Contract Disputes

Often, no. Many commercial disputes are resolved by negotiation or mediation without a hearing — frequently faster, more privately and at a fraction of the cost of a full trial. With a nationally accredited mediator in-house, we pursue a commercial resolution where one is realistically available, while staying fully prepared to litigate if the other side will not move.

It depends on the nature and complexity of the dispute, the conduct of the other side, and how far it has to go. What we can promise is a clear strategy and scope, and a commercial-first approach that avoids running up fees on fights that should settle. Fees are discussed at your initial consultation so you can make an informed decision before any work begins.

Mediation is a confidential, without-prejudice process in which an accredited, independent mediator helps the parties reach their own commercial settlement, rather than a judge imposing a decision. It is usually faster and less costly than litigation and can preserve a commercial relationship. Litigation is the formal court process used when a negotiated resolution is not possible. Our principal is a nationally accredited mediator, so resolution is handled in-house, not outsourced.

Anywhere from a few weeks to well over a year, depending on the path. A negotiated or mediated outcome can be reached quickly; contested litigation through the courts takes considerably longer. At the outset we give you a realistic view of the likely timeline for your matter and the decisions that will shape it.

We focus on commercial disputes for businesses and their owners: contract and commercial disputes, shareholder, director and partnership disputes, debt recovery and insolvency, building and construction disputes, property disputes, and workplace matters — resolved by negotiation, mediation or litigation as the situation requires.