How our commercial litigation solicitors can help
A commercial litigation expert can be invaluable when facing business disputes. Our team of solicitors can guide you through the entire process.
Pre-litigation advice | Not every dispute needs to end up in court. Your commercial litigation solicitor will help you weigh up your options, looking at the strength of your case, potential costs, and risks involved. If litigation isn’t the best route, they’ll suggest alternative dispute resolution (ADR) - saving you time, money, and stress. |
Preparing and filing claims | If you decide to take things further, your solicitor will handle the nitty-gritty of preparing and filing your claim. They’ll make sure everything’s watertight and meets the legal requirements, so you’re set up for success. |
Representation in court | When it’s time to face proceedings, your solicitor will represent you from start to finish. Whether it’s pre-trial preparation or presenting your case to a judge, they’ll be your advocate every step of the way. |
Settlement negotiations | If you decide to settle out of court, your solicitor will be able to guide you. Your solicitor will help you navigate negotiations, ensuring everything is fair and legally sound. They’ll aim for an outcome that works for you - without unnecessary complications. |
Why choose Lawhive for a business litigation solicitor?
At Lawhive, we’re here to make resolving commercial disputes easier, faster, and more transparent. With access to a network of top commercial litigation solicitors across the UK, we’ll match you with the right expert to help protect your business interests. Here’s why Lawhive stands out:
Specialists in commercial litigation: Commercial disputes can be complex. With Lawhive, you’ll be matched with a commercial solicitor who knows the ins and outs of business law and has the expertise to resolve your issue efficiently.
Clear, upfront pricing: No hidden costs and no surprises. You’ll get a fixed-fee, no-obligation quote from the start, so you can make informed decisions without worrying about unexpected charges.
Affordable legal support: Expert legal help shouldn’t break the bank. That’s why our fees can be to 50% lower than traditional firms, giving you access to top-tier solicitors without the hefty price tag.
Quick connections: When time is of the essence, we’ve got you covered. We’ll connect you with a licensed solicitor quickly - often in up to two business days - so you can take action and protect your business interests without delay.
How much does a commercial litigation solicitor cost?
The cost of a litigation lawyer will vary depending on the complexity of the case. For example, with Lawhive, the cost for initial advice on a commercial dispute (up to five pages) can be just £189. However, every case can be different. Get in touch today and we'll give you a free, fixed-fee quote that's tailored to what you need.
Legal fees for pursuing a claim
When starting a commercial claim, you might typically incur the following legal fees:
Initial consultation fees: This covers your first meeting with the solicitor, where they’ll get to know your case and provide tailored advice on your next steps.
Document review and preparation: Your solicitor will need to review important documents and prepare pleadings for your case. This ensures everything is accurate and ready for submission.
Court fees: These are costs paid directly to the court and can include filing fees, hearing fees, and other court-related charges.
Disbursements: These are extra costs your solicitor might need to cover on your behalf - like photocopying, postage, or courier services.
Common types of commercial business disputes
Commercial disputes cover a wide range of conflicts, from contract breaches and payment issues to partnership breakdowns and intellectual property disputes. Here are some of the most common that our business litigation solicitors can guide on:
Contract disputes
A contract dispute is a form of disagreement that may arise between you and other parties in a binding contract. Examples of contract disputes that can arise include breach of contract, misrepresentation, fraud, intellectual property, shareholder issues, or even partnership disagreement. Dispute resolution solicitors can provide sound legal advice, draft legal documents, negotiate settlements, and even represent you in court.
Intellectual property (IP) disputes
Intellectual property disputes are disagreements that arise over the rights to things like patents, trademarks, or design rights. An intellectual property solicitor can help you enforce IP rights through cease and desist letters, injunctions, and other legal remedies. Additionally, they can help you draft and review contracts to protect IP rights.
Shareholder and partnership disputes
These disputes occur between shareholders, partners, or directors. They may stem from things like disagreements over management decisions, profit distribution, or even business strategy. Solicitors play a crucial role in resolving shareholder and partnership disputes. Some of the strategies they employ include mediation and negotiation, initiating court proceedings, as well as strategic planning.
Debt recovery
Unpaid debts and outstanding invoices can be a significant problem for individuals and businesses. To address this, solicitors can help draft demand letters, initiate court proceedings against the defaulter, or even initiate bankruptcy proceedings if the defaulter cannot pay back.
Overview of the business litigation solicitor process
The litigation process can be lengthy and time consuming, but your expert legal advisor can guide you through each step. In general, the process can follow this order:
1. Initial case evaluation
This is the first step in any litigation proceeding. Your solicitor will assess the claim’s merits, gather evidence, and develop a strategic approach. This process varies widely based solely on the circumstances of each case.
2. Pre-action protocols
Before your solicitor can initiate legal proceedings, they must follow pre-action proceedings. This step typically involves:
Drafting pre-action letters: Clearly outlining the claim and providing the other party with an opportunity to respond.
Documenting claims: This involves your solicitor creating and serving documents that establish the facts of a claim and the legal basis.
Gathering evidence: Collecting relevant documents, emails, and other evidence to support the claim.
Notifying the other party: Your solicitor informs the other party of pending litigation resulting from their refusal to acknowledge your claims.
3. Filing a claim or defence
The next step is to file your claim or issue a strong defence to any claims against you. This process will typically involve the following steps:
Drafting the claim form: Clearly outlining the legal basis for the claim or defence.
Filing court documents: Submitting the relevant documents to the court and paying the required fees.
Serving the claim or defence: Ensuring the other party is properly notified of the proceedings.
4. Court proceedings and trial
This is the most crucial stage of the entire litigation process. It involves a judge, your attorney, the defendant's attorney, a jury, and other court officials. The trial is a series of hearings where evidence is presented, and legal arguments are made. This typically involves:
Opening statements: Both sides present their opening statements, outlining their case and the evidence they intend to present.
Examination-in-chief: Your solicitor calls their witnesses to give evidence supporting your claim.
Cross-examination: The defendant’s lawyer will question your witnesses to challenge their credibility or the accuracy of their testimony.
Closing arguments: Both sides will present their closing arguments, summarising the key points of their case and urging the judge or jury to rule in their favour.
5. Judgement and appeals
After the trial, the court will issue a judgment in favour of one party or the other. The losing party may have the right to appeal the decision. Solicitors can assist clients in the appeal process, including preparing documents for appeal and also representing them in the appellate court.
What are my next steps?
Commercial disputes can be tricky, but they don’t have to derail your business. With the right legal expertise, you can protect what matters most and work toward a resolution that works for you.
Our commercial litigation solicitors don’t just offer advice - they’re your partners in navigating complex challenges, helping you find solutions that align with your goals. Whether it’s resolving conflicts, safeguarding your interests, or finding a way forward, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Don’t let disputes hold your business back. Get in touch today for your free, fixed-fee quote.
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