Straight answers, before you call

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.

Both decisions are made on the merits, not on the meter. We don’t run up fees on fights that should settle, and we don’t fold on fights worth winning. The fact that we are prepared and able to litigate to the end is often exactly why a matter resolves on sensible terms before it gets there.

Working with a focused, principal-led firm means senior attention on your matter from start to finish — you deal directly with the principal who runs it, not a rotating team of juniors. Our principal is admitted in the Supreme Court of Queensland and the Federal and High Courts of Australia, and briefs senior counsel where a matter calls for it.

Tell us what’s happening through the contact form or by phone. The initial discussion is confidential and without obligation — we’ll tell you plainly where you stand and what your options are. Contacting us does not create a solicitor-client relationship until we are formally engaged.