As part of our DRS 50 celebrations, we are highlighting panel members whose experience, judgement and professionalism underpin the Dispute Resolution Service. In this spotlight, we speak with Maggie Stobo, Director at MFS Resolution, who reflects on her journey into dispute resolution, her long‑standing relationship with DRS, and the insights gained from decades of practice in lease advisory, valuation and arbitration.
Can you tell us a bit about your role and what you do day-to-day?
Lease advisory, negotiations, rental valuations, dispute resolution – as expert and arbitrator. Nothing out of the ordinary really!
What first drew you to dispute resolution or your area of expertise?
A conversation with Lesley Webber about 25 years ago. I was interested in arbitration, particularly the legal aspects, but assumed it was something to aim for much later in my career. Lesley inspired me to start out on my training journey towards become an arbitrator, assuring me that I didn’t have to wait until I was old and grey-haired! I am grateful to Lesley for her sound advice and for the confidence she gave me.
How has your role or the industry changed over the years?
When I was first appointed to the RICS panels of experts and arbitrators I worked for a national firm, and with numerous conflicts (or perceived conflicts) of interest, it was several years before I made my first Award. Once I took the plunge and formed my own company, I found myself of use to DRS, the appointments followed, and my relationship with DRS really began.
What do you enjoy most about working with DRS?
I feel valued as a panel member by the friendly team of case workers.
Can you share a memorable case, course, or experience that stands out?
I recall a preliminary meeting in the early 1990ss, at the London office of the Arbitrator, in the matter of a commercial rent dispute of a high street shop in an affluent market town. Both the Arbitrator and the landlord’s surveyor were senior partners of their respective firms. I was a young, female surveyor. Sitting around the polished boardroom table, listening to their small talk, it became apparent that they were old chums. Their conversation moved from the gleaming contents of the trophy cabinet and their recent golfing successes to the educational establishments of their respective offspring. Before we eventually moved onto the agenda to discuss Directions, the Arbitrator offered to find a work placement for my opponent’s son. I left after the meeting, fuming.
Thankfully training has improved, and panel members are subject to periodic re-assessment!
(It wasn’t all bad, with a very successful outcome of the arbitration for my client with costs awarded in their favour.)
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
Be prepared to learn something from every case, and don’t underestimate the importance of a network of fellow dispute resolvers to call upon when you need a sounding board.
What keeps you motivated and inspired professionally?
An intellectual challenge.
How does DRS support you in delivering value to clients and the profession?
A combination of training and experience of appointments from DRS gained from being on the panel for 20+ years, have helped me to develop a solid understanding of the process from the perspective of the dispute resolver, placing me in a much stronger position to advise clients as a party representative.