Lauren Phelps.
Mediator, restorative justice facilitator, and former criminal lawyer - with the experience to know what she's doing and the warmth to make it bearable.
Why I do this.
I came to mediation gradually, not in a single moment. Over years in criminal law, I realised what I was genuinely good at: speaking with people, helping them work through hard conversations, helping them advocate for themselves and draw out what they actually wanted to say.
When I started doing mediations, something clicked. I found I could help the person who was harmed as much as the person who caused the harm - to be neutral, and useful to both sides of a matter. That's something criminal law never let me do, and it turned out to be the most rewarding part of the work.
What I find most meaningful is when a person doesn't have to go to jail for one bad decision - when a lapse in judgment doesn't get to define them for life, or wreck their family or their children's future. People commit offences. It doesn't have to become the whole story. And when a matter resolves and both parties are deserving of the outcome - when I can see their lives are able to move forward with some peace - that's the work at its best.
- Lauren
Experience that earns trust.
- —Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS)
- —Professional Member, Resolution Institute
- —Mental Health First Aider
- —Former Director, a leading Queensland criminal law firm
- —Two decades in the Queensland criminal justice system
- —Conference and seminar presenter
How Lauren works.
Lauren's approach comes down to two things: genuinely reading the people in front of her, and keeping the focus on a workable outcome. After two decades in criminal law, she's learned to tailor her approach to whoever she's dealing with - some people need space and reassurance, others want to get straight to it. She adapts.
She doesn't rush people, and she doesn't impose outcomes. But she isn't passive either. She keeps conversations productive, makes sure both parties are genuinely heard, and holds the line when it's needed. Her approach is also trauma-informed - she's trained to work in a way that keeps the process safe for people dealing with difficult experiences, and to adjust the pace when someone needs it.
You get Lauren. Only Lauren.
There's no support staff and no junior facilitators - by design. The parties and their lawyers deal with Lauren directly. They can reach her when they need to, and she gets to know every matter intimately. She works this way by choice. Nobody gets handed off, and nothing falls through the cracks.
What people say.
Lauren's integrity, compassion, pragmatism, and highly developed communication skills, make her a natural mediator.
EOH, Criminal LawyerLauren's communication is always courteous and articulate. She can tailor her communication style to her audience, and has experience communicating with an array of listeners.
EBK, LawyerWork directly with Lauren.
Every enquiry is handled by Lauren personally. Get in touch to discuss your matter in confidence.