Terry Rafferty

I have always preferred to resolve disputes rather than proceed to lengthy and expensive litigation, and I was often successful when in private practice in achieving a fair resolution of disputes before reaching that stage. I believe that I bring a calm and stable personality, an open mind and good listening skills, combined with robustness and determination where necessary, to the mediation process. Born and bred in Northern Ireland, I have been married for over 40 years and have 6 grown-up children and 2 grandchildren, which has provided many opportunities to develop dispute resolution skills! I have always had an interest in the dynamics of personal relationships.

As a tribunal judge I practise on a daily basis listening skills, relating with empathy and keeping an open mind at all times, while managing the conduct of hearings.

I have served in a voluntary capacity on the Board of Governors of 2 local schools and on the Board of Management of AutismNI, Northern Ireland's leading autism charity. I have been the treasurer of the local support group of that charity for the past 15 years, having previously served as its first chairman.

Matrimonial and related issues including child residence and contact arrangements, property distribution and sharing.
Business/partnership/commercial – including contracts and procurement/commercial/construction.
Workplace and employment disputes.
Consumer disputes.
Estates and wills.
Boundary disputes, land and property ownership..
Professional negligence including clinical negligence and disputes within other professional relationships.
Personal Injury Claims.
Other types of disputes and mediating to avert a dispute.

Bachelor of Laws (Hons)(QUB)
Solicitor of the Supreme Court in Northern Ireland
Graduate of Civil and Commercial Mediation Course run by the Institute of Professional Legal Studies October 2017
Currently appointed by the Lord Chancellor as a fee-paid Legally Qualified Panel Member of Appeal Tribunals