Cynthia McFarlane is a highly regarded Mediator and Barrister at 1MCB, Chambers of John Benson QC. Called to the Bar in 2003, Cynthia has been dispensing expert legal advice for almost two decades and specialises in equine, civil, family and regulatory law.
Since 2014 Cynthia has been an accredited mediator in all areas of law and has created a unique 3 step process to ensure clients consider mediation as a necessary stage in the legal procedure. Her approachability, excellent communication skills and ability to simplify complex legal matters means she is highly sought-after by both corporate and individual clients.
In the horse world, Cynthia is one of a limited number of International Equine Mediators. As ‘The Horse Lawyer’, Cynthia combines her passion for horses with her legal expertise and advises clients in the niche area of equine law and related issues such as personal injury, professional negligence, industry regulation and road traffic law. Cynthia seeks to encourage inclusivity in the horse industry and is involved with projects where she can use mediation as a powerful tool for change.
In civil cases Cynthia covers contract, tort and personal injury and she represents claimants as well as defendants. When it comes to regulatory law, she has represented the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) at disciplinary hearings. She also accepts instructions from nurses and midwives in cases before the NMC.
Having completed her pupillage at East Anglian Chambers, Cynthia began her legal career at 10 King’s Bench Walk, Chambers of C J Algar, a mixed criminal and civil practice. She is a graduate of Kingston University and has undertaken a course in Alternative Dispute Resolution at Regent’s University. Cynthia is listed in The Legal 500 UK, the leading guide to law firms and lawyers in the UK.
Cynthia acts as a Mentor on the Beyond Barriers Mentorship Scheme at Kingston University and since 2010 has volunteered at the homelessness charity, Crisis.
Cynthia has extensive experience as a Mediator and works with various clients, ranging from individuals in domestic disputes to international organisations.
Barristers’ chambers located in Temple, London. Founded in 1997, 10KBW aims to provide high quality, practical advice in addition to effective advocacy.
East Anglian Chambers consists of over 40 lawyers providing advocacy and legal advice within the East Anglian region. Their expertise lies in a range of issues from family, contract and commercial, personal injury, local government to alternative dispute resolution.
In her webinar entitled “COVID19: Out of quarantine and into the fire?”, Cynthia discusses three points to help equine-related businesses that are emerging from quarantine. She talks about what you can do during lockdown to prevent legal disputes, what you can do if you are being faced with a legal dispute, and lastly Cynthia shares tips that are essential for equine-related businesses.
The BAME Equine and Rural Activities Focus Group (BERF) was created on 2nd July 2020 to support, encourage, inspire, educate and progress members of the BAME community in all disciplines, in all areas of the equine industry and in all rural activities.
Crisis is a national charity for homelessness in the United Kingdom, committed to ending the cycle of poverty and the associated consequences. Crisis works with homeless individuals across the country, supporting them on their journey to rebuilding their lives and improving their living conditions.
