes, Toby tries to explore the practical and financial needs of parties involved, using that understanding to help them move towards a workable solution. Toby seeks to gain parties’ confidence early in the process and takes a pragmatic, creative and commercially-minded approach.
Professional Background
Toby originally trained and practiced as a solicitor in London before moving to a firm Oxford at which he became a Director. He now leads the Dispute Resolution team as Partner of a firm in Buckinghamshire and has been appointed Deputy District Judge, he sits part-time on the South Eastern circuit
Toby advises on most Civil, Chancery and Commercial disputes. He has successfully conducted cases to trial or other favourable outcomes for his clients, in the areas of professional negligence, breach of contract, boundaries and land, and inheritance claims. Whilst dealing with most property disputes, including Landlord & Tenant, Toby has developed a specialism in the area of trusts of land, including constructive or resulting trusts, and claims of proprietary estoppel.
Toby’s clients include multinational organisations, SMEs, commercial landlords, farmers, landowners as well as private individuals.
Toby is passionate about mediation as an alternative to litigation, and regularly writes and speaks on the subject. He thoroughly enjoys the mediation process, no matter how entrenched the parties find themselves at the outset. He firmly believes that listening is a lost art and can often be the key to understanding people and conflict generally. . A favourite quote of Toby’s is by Winston Churchill: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
Endorsements
"Toby was instrumental in the parties reaching a compromise on a difficult boundary/trespass dispute. The parties began the day in entrenched positions, but Toby was able to focus their minds on the wider picture and settlement, and away from the legal arguments. As a result, a settlement was reached with a Tomlin Order being negotiated and signed that day, with which the clients were delighted. Toby was able to grasp the nub of the dispute quickly, and further litigation and the substantial legal costs to trial were avoided" – From a Senior Associate Solicitor of a national law firm
"After 25 years of good old fashioned litigation I would have described myself as a mediation sceptic, that is, until I experienced Toby Walker and the team at ADRg who showed me and my clients how its really done and why it can be relied upon to produce results. I now rank mediation services not just above the 'austerity' Courts we are getting used to but just about any court in the land." - Allyn Walton, Solicitor for the Working Men's Club and Institute Union
“Toby was able to quickly grasp and navigate our complex and acrimonious dispute towards a settlement. This resulted in a quick and cost-effective conclusion. It also avoided potentially costly litigation and all the time, resources and risk that entails.” - Hayley Beer-Gamage, Chief Executive, Experience Oxfordshire
"Toby is always in command of the details of a case and has excellent tactical instincts" - Will Beetson, Barrister, 42 Bedford Row Chambers
“Very informed, excellent level of experience. Toby was very quick to understand my situation and advise accordingly. With Toby I have a high level of confidence that I have the best person for the job working with me.” - Sally Lavis
“I would recommend Toby Walker to any client with a claim involving property or commercial/contractual issues. He provides a great service and will give any client a great chance of achieving a good result from any litigation.” Winston Jacob, Barrister, Lamb Chambers
Other Experience
Toby is a member of the Property Litigation Association and the Solicitors’ Association of Higher Court Advocates
Personal Interests
Toby enjoys reading, cooking and most sports.
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