Faizal Essat FCiLex (CiLex Litigator)
Civil & Commercial Mediator | Legal Executive Advocate | Senior Dispute Resolution Professional
Faizal Essat FCILEx is an accredited civil and commercial mediator, Legal Executive Advocate and senior dispute resolution professional with more than 35 years of experience helping businesses, professionals, public bodies, charities and individuals resolve complex disputes.
​
Throughout his career, Faizal has worked across private practice, local government, industry, governance and consultancy, advising on a wide range of contentious matters involving commercial relationships, contractual obligations, workplace issues, governance challenges and organisational conflict. This breadth of experience provides him with a unique understanding of the legal, commercial and human factors that often underpin disputes.
​
As a mediator, Faizal combines technical expertise with a calm, pragmatic and commercially focused approach. He is skilled at working with parties involved in complex, sensitive and relationship-driven disputes, helping them move beyond entrenched positions, identify common interests and explore practical solutions. His focus is on creating an environment in which constructive conversations can take place and durable outcomes can be achieved.
​
Having spent decades advising clients before, during and after disputes, Faizal understands the pressures facing litigants, professional advisers, businesses and decision-makers. He appreciates that successful dispute resolution requires more than an understanding of legal rights and obligations. It requires an appreciation of risk, commercial realities, organisational priorities and the personal dynamics that often influence decision-making.
​
Alongside his mediation practice, Faizal is Director of Essat Law Limited and serves on the Complaints and Disciplinary Committee of the Civil Mediation Council. He has previously held senior leadership and governance positions including Partner in private practice, Head of Legal within industry, Team Leader for Litigation and Dispute Resolution within local government, Chairman of the Strategic Risk Committee at CILEx Regulation and Chair of the Governance Committee of the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses.
​
His combination of dispute resolution expertise, advocacy experience, governance insight and commercial awareness enables him to bring credibility, authority and practical judgement to every mediation.
My Mediation Philosophy
"Every dispute has a legal dimension, but very few disputes are resolved through legal arguments alone. Successful resolution requires an understanding of the commercial realities, personal interests and organisational priorities that sit behind conflict. My role as a mediator is to help parties have the conversations that allow practical and lasting solutions to emerge."
Areas of Expertise
Faizal has extensive experience in disputes involving:
-
Commercial and contractual disputes
-
Workplace and employment matters
-
Partnership and shareholder disagreements
-
Professional services disputes
-
Construction and property disputes
-
Intellectual property disputes
-
Governance and board-level conflicts
-
Charity and trustee disputes
-
Community and faith-based disputes
-
Public sector and local authority matters
-
Regulatory and organisational disputes
-
Complex multi-party disputes
Why Parties and Professional Advisers Instruct Faizal
-
More than 35 years of dispute resolution experience
-
Extensive background in litigation, negotiation and advocacy
-
Significant commercial and organisational experience
-
Former Partner, Head of Legal and Local Authority Litigation Team Leader
-
Strong governance and board-level expertise
-
Experience of complex and high-value disputes
-
Calm, measured and pragmatic mediation style
-
Trusted by professional and regulatory organisations
-
Skilled in managing sensitive stakeholder relationships
-
Focused on practical, commercially realistic outcomes
Governance, Leadership & Community Contributions
Throughout his career, Faizal has held a number of governance, regulatory and leadership positions, including:
-
Civil Mediation Council
-
National Examining Board for Dental Nurses
-
CILEx Regulation
-
Gateway College
-
ASRA Housing Association
-
Diversity Hub
-
Various charitable, educational and community organisations
These appointments have provided significant experience of governance, stakeholder management, organisational leadership and strategic decision-making.
Awards & Recognition
-
Inaugural Winner – DLA Paul Nicholls Memorial Foundation Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Work
-
ILEX Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year
-
Runner-Up – ILEX Lawyer of the Year Award
-
Law Society Recognition Certificate for Pro Bono Work
Professional Qualifications
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FCILEx)
Legal Executive Advocate
​
Qualified advocate with extensive experience in civil litigation, dispute resolution, negotiation and advocacy.
Professional Experience
Essat Law Limited
Director & Principal Consultant
2015 – Present
Founder and Principal Consultant of a specialist dispute resolution and legal consultancy practice advising law firms, businesses, public bodies and organisations.
​
Areas of work include commercial disputes, construction matters, workplace issues, intellectual property disputes, governance matters, risk management and strategic dispute resolution support.
​
Responsible for advising clients on dispute strategy, conflict management, litigation risk and resolution options, including mediation and negotiated settlement.
Civil Mediation Council
Complaints and Disciplinary Committee Member
2023 – Present
Member of the Committee responsible for maintaining professional standards and public confidence within the mediation profession.
​
Contributes to the review and determination of complaints and professional conduct matters affecting accredited mediators.
National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN)
Board Member and Chair of Governance Committee
2020 – 2024
Provided strategic governance oversight for a national professional awarding body.
​
Responsible for governance, risk management, regulatory compliance and organisational effectiveness.
DBS Andersons
Associate Director & Legal Executive Advocate
2013 – 2015
Advised commercial and individual clients on complex litigation and dispute resolution matters.
Led client relationships, strategic case management and business development initiatives.
CILEx Regulation (formally IPS)
Chairman, Strategic Risk Committee
2014 – 2015
Provided strategic oversight of regulatory risk management and governance arrangements.
Contributed to policy development and organisational governance within the legal profession.
Andersons Solicitors
Partner & Legal Executive Advocate
2011 – 2013
Partner within a respected regional law firm serving commercial and private clients across the East Midlands.
​
Responsible for litigation strategy, client management, dispute resolution and business development.
Leicestershire County Council
Team Leader – Litigation & Dispute Resolution
2010 – 2011
Led the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team within one of the region's largest local authorities.
​
Managed complex litigation, claims, prosecutions and contentious matters across multiple service areas.
​
Advised senior officers and stakeholders on legal risk, dispute management and policy issues.
Andersons Solicitors
Legal Executive Advocate
2007 – 2009
Managed a varied caseload involving commercial disputes, intellectual property matters, employment-related issues and civil litigation.
​
Developed substantial experience in negotiation, settlement and advocacy.
Imperial International Limited
Head of Legal & Special Projects
2006
Senior in-house legal role within a manufacturing and distribution business.
​
Responsible for commercial contracts, employment matters, intellectual property protection, governance, compliance and risk management.
​
Advised directors on legal and commercial strategy.
Bray & Bray Solicitors
Legal Executive Advocate
2003 – 2006
Represented clients in civil litigation and dispute resolution matters, undertaking negotiations, advocacy and case management.
Lawson West Solicitors
Legal Executive
1991 – 2003
Developed extensive experience across commercial litigation, contractual disputes, professional relationships, personal injury and civil claims.
​
Built a reputation for strong negotiation skills, client care and effective dispute resolution.