Commercial Contract Dispute Solicitors
Commercial Contract Dispute Solicitors
Despite the very best intentions, from time to time, commercial contract disputes do happen. And, when this happens, you need the very best contract dispute solicitors in your corner if you want to save costs, prevent damage to your business and reputation, and get back to normal as quickly as possible.
At James Edward & Associates, our clients come from a wide range of businesses and professions, across all sectors. So we understand what it takes to resolve any contractual dispute. And we always do this in a way that aligns with your overall business goals.
A high-end, Lexcel accredited boutique law firm, we have over 100 years’ experience pursuing and defending all types of contract dispute claims. And we always get the best possible results for our clients – whether that is by negotiation, mediation or a vigorous courtroom strategy.
For more information on how we can help you with a contract dispute claim, please call us on +44 7441912822, or make an online enquiry and one of our specialist contract dispute lawyers will be in touch to see how we can assist.
Common types of contract disputes
Helping our clients to resolve their contract disputes without expensive and time-consuming court proceedings (wherever possible), we are experts in all types of breach of contract claims, including:
- Breach of confidentiality
- Commercial lease and building contract disputes
- Construction contract disputes
- Contracts of sale/hire
- Mergers and Acquisitions disputes
- Supplier/service agreement disputes
- Employee contract disputes (e.g. non-compete agreements, restrictive covenants etc.)
- And more.
How to settle a contract dispute claim
A contract dispute claim can be straightforward if the terms of the agreement are unambiguous, clear and expressed in writing. But where this is not the case, for example, if the agreement was verbal with implied terms, expert legal advice is even more critical.
The first thing our contract dispute lawyers will establish is whether the contract has been breached, and how serious any violation is. Once we have shown that a breach has taken place, we will advise you on your legal options.
At James Edward & Associates, we offer a range of Alternative Dispute Resolution services (ADR) to achieve a favourable resolution without having to go to court. For example, with mediation, both parties meet in a neutral location, usually in separate rooms, while a neutral third party (the mediator), helps to negotiate a settlement. Mediation can be beneficial as it focuses minds and provides greater agreement options than might be available at court.
Just as important, mediation can save a considerable amount of time and money for everyone involved. With stacks of expertise in ADR, we help to conclude most breach of contract disputes quickly, without formal proceedings. However, where this is not possible, we have all the experience needed to support you through every stage of court litigation.
How do I make a contract dispute claim?
How you make a contract dispute claim will depend on what the dispute is regarding, the options available to you, and your overall objective.
On your side throughout the entire process, we will identify the issues at hand, check to see if the contract states how you must handle disputes, find out if the dispute is covered by insurance, and check that you are within time to make a claim (or respond to action). To do this, our contract dispute solicitors will work with you to create a full timeline of events, and to gather all supporting documentation.
Crucially, we also ensure you know how much the dispute could potentially be worth, while figuring out whether the at-fault party has the funds to pay. Armed with this information, we can establish whether it is worth your time to move forward with the action. Where there is a commercial relationship that you would like to maintain, we can also help you to resolve your dispute amicably.
Why choose our commercial lawyers?
There are many reasons why you should instruct our trusted contract dispute solicitors to protect your interests and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Over 100 years’ combined experience
Backed with years of experience, our contract dispute solicitors resolve your commercial disagreements as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible. We also take a practical approach to your chances of success. Just as important, when you work with us, we examine all available options, and usually propose solutions you may not have even considered.
Exceptional client service
Helping sole traders to large multinational organisations, our contract dispute lawyers provide the very best proactive legal advice and a genuinely personal service. What’s more, as a partner-led firm, you can rest assured that your dispute will be handled by contract specialists and with the input of a partner who will apply their knowledge and wealth of experience to your case.
Industry recognition
Recognised leaders in the legal industry, our contract dispute lawyers include members of the London Solicitors Litigation Association (LSLA), reflecting our commitment to developing and maintaining best practices in the field of civil and commercial litigation. We have also received the prestigious Law Society Lexcel accreditation for the high standards of our legal practice. And we are independently regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
National & international representation
Members of the International Legal and Accounting Solutions (ILAS) – an international network of trusted professional advisors – we are perfectly situated to support clients in London, across the UK, and all over the world.
Transparent pricing
Our contract dispute solicitors give you an estimate of the cost at the outset of your case, and we will update the estimate regularly as your case progresses. Also, we are upfront about the likelihood of success to ensure you do not waste time, money and effort on legal proceedings that are unlikely to get you the outcome you need. We also provide various funding options to suit your business.
All our insolvency lawyers are well versed in both corporate insolvency and personal insolvency matters. We understand and appreciate just how delicate this area of law can be – not just within the confines of the courtroom, but also the psychological demands placed on directors and their families – and how to navigate through the process in a way our clients feel as comfortable and as assured as can be expected in all the circumstances.
Our fees for contract disputes
Regardless of your business dispute, the cost of pursuing any legal action is bound to be an essential consideration.
Our fees for contract disputes depend on the time spent on your case, and the level of expertise required. Our contract dispute solicitors each have individual hourly rates from £195 to £450 plus VAT; depending on their level of experience. However, to save you legal fees, we work as a team to reduce costs wherever possible.
To find out more about the likely costs involved in dealing with a breach of contract claim, please get in touch, and we will be happy to advise you.
Contract dispute solicitors - FAQ's
- A contract dispute happens when one party does not comply with the terms of a contract they had previously agreed to. For example in performing a service or paying for a service, or where a party does not act in the agreed time or to the expected standard.
- Yes. In fact, it is usually advisable to do so. We offer a range of ADR services such as mediation and negotiation to help avoid litigation in court.
- If you are not sure if you have a contract dispute claim, our expert breach of contract solicitors will clarify the situation and advise on the actions available to you.
- If you are accusing another business of breaching a contract, you may be able to claim damages for any losses suffered. The type of damages you can claim will depend on your specific circumstances. We may also be able to obtain a court order to force the other side to carry out their contractual obligations.
If you are accused of breaching a contract, your legal options will depend on whether a breach has occurred or not. Where a violation has taken place, we can help you to negotiate a swift settlement to save you time, money and any potential damage to your reputation. Where a breach has not occurred, we will robustly defend your position via all available means.
- The remedies to a contract dispute include ADR options such as mediation and negotiation, as well as litigation in court. Regardless of the type of conflict you are involved in, our contract dispute solicitors will work with you to establish what you want to achieve, and we will explain the various options available to you.
- No, a contract does not have to be a written document. If one party (the offeror) makes a proposition which is accepted by another party (the offeree), this creates a binding contract. There has to be an intention on both sides to create a legally binding contract.
- Yes. That’s why we almost always attempt to negotiate an amicable outcome out of court, as this is usually the best option for everyone involved.
Call our contract dispute solicitors
Protecting your rights, interests and reputation, whether your claim is for unpaid invoices, misrepresentation, breach of contract, or more, our contract dispute solicitors will work with you to devise and execute a winning strategy. And, because we know what matters to your business, we keep a commercial mind at all times. Indeed, by putting your business needs at the heart of everything we do, we always find the best solution for you.
Providing honest advice as to the likelihood of successfully bringing or defending any court action, we arm you with everything you need to make an informed decision. And, with ADR options available, where appropriate, we work to conclude your case promptly, without formal proceedings.
To discuss your situation with our expert contract dispute solicitors in London, call James Edward & Associates today on +44 7441912822. Alternatively, you can complete our website enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch.