Simon Jass

Simon is a barrister, a Fellow of AMINZ in Mediation and a Resolution Institute-accredited mediator. He has more than 20 years' experience in the legal profession and brings substantial mediation experience both as a mediator and as counsel in civil and commercial disputes.

His approach as a mediator is personable, empathetic and objective. Simon prepares thoroughly and makes sure each participant has a genuine opportunity to explain their perspective and say what matters to them. He works with parties in a measured way to test their assumptions, look at the issues from other points of view, and weigh up their options. His aim is to facilitate a mediation process in which all parties feel heard and can make informed decisions about resolution.

Simon graduated BA, LLB from the University of Auckland and began his legal career in 2004 as a junior barrister in Chambers. From 2009 to 2022 he was in the dispute resolution team of a national law firm, ultimately as Special Counsel, dealing with a broad range of civil and commercial disputes. He commenced practice on his own account as a barrister and mediator in 2023, being admitted the same year as a Fellow of AMINZ in Mediation by examination. He sits on Fair Way's Natural Hazards panel and a range of other mediation panels across a variety of subject areas, also coaching the AMINZ Mediation Skills Intensive.