Michael Williams practiced as a lawyer for 30 years and was a partner in McCann FitzGerald Solicitors until 1986; when he left the firm to become a Professional Mediation. He has served on the Board of Academy of Family Mediators, and chaired its Ethics Committee. His book "Mediation: Why People Fight & How To Help Them To Stop" was published by Poolbeg Press in 1998.
Michael took his initial Mediation Training with the late John Haynes in the United States and for many years provided a Professional Mediation Service to clients both at home and abroad who sought his help. His Mediation Training Programme is and has been recognised for many years by the prestigious Academy of Family Mediators (now The Association of Conflict Resolution) USA, he is also accredited by the Association as a consultant.
Michael has presented training programmes to aspiring Mediators both at home and abroad for many years; on three occasions he travelled to Kenya to provide training to both legal professionals and arbitrators with an interest in Mediation as an alternative dispute resolution process. He has presented training in the United Kingdom and Italy. He has written and continues to write academic papers on the topic of Mediation. The Mediators at Mediation Solutions were privileged to have trained with Michael and whilst working towards accreditation Michael acted as Mentor and Consultant. In this role as Mentor Michael was honest, constructively critical and always generous with his time and encouragement. Michael continues to energetically participate in the training programmes presented by Mediation Solutions and to act in a consultancy capacity to the Mediation Services provided by the organisation.
Michael's experience and commitment to the valuable use of Mediation and the maintenance of high standards is recognised and respected by fellow Mediators, the Legal Profession and those who continue to promote and practice Mediation in an honest, ethical and professional way.