About Us
A proportionate approach to private Financial Dispute Resolution
The Private FDR Group was established to provide high-quality private Financial Dispute Resolution (pFDR) hearings at proportionate fixed fees.
Private FDRs have become increasingly common in higher-value financial remedy cases. However, traditional private FDR fees can be difficult to justify in many mid-value matters.
We created this service to offer a credible, legally grounded alternative, enabling parties to obtain a clear and realistic indication at a stage when it can most effectively support settlement.
Our service is particularly suited to cases involving assets between £500,000 and £3 million, while remaining available for higher-value matters where a focused and timely evaluation is required.
Experience and background
The service is led by Gary Howell.
Gary has specialist financial remedy experience, is a member of Resolution, and holds a fee-paid judicial appointment in the Financial Remedies Court in England and Wales. His experience of sitting in financial remedy cases provides current insight into how courts approach these matters in practice.
All work undertaken through The Private FDR Group is carried out strictly in a private capacity, entirely separate from any judicial role.
Our evaluations are based on established legal principles, relevant case law, and practical experience of how financial remedy cases are determined at final hearing.
What makes our approach different
Proportionate pricing
We believe that access to high-quality private FDR should be available across a wider range of cases. Our pricing is designed to remain proportionate while maintaining a high standard of evaluation.
Prompt availability
Court-listed FDR hearings can be months away. A private FDR allows parties to obtain a realistic indication at a stage when it can have the greatest impact on settlement.
Clear and realistic indications
A private FDR is a form of early neutral evaluation. The evaluator considers the evidence, hears submissions, and provides a reasoned indication of the likely outcome if the matter were to proceed to trial.
Following submissions, the evaluator will usually prepare a concise written indication during the course of the day. This is intended to provide a clear and practical framework for negotiations, helping parties engage in informed and realistic settlement discussions.
The indication is focused and evaluative, rather than a detailed judgment.
A structured and focused environment
Each hearing is dedicated to a single case, allowing time for careful preparation, meaningful negotiation, and clarification of issues as discussions progress.
Our philosophy
Financial remedy proceedings can be emotionally and financially demanding. We aim to provide:
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Clarity where there is uncertainty
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Structure where there is conflict
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Realism where expectations differ
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A constructive, settlement-focused environment consistent with the principles of Resolution
Private FDR is not mediation. The evaluator does not facilitate compromise in the abstract; rather, they provide an informed and legally grounded assessment designed to assist settlement discussions.
Our goal is to support fair, workable outcomes that are capable of approval by the court.
Learn more
For further information about suitability, pricing or availability, please visit:
