Commercial Disputes: service overview
Resolving business conflicts with practical, efficient legal support to minimise disruption and cost.
When conflicts arise, your business needs a trusted partner who understands both the legal complexities and the commercial realities. Our Commercial Disputes Team is recognised among the leading teams in Legal 500 committed to protecting your interests with a straightforward, strategic approach.
We focus on resolving disputes quickly wherever possible – often before court proceedings begin. We appreciate the pressures these situations bring, so our aim is to find the best solutions, whether through early negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, or, when necessary, court action. By involving us early, you gain a clear understanding of your situation, helping to manage costs and risks effectively.
Our expertise covers a wide range of conflicts including contractual disputes, debt recovery, director and shareholder disputes, claims against professionals for negligence, insolvency claims, and defamation. We are here for you through every stage, acting not just as your legal advisors but as long-term partners invested in your company’s ongoing success.
Our team regularly represents businesses locally and internationally, adapting our approach to your unique challenges.
Proven expertise
We are recognised by Legal 500 for our outstanding commercial disputes experience, giving you confidence in our expert guidance.
Client-centred strategy
We tailor our advice to your business needs, balancing legal risks with practical commercial outcomes.
Early intervention
By acting quickly, we help you avoid costly, drawn-out disputes and focus on the best way of resolution.
Transparent communication
We keep you informed every step of the way, breaking down complex issues into clear, manageable advice.
Alternative dispute resolution focus
Whenever possible, we aim to settle matters early through negotiation or mediation, preserving valuable business relationships.
Cost-effective solutions
We plan with you from the outset to manage legal costs efficiently, preventing surprises and managing your budget.
Wide-ranging dispute experience
From contractual claims, a debt recovery and director/shareholder disputes to insolvency and defamation, our breadth of knowledge covers many business challenges.
Long-term partnership
We are more than your lawyers; we are your trusted advisors committed to supporting you through all business challenges.
Commercial Disputes FAQs
We understand you might be looking for answers, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help get you started.
Act immediately. Court documents come with strict deadlines. Typically, you should file an Acknowledgement of Service to avoid a default judgment and contact a specialist solicitor promptly to consider your defence and strategy.
Start by understanding why the debt remains unpaid. We recommend sending a formal demand letter before exploring negotiation or court action. Depending on the debt size, different claim tracks apply. We’ll guide you on preserving relationships while enforcing your rights effectively.
A statutory demand signals the start of insolvency proceedings. If you dispute the debt, apply to the court to set it aside quickly. If not, payment is required within 21 days to avoid bankruptcy or company insolvency petitions. Urgent legal advice is critical here.
Absolutely. We encourage mediation and other ADR methods to resolve disputes swiftly and with less conflict than formal litigation, often preserving business relationships.
Costs vary by case complexity and duration. We provide clear upfront guidance to help you plan financially. Often, a successful party can recover costs from the other side, especially in fast-track cases.
Commercial Disputes service expertise
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Your key contact
You can contact us now to book an initial consultation. Or for more information please contact Nick Hatchett on the details below.

Nick Hatchett
Partner








