Using Counsel during mediation (Will defence)

[Woolsy]

We are about to go to mediation in a few weeks time in defence of a contested will. The other party has not provided hardly any evidence to help their claim. We have spent about £30,000 up to this stage.
Now my Litigation Solicitor has recommended the use of Counsel during mediation, which will cost £6000+vat just for the barrister. I wanted some independent advice on whether this is worth paying the extra for the barrister?

[EnglandPi]

If your solicitor thinks you need a barrister, I would recommend you take his advice. Barristers can worth their weight in gold with so much at stake.

[Woolsy]

If your solicitor thinks you need a barrister, I would recommend you take his advice. Barristers can worth their weight in gold with so much at stake.

Thanks for your reply. What are the benefits of using one?

[EnglandPi]

How long have you got?

[Woolsy]

How long have you got?

Would it help if mediation can't be settled and it has to go to court?

[EnglandPi]

Years ago, solicitors and barristers had completely different roles and solicitors could not represent you in certain courts it had to be a barrister. In recent times the difference between the two has blurred somewhat and solicitors can now do many things only barristers could do.

Its like your GP (general practitioner) he knows a lot about everything but if there is a medical issue hes not sure about he refers you to a specialist.

Its the same with solicitors and barristers when it comes to legal argument barristers are the specialists. They know the law inside out and can speak to the judge as an equal, quoting presidents that are beyond the remit of most solicitors.