Short answer
For a small-claims mediation quote, prepare the claim, defence, directions, mediation notice, contract or invoice evidence, settlement offers, loss schedule, hearing date and any documents due before the hearing.
Quick checklist
Start with these
Start With The Claim And Mediation Stage
A defended small money claim may be referred to mediation before a hearing. A barrister reviewing the papers needs to know whether mediation is offered, required or already listed, and what court directions remain active.
The first summary should identify the amount claimed, the defence, the disputed issues and what settlement or hearing help is being requested.
- Claim form, particulars of claim and defence.
- Directions questionnaire, allocation notice and mediation appointment notice.
- Court orders, hearing date and document-exchange deadlines.
- Whether mediation is by telephone, online or arranged independently.
- Any accessibility, vulnerability or safety adjustment request.
Evidence And Settlement Pack
Good preparation separates liability documents from loss documents and settlement correspondence. This helps advice stay proportionate to the size and complexity of the claim.
- Contract, invoice, receipt, advert, messages, photographs or delivery records.
- Complaint, repair, refund, chargeback or pre-action correspondence.
- Schedule of loss, interest calculation and payments already made.
- Offers, mediation position notes and points that may be confidential or without prejudice.
- Witness notes and the documents intended for the hearing bundle.
What A Barrister May Be Asked To Do
A quote request may ask for a short advice note, help identifying evidence gaps, settlement wording, hearing preparation or representation if proportionate.
This guide is general information only. It does not advise whether to settle, what sum to accept or whether a party must attend a particular mediation appointment.
Source note: source-checked against GOV.UK money-claim mediation guidance, Ministry of Justice civil mediation guidance and Civil Procedure Rules small-claims materials on 11 September 2026. Mediation attendance, sanctions, settlement agreement and hearing-preparation wording should be source-checked against current court directions before publication.
Claim and official-source ledger
- GOV.UK money-claim guidance explains small-claims mediation, including court-organised mediation and possible consequences for not attending where mediation is required.
- Make a court claim for money: Resolve your claim through mediation — GOV.UK; checked .
- Ministry of Justice guidance describes civil mediation as a confidential process that can be used before or during legal action.
- A guide to civil mediation — GOV.UK; checked .
Editorial status: Review required. Sources support the identified claims only. General information; not legal advice.
Small Claims Mediation Barrister Preparation Guide FAQs
Can a barrister help before small claims mediation?
A barrister may advise on evidence, settlement range, legal issues, drafting or hearing preparation where the work is proportionate and properly scoped.
What should I send before mediation advice?
Send the claim, defence, directions, mediation appointment details, key evidence, offers, losses and any hearing or document-exchange deadline.
Does mediation stop the hearing deadline?
Not automatically. Follow the court's directions unless the court changes them, and include all deadlines in the quote request.
Ask For A Barrister Quote
Barristers4U helps clients request a quote from a suitable Direct Access barrister. The information on this page is general information only, not legal advice about your individual circumstances.
If your matter is urgent, include hearing dates, court deadlines, orders and any documents you already have when you submit your enquiry.
