Laura Charleton

Laura Charleton is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Kent and an accredited civil and commercial mediator, having completed mediation training with Hunt ADR and gained Civil Mediation Council accreditation. She is currently further developing her practical mediation experience through observation and community mediation work with Ashford Mediation Service.

Before entering academia, Laura practised as a barrister specialising in criminal law, representing clients in both the Magistrates' and Crown Courts. Her legal practice developed strong skills in listening, negotiation, communication and managing complex disputes, which continue to inform her approach to mediation.

Alongside her academic work, Laura has extensive experience of supporting individuals through difficult conversations and challenging situations. She believes mediation provides an opportunity for people to resolve disputes constructively, preserve relationships where possible, and develop solutions that meet their own needs rather than having outcomes imposed upon them.

Laura is particularly interested in making mediation accessible to individuals, organisations and communities, and in promoting mediation as an effective and empowering means of resolving conflict.