Practice area 05
Litigation & disputes.
Civil disputes between individuals, between businesses, and between landlords and tenants. We take on cases where there is a realistic prospect of resolution - whether by negotiation, mediation, or, where necessary, contested proceedings. We are direct with clients about the prospects and cost of litigation.
A
Civil disputes
Disputes between individuals and between businesses.
We act on a range of civil disputes - contract disputes, professional negligence claims, construction disputes, boundary disputes, and the disputes between business owners that arise when relationships break down. Most matters settle before proceedings are issued; many of the rest settle before trial.
Our first task on every dispute is an honest assessment of the prospects and the cost. Where the cost of pursuing a matter is disproportionate to the value at stake, we will say so - and will work to find a commercial resolution rather than a legal one.
- Contract disputes between businesses and between individuals
- Professional negligence claims
- Boundary and neighbour disputes
- Shareholder and partnership disputes
B
Debt recovery
Pre-action letters, proceedings, and enforcement.
We act on the recovery of business and individual debts - from pre-action correspondence, to issued proceedings, to enforcement against judgment debtors. We act for both businesses pursuing unpaid invoices and individuals owed money on personal debts.
Debt recovery is handled on agreed fixed-fee stages where the matter is undefended - letter before action, issue of proceedings, judgment, enforcement. Defended claims move to hourly rates with cost updates.
C
Possession proceedings
Residential and commercial possession proceedings.
We act for landlords on possession proceedings under the Landlord and Tenant Act, and for mortgage lenders on possession of secured properties. The work covers notices, particulars, hearings, and enforcement where the tenant or borrower does not vacate voluntarily.
Undefended possession matters are handled on agreed fixed fees by stage. Contested matters move to hourly rates.
How this work runs
What to expect.
Lead advocate
David Quayle, Founding Partner.
David leads our litigation work. Clients work directly with David from initial advice through to settlement or trial.
Fees
Fixed fees by stage on undefended debt recovery and possession proceedings.
Defended litigation is charged on agreed hourly rates with cost updates at every stage and a clear cost-benefit assessment before each step.
Typical timeline
Three to six months from instruction to judgment on a defended civil claim.
Undefended debt recovery: typically six to twelve weeks from letter to judgment. We provide a realistic timetable at the outset.
Related practice areas
You might also need.
Commercial & corporate
Shareholder agreements and contracts drafted to avoid the disputes that often follow. Prevention first; litigation when it becomes necessary.
01Property & conveyancing
Landlord and tenant matters, contested rent reviews, and the property issues that lead to civil disputes.
Considering proceedings?
An honest assessment before you commit. The first conversation is free of charge - up to thirty minutes, no obligation.