We consider whether mediation (often called Alternative Dispute Resolution) may be appropriate to "problem solve" a difficulty before court proceedings become necessary.

While protecting your interest and pressing your case as much as possible, our aim is to negotiate a reasonable settlement if at all possible, so as to try to avoid the expense, uncertainty, time commitment, delay and aggravation of court action. This is in line with the approach now taken by the courts, which have power to punish (for example through requiring a litigant to pay the other side's costs) parties who do not try to negotiate a reasonable settlement and who do not treat the court as a last resort.

Our Litigation Department will seek at an early stage to explain to you how a court may deal with your dispute and go through the options regarding funding the costs of such litigation.

Often it is more cost-effective to take professional advice at an early stage, as it can be more difficult to sort out a litigation problem which has been allowed to worsen .

We advise on….

• contractual claims and commercial disputes
• County Court and High Court actions
• debt problems
• professional negligence issues
• landlord and tenant matters – see also Property
• problems relating to possession/occupation of land - see also Property
• employment issues - see also Employment
• disputes over wills and claims under the Inheritance Act - see also Private Client
• matrimonial and family problems - see also Family Law

Please contact Richard Bubbers, our head of litigation, if you have any contentious or potentially contentious problem which you wish to discuss.