Our Dispute Resolution Lawyers act for a broad spectrum of individual and commercial clients in a wide range of complex disputes. Our specialist team of litigators have particular expertise in the following areas:
Disputes are a fact of modern life. Understanding and dealing with a dispute in a professional and commercial way has never been more important. Being involved in a dispute can be a stressful, time consuming and expensive experience, and we work with our clients to take on the strain.
Our Dispute Resolution team is recognised for its expertise in the legal directories. We have a proven track record of acting successfully in high profile, high value and complex litigation, particularly in times of crisis for our clients. We are experienced in taking proactive steps on an urgent basis, such as by dealing with injunctions, and renowned for acting in cases involving serious allegations of wrongdoing and fraud.
Often our clients are keen to preserve a commercial or personal relationship and/or avoid the adverse publicity that may accompany a dispute. In these circumstances we are able to work with our clients to avoid the courtroom and instead explore other practical and cost effective avenues to resolve disputes, including mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Our media and reputation team is also available to manage any matters that may attract unwanted attention, seeking to ensure that private matters are kept private.
We understand that our clients are often concerned about the cost of being involved in a dispute. We will explain your funding options and the likely costs involved in managing a case at each stage. You can read more about litigation funding options here.
We provide litigation expertise and strategic advice to our clients. Our colleagues from other practice areas have expertise in many related areas which we regularly call on, including private client, corporate, employment, criminal and regulatory issues.
Mediation involves a mediator encouraging and inviting settlement between parties to a dispute. A mediator does not hand out a judgement like a judge in court would. Instead, the mediator seeks to assist both you and the other side to come to an agreement. The process is highly flexible and can end in a result that is more commercially suitable than a court order.
Arbitration is a more formal alternative dispute resolution service. An arbitrator can be appointed either by you and the other side or by a professional body that both sides have agreed on. You and the other side will provide evidence, and the arbitrator will make a legally-binding decision. It is usually used for larger commercial disputes.
While Arbitration and Mediation are more formal processes, parties to a dispute, at any time, can agree to negotiate an agreement to settle. This will be done by your solicitor, perhaps by letter or telephone call. Alternatively, a round-table meeting between lawyers and parties can take place, where positions are discussed and settlement agreed upon.
Disputes are an unwelcome reality for both businesses and individuals. During this time, sound judgement and advice are needed from dispute specialists in order to decide the best course of action and recommend a suitable strategy for your particular situation. Not every dispute will require court action and there are a range of alternatives, such as arbitration and mediation, designed to enable aggrieved parties to seek redress. If litigation cannot be avoided, it should be pursued as rigorously as possible with the help of a experienced litigation lawyer.
