Commercial Disputes

Whatever the nature of the dispute, seek legal advice

Commercial disputes can be technically complex, sensitive and stressful for all involved. If you are concerned about a commercial dispute it is important that you seek advice as quickly as possible.

As a business owner or manager, you will be investing significant time, money and energy into your business. Whatever the nature of the dispute - whether it's related to contracts or debts, a dispute between partners or directors and shareholders, professional negligence, or a wide range of other areas of potential disagreement - such conflict can be a drain on both time and money.

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.

People in boardroom in meeting

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 law is one of the key areas for concern for business clients. You can expect to receive advice and guidance on a whole range of issues.

Call us now for support with commercial disputes

Our latest insights

Legal, Residential Property, Residential Property
A comprehensive guide to purchasing a house without viewing in the UK
Mar 18, 2024
Movers & Shakers, Mullis & Peake, Business
South Essex Business Expo 2024
Mar 15, 2024
Awards & Innovation, Mullis & Peake, Wills
Mullis & Peake’s Wills and Probate team wins more national awards
Mar 12, 2024
Contested Wills and Financial Provision, Legal, Contested wills and financial provision
What happens if the Original Will is lost? – ‘Losing the Will’
Mar 11, 2024
Movers & Shakers, Mullis & Peake
Money Matters: Empowering Women through Financial Awareness in Family Law
Mar 7, 2024
Court of Protection, Legal
Spring Budget 2024
Mar 6, 2024
Company & Commercial, Legal, Corporate and Commercial Law
Decoding the Legal Dimensions of Corporate Transactions: A Comprehensive Guide
Feb 26, 2024
Legal, Wills & Power of Attorney, Wills
Are Electronic Wills the future?
Feb 19, 2024
Employment Advice, Legal, Employee Legal Advice
Legal Considerations Every Employer Should Consider When Working with Freelancers
Feb 12, 2024
Employment Advice, Legal, Employment Advice
Why flexibility and rigid rules won’t mix in the workplace
Feb 12, 2024
Meet OUR people

Dispute Resolution Team

Head of Dispute Resolution

Holly Minney

Holly is a Member and Head of Mullis and Peake’s Dispute Resolution Department

Contact Holly
Chairman

Martyn Trenerry

Martyn ​is our Chairman and the firms' Compliance Officer for Legal Practice

Contact Martyn
Member

Esther Marshall

​Esther is a Member and works in our Dispute Resolution team 

Contact Esther