John trained as a solicitor with FBC Solicitors, now FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, and qualified into the family department in 2006. He dealt with all aspects of family breakdown, specialising in children matters and cohabitation breakdown. He became an Associate of the firm in 2009. He left the firm in 2014 to return

to his former career as a classical musician and to retrain as a family mediator, completing his foundation training with Resolution in 2015.

‘As a former solicitor, I have a clear understanding of the likely approach of the Court to family disputes. I see the tremendous advantages that mediation has to offer, if the parties are in a position to take advantage of this way of settling issues. It is cost effective, it can be reasonably quick, certainly in comparison to the Court process, and the solutions can be those that the couple decide for themselves. It certainly isn't the easy option – the parties to the process have to be prepared to negotiate directly one with the other: but with patience, assistance from the mediator and a willingness to reach realistic and reasonable decisions, a lot of expense and time can be saved.’

Prior to qualifying as a family solicitor, John travelled throughout Europe pursuing a career in the world of opera. He is an English graduate from King’s College, Cambridge, obtaining a 2.1 before a short period of study at the Royal College of Music.

John can be contacted by email, jagbowen@outlook.com or by telephone - 07969 549374.