Andrew Crombie 2025

Andrew Cromby

Civil and Commercial Mediator

Practice Overview

“Andrew Cromby – With experience in litigation, arbitration, and mediation, Andrew Cromby from Weightmans LLP is praised for being ‘perfectly competent and able to handle high-value and complex disputes’. Cromby regularly mediates various disputes with particular proficiency in commercial, property, shareholder, and construction disputes, and is adept at dealing with multi-party matters.” (2027 Legal 500)

"Entering mediation can be an intimidating and nerve-wracking process - it's something no one ever expects to need, yet the stakes are high when trying to resolve issues before they become costly or disruptive. Andrew’s approach is simply exceptional. From his clear communication and structured process to the way he balances both parties, he made an inherently difficult situation far easier to navigate. Beyond his professional expertise, it was his genuine compassion and focus on finding real solutions that truly stood out. I cannot recommend him highly enough." (Business founder, 2026)

Andrew Cromby - Andrew has over 35 years’ experience in dealing with commercial and civil disputes and has a 92% settlement rate as a mediator (in the last 12 months). Andrew has dealt with thousands of contractual, business ownership, shareholder, employment law and commercial disputes. He also mediates workplace disputes.

Andrew is a popular choice with solicitors, accountants and other professionals as well as business owners and families locked in disputes – he is adept at dealing with disputes between individuals where relations break down and is able to help the parties resolve issues before they reach the stage of litigation.

Andrew has headed the disputes practices at two London law firms, including international firm, Weightmans, where he is also the London office head. He has been recognised as a leading individual in commercial and professional partnership disputes (often some of the bitterest disputes) for more than 25 years, during which time he has dealt with countless mediations.

In addition to acting as a mediator , Andrew has successfully dealt with cases which have been taken to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the UK, the County Court, the High Court and acted in numerous domestic and international arbitrations. He knows what drives disputes and how they can be resolved.

Andrew draws on his extensive experience to understand the parties’ perspectives and defuse emotive issues, helping them to focus on their commercial needs and objectives with empathy and authority.

Endorsements

“What I will say with certainty is that had Andrew Cromby not been such an excellent mediator, we would not have achieved resolution of the disputes at issue between the parties in this particular case. Andrew was patient and polite throughout but firm about the boundaries he wanted to be respected. His diligence and good humour allowed progress to be made throughout the day, in a way which ultimately resulted in a binding settlement, even though after one hour from the start, there had seemed to me frankly no possibility of a good outcome. If you were thinking of finding the right person to mediate a commercial dispute between warring parties, I could not recommend Andrew Cromby more highly.” (Solicitor, Senior Partner, 2026)

“As a fellow mediator I was very impressed by your handling of the session today where parties came with fairly entrenched views of the case and each other.
Although we did not reach a settlement today, I do feel the parties got closer than I expected them to last week thanks to your input. Your magic questions regarding the client seeing themselves in the future were excellent. I will likely be stealing this technique, if you don't mind." (Barrister representative and Mediator 2026)

“In our experience, remote mediations are sometimes more tricky. Everything worked very well on the day. In particular, we thought that Mr Cromby was measured and calm and his understanding and insightful comments were very helpful in assisting the parties to reach a resolution in this matter.” (Solicitor, Head of Litigation, 2026)

“Andrew handled the mediation to a very high standard. He clearly took the time to understand the situation in detail, and I always felt that my points were properly heard and fairly reflected, which made a real difference to the process. I particularly appreciated the effort he put in after the mediation itself, continuing to follow up with both parties and doing everything he could to try and get the matter resolved. It was clear that he was genuinely invested in helping both sides reach an outcome. I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew as a mediator.” (Company Director, 2026)

“Andrew was professional and handled the competing interests of the parties well in mediation, notwithstanding underlying significant emotive differences between the parties. The pace of the mediation was good and bumps in the road were navigated. The dispute was successfully resolved. We would use Andrew again.” (Solicitor, Head of Litigation, 2026)

“…on a practical level you managed the process well especially given the limited time – and without feeling like we were under pressure. You were candid/gave clear indications when you needed to and also effectively probed my client’s position and gave him some things to think about. Your approach definitely helped to defuse what could have been a difficult situation.” (Solicitor 2026)

"Andrew Cromby would be my first choice in a hard-fought partnership dispute, whether as adviser or mediator." (Legal 500, 2026)

"We recently worked with Andrew Cromby in relation to a partnership dispute between builders. From the outset, Andrew’s calm and professional approach made what could have been a very stressful process feel manageable. He truly listened to both sides, kept the discussions constructive, and made a genuine effort to guide us towards a fair and satisfactory resolution. His ability to remain neutral yet supportive gave us confidence throughout the day. I would highly recommend Andrew to anyone needing a mediator; he combines expertise with a reassuring manner that helps create the best possible chance of settlement." (Partnership Dispute 2025)

"Just a line to reiterate my thanks. Truly a pleasure to have you help us, you were truly professional and I felt also genuinely committed to helping us.” Partner in GP Partnership dispute.

"On these occasions, it is probably more useful for us to relay the feedback from the client. He definitely felt that you understood the case, didn’t patronise him, and that you were being the voice of reason in helping to move what was a difficult opponent. I know the role is impartial but he felt you were ‘on his side’ in trying to get it resolved. Those are sentiments I would echo…. Overall, I thought you were really good and ultimately managed the parties to strike a deal when I think it is fair to say there was significant doubt on our part that one would be achievable. I certainly would be happy to put you forward for mediations in the future." Solicitor

"Andrew provided an outstanding, skilled and professional approach to mediation. Andrew helped us navigate an incredibly difficult situation and reach a mutually agreeable resolution which felt, at times, like the art of the impossible. We were grateful for Andrew’s patience, calm demeanour, and ability to lead us to a positive outcome. Andrew comes highly recommended."

“Andrew assisted us in respect of a long-standing dispute, that had been ongoing since the 1990’s without any resolution. With Andrew’s assistance we were able to resolve the entirety of this matter in a single day and Andrew was very adept in managing a very difficult situation and all the personalities involved in mediation, both clients and legal representatives. Andrew’s assistance was invaluable in getting this matter resolved and Andrew was adamant that he would be staying until the bitter end to ensure that all parties signed on the dotted line to finalise the settlement.” Johnathon Arman, Glanville's

Andrew has been described in independent legal directory Chambers UK as someone with the “ability to steer a clear, sensible course through very troubled waters.” Additionally:

“Andrew is very commercial and pragmatic. He gets down to what the clients need to get problems sorted, is very reassuring and will go the extra mile…” (Chambers & Partners 2023)

“Andrew is a very pragmatic and commercial lawyer who has an excellent manner…” (Chamber & Partners 2022)

“Andrew is the real star…very focussed and commercial.” (Legal 500 2024)

“Andrew is a very bright, robust and commercially savvy...” (Chambers & Partners 2024)

Areas Of Specialism

Commercial, Company, Contract, Employment, Family (Commercial Mediation), Inheritance, Partnership, Professional Negligence, Shareholder Disputes