Commercial Disputes Solicitors Essex
When a commercial dispute arises, it can place real pressure on your business, your relationships, and your time. We provide clear, practical advice to help you protect your position, understand your options, and resolve disputes in a way that supports your wider commercial objectives.
Facing a commercial dispute and unsure what to do next?
Disputes can arise unexpectedly, even in well-run businesses. A disagreement with a supplier, customer, shareholder or business partner can quickly become disruptive if not handled carefully. Early, informed advice can make a significant difference, helping you assess risk, avoid escalation, and make confident decisions about how best to proceed.
A contract has been breached, or a counterparty is refusing to perform their obligations, leaving you uncertain about enforcement or termination options.
A long-standing commercial relationship has broken down, and you need to protect your business while preserving value where possible.
You are facing a claim and need to understand your exposure, potential defences, and the most proportionate response.
A dispute is affecting cash flow, operations, or reputation, and you want clarity on the quickest and most effective route forward.
Court action is being threatened, and you need clear advice on whether litigation is necessary or avoidable.
Speak to our team
Commercial Disputes Services
We advise businesses across a wide range of commercial disputes, offering support from early strategic advice through to litigation where required. Our focus is always on resolving disputes efficiently, protecting your position, and minimising disruption to your business.
Whether you are a Landlord or Tenant of a commercial property, disputes can arise and when they do, they can involve complex areas of law.
Business relies heavily on cash flow and if a customer or client owes you money then that can have a damaging effect on your day to day operation.
Employment disputes can be disruptive and carry legal and commercial risk for employers. We provide clear, practical advice on managing workplace disputes, helping you protect your business.
Errors or inaccuracies on the Companies House register can create legal and commercial problems. We advise on correcting the register, helping ensure your company records accurately reflect the true legal position and avoid unnecessary dispute or risk.
You can expect to receive honest and trustworthy advice; if we think you shouldn’t proceed, if there is another action you could take, or if another professional is better placed to help you, we will let you know. You will also be provided with a realistic estimate, and if any unexpected costs or additional work arises, we will not increase our charges without discussing it with you first.
The cost of taking a commercial dispute to Court is usually determined by the value of the dispute. Court fees to issue a claim increase on a sliding scale. The Court fee to issue a claim of between £10,000 and £200,000 will be 5% of the sum claimed. If the claim is worth more than £200,000 the issue fee will be £10,000. A hearing fee of £545 will also be payable one month before trial.
Legal costs for a commercial dispute will be calculated on a “time spent” basis depended upon the hourly rate of the fee earner and the amount of work required. Estimated costs for a straightforward debt claim in the County Court would be £10,000 – £15,000 plus VAT. For a more complex and / or higher value claim, we would estimate costs of no less than £20,000 plus VAT.
The time it will take for a commercial dispute to reach a conclusion can vary widely from case to case. In some cases, the matter will be resolved following the service of a Letter of Claim in which case the matter could be resolved in 4 – 8 weeks. However, if the claim is defended and proceeds to a full trial, it could take up to a year, or even longer, for the matter to reach a conclusion. There are often delays to Court proceedings which are outside of the parties’ control and are due to Court backlogs.
Why choose Mullis & Peake
Commercial disputes require more than legal knowledge alone. They demand judgment, clarity, and an understanding of how disputes affect businesses in the real world.
We provide clear advice grounded in your wider business goals, not just legal theory.
We carry out risk assessments so you understand likely outcomes, costs, and timescales before committing to action.
Measured, proportionate approach aimed at resolving disputes efficiently wherever possible.
Local teams experienced in advising businesses across Essex with a strong track record in dispute resolution.
Frequently asked questions
It is usually sensible to seek advice as early as possible. Early input can help you avoid missteps, preserve evidence, and assess whether a dispute can be resolved without formal proceedings. Delaying advice can sometimes increase risk or limit options.
No. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation. Court proceedings are often a last resort. We help you assess whether litigation is necessary or whether a more proportionate solution is available.
Timescales vary depending on the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, and whether court proceedings are required. Some matters resolve quickly, while others take longer. We provide realistic guidance on likely timescales at an early stage.
Costs depend on complexity, the steps required, and how the dispute progresses. We discuss costs openly from the outset and aim to keep work proportionate to what is at stake.
Yes. We regularly advise businesses facing threatened or ongoing claims. Early advice can help you respond appropriately, protect your position, and potentially avoid formal proceedings.
Mediation can be effective in many commercial disputes, particularly where parties want to preserve relationships or reach a quicker resolution. We advise on whether mediation is appropriate and support you through the process.
Get in touch with our Commercial Disputes team
If you are dealing with a commercial dispute, early advice can help you regain control and reduce uncertainty. Our team offers clear, confidential guidance tailored to your business and the challenges you are facing.
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