Personal CV
Sally Carmichael was admitted as a solicitor in 1980 and since admission has specialised in civil litigation. Increasingly that has narrowed so that the majority of her work now is for clients involved in property development, including national development businesses, building contractors of various sizes and property investors, particularly in the field of commercial properties. Sally's clear and logical approach to her work focuses on finding a swift solution to the clients' problems. Brought up in a business world, Sally understands that her clients want to get on with making money; they do not want to pay lawyers fees unless they have to. Time is always money in business.
It was frustration with the legal system that led Sally in 2003 to qualify as a CEDR mediator. She has since that time been involved in many successful mediations. Sally says of mediation "I have been amazed how well the process works. The mediation process helps the parties see the advantages of settlement and the versatility of settlements that can be negotiated"
In her personal life, Sally has just completed a term as president of the Bournemouth and District Law Society and was keen in that role to promote cooperation between solicitors.
She is also a competitive swimmer and has been involved in sport mediations. Sally says "confrontation occurs more frequently in sport because of the competitive nature of the individuals".
As a construction lawyer, Sally has experience in claims in the Court of Technology and Construction Court. Sally has also undertaken numerous adjudications and arbitrations and fully understands these processes. As one of her client's said recently, "Sally knows more about roof construction than any other woman I have ever met, and indeed most men!"