Beyond the Gavel with Paul Balen

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton welcomes renowned solicitor and mediator Paul Balen, a consultant with decades of experience in complex medical negligence and product liability litigation. Known nationally for his innovative approach to multi-party actions and compensatory settlement schemes—like the 3M hip prosthesis and Travenol breast implant cases—Paul discusses the evolution of clinical negligence law and the increasing role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in modern legal practice. As Director of Trust Mediation and General Editor of Clinical Negligence (LexisNexis), Paul offers valuable insight into how mediation can offer healing, closure, and efficiency beyond traditional litigation, particularly in emotionally charged, high-stakes cases. With fascinating stories from landmark actions, the challenges of product regulation, and the power of empathy in law, this episode is a masterclass in thinking beyond the rulebook. Whether you’re a legal practitioner, healthcare professional, or just curious about how justice can be pursued in more human-centered ways—this conversation is not to be missed.