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Dispute Resolution Solicitors London
Freeman Harris are dispute resolution solicitors in London for commercial and civil disputes, including debt recovery, breach of contract, professional negligence and partnership disputes. We aim to resolve matters efficiently and cost-effectively. Fixed fees start from £1,500 plus VAT for an initial review, advice and letter before action.
Dispute Resolution Lawyers
When a dispute arises, the priority is resolving it as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Prolonged litigation drains time, money, and management attention. At Freeman Harris, our dispute resolution solicitors in London take a strategic approach from the outset: assessing your position clearly, advising on the most effective route to resolution, and acting decisively to protect your interests. Where court proceedings are necessary, we are prepared to take your case the full distance.
We handle commercial and civil disputes across a range of areas, from breach of contract and debt recovery to professional negligence and partnership disputes. Whether the right route is negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, we focus on achieving outcomes that work for you, not on generating unnecessary legal fees.
Our solicitors are based in London with offices in Chancery Lane and Greenwich. We act for businesses and individuals throughout England and Wales.
“Freeman Harris provided clear and practical advice throughout our dispute and kept us informed at every stage. Their professional approach helped us reach a successful outcome with minimal disruption to our business.”
James T – Business Owner
Our Dispute Resolution Services
We provide practical dispute resolution services for businesses and individuals, helping to resolve commercial, shareholder, intellectual property, and contractual disputes efficiently.
Bridge Lending Debt Recovery
Specialist recovery for bridging lenders dealing with non-performing loans, including enforcement and possession proceedings.
Building Disputes
Resolving disputes between contractors, developers, subcontractors, and property owners over defective works, delays, and payment.
Contract Disputes
Advice and representation for breach of contract, termination disputes, and disagreements over contractual obligations.
Debt Recovery
Recovering unpaid debts efficiently, from a letter before action through to County Court judgment and enforcement.
Inheritance Disputes
Challenging or defending wills and estate distributions, including claims under the Inheritance Act 1975.
Partnership and Shareholder Disputes
Resolving conflicts between business partners and shareholders, including deadlock, unfair prejudice, and exit disputes.
Professional Negligence
Claims against lawyers, accountants, surveyors, financial advisers, and other professionals who have fallen below the required standard.
Technology Disputes
IT and software-related disputes for businesses, including failed system implementations and SaaS contract disputes.
TOLATA Claims
Advice and representation in disputes concerning property ownership and beneficial interests between cohabitees.
There are various ways to resolve disputes. We can assist with all methods available. Our purpose is to advise you on what may work, and follow that path until your issue is resolved.
Negotiation is usually the first step when a dispute arises. In many cases, a well-drafted letter from a solicitor setting out your position clearly is enough to prompt the other party to engage seriously. Where direct negotiations between solicitors do not resolve matters, mediation can be an effective next step. A professional mediator works with both parties to explore options and reach a settlement that neither side could impose through litigation alone.
Both approaches are faster and considerably cheaper than court proceedings. The outcome can be structured in ways a court cannot order, and where an ongoing commercial or personal relationship matters, they give both parties more control over the result. We recommend mediation where it is genuinely suited to the situation. If the other party is not engaging in good faith, we say so and advise on the appropriate next step.
Arbitration is a private alternative to court litigation in which an independent arbitrator hears both sides and makes a binding decision. It is commonly used in commercial contracts where parties have agreed in advance to resolve disputes this way, and is particularly well-suited to sensitive matters where confidentiality is important or where a specialist arbitrator with industry knowledge adds real value.
An arbitral award is enforceable in the same way as a court judgment, and the grounds for challenging one are narrow. We advise clients on whether their contracts contain arbitration clauses, represent parties in arbitration proceedings, and advise on enforcing or challenging awards where necessary.
Expert determination is most useful where a dispute turns on a technical question rather than a legal one. A common example is a disagreement over the value of shares in a business sale, or a construction defect where the central issue is one of professional judgment rather than legal interpretation. The parties appoint an independent expert in the relevant field, whose decision on that specific question is usually binding and can only be challenged on narrow grounds.
It is a focused process, well-suited to isolating and resolving a specific issue within a broader dispute without the cost and delay of full litigation or arbitration. We advise on when expert determination is appropriate and represent clients through the process.
When Court Proceedings Are the Right Answer
Alternative dispute resolution is not always appropriate. If the other party will not engage seriously, if you need urgent injunctive relief, or if the matter requires a judicial determination on a point of law, court proceedings are the right route. Our solicitors are experienced in the County Court and the High Court and are prepared to take a case the full distance when the situation calls for it.
Why Choose Freeman Harris as Your Dispute Resolution Solicitor?
Honest assessment from day one. We tell you clearly whether a claim is worth pursuing and what it will cost, before you commit.
Experienced across courts and ADR. Our solicitors have experience in the County Court, High Court, and alternative dispute resolution processes including mediation and arbitration.
We advise on the right route for your dispute. Sometimes that is negotiation or mediation. When court proceedings are the right answer, our solicitors are experienced in the County Court and the High Court and will represent you firmly through to judgment.
Transparent costs. Fixed fees are available for straightforward matters such as debt recovery. For complex disputes, we provide clear estimates and update you at every stage.
How We Work With You
- Initial Assessment – We review the facts of your dispute, the evidence available, and your realistic prospects of success. You receive clear advice on your options before you spend anything.
- Strategy – We agree the most effective approach for your circumstances, whether that is a pre-action letter, negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings. We also advise on the costs and risks of each route.
- Action – We take the agreed steps on your behalf, drafting correspondence and documents, managing deadlines, and keeping you updated as things develop.
- Resolution – We work towards the best achievable outcome, whether that is a negotiated settlement, a court judgment, or enforcement of an existing order. Our focus throughout is on achieving the result that matters to you.
Ready to discuss your dispute? Call 0207 790 7311 or email contact@freemanharris.co.uk for a no-obligation initial conversation.
Disputes Team
Ian Freeman
Managing DirectorIan has a strong understanding of commercial disputes and litigation, assisting SMEs with resolving contractual and business disagreements through practical and cost-effective legal solutions.Avi Gordon
Senior SolicitorAvi is a highly regarded solicitor who deals with various disputes from professional negligence to partnership / shareholder disputes and debt recovery. He is an expert at resolving high value disputes.Isabel Fisher
SolicitorIsabel qualified as a solicitor at Freeman Harris, and works with Avi Gordon. She asissts with complex disputes and has developed a great aptitude for helping clients with their disputes.Talha Fazlani
LawyerTalha works as a Lawyer at Freeman Harris. He has developed excellent skills in resolving commercial legal disputes for clients. His experience and exposure to business will be evident from the first contact.Lana James
ParalegalLana has experience supporting dispute resolution matters. She assists with legal research, case preparation and client communications throughout the dispute process. She helps clients by ensuring matters progress efficiently and documentation is managed accurately.
Dispute Resolution FAQs
All your frequently asked questions about dispute resolution by our legal team.
- How long does dispute resolution take?
It depends on the type and complexity of the dispute. Many commercial disputes settle within weeks through negotiation or mediation. Court proceedings in the County Court typically take six to eighteen months. High Court matters can take longer.
- Do I have to go to court?
No. The majority of disputes we handle are resolved without court proceedings. We always explore negotiation and alternative dispute resolution first, as these are usually faster and less expensive. Courts also expect parties to attempt to resolve disputes before issuing a claim.
- What is a pre-action protocol?
Before issuing court proceedings, parties are usually required to follow a pre-action protocol, which involves exchanging information and giving the other side a reasonable opportunity to resolve the matter. Failure to comply can result in cost penalties even if you win.
- Can I recover my legal costs if I win?
In most civil litigation, the losing party is ordered to contribute to the winning party’s costs. However, full recovery is rarely achieved. We factor the likely cost recovery into our advice from the outset so you can weigh the commercial sense of proceeding.
- What is mediation?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where an independent mediator helps the parties reach a negotiated settlement. It is confidential, faster and cheaper than court, and can be used at any stage of a dispute. Courts actively encourage parties to attempt mediation.
- What is a letter before action?
A letter before action formally notifies the other party of your intention to bring legal proceedings if the matter is not resolved. It sets out your claim, the amount sought, and a deadline for response. It is a required first step before commencing most civil claims.
- How much does dispute resolution cost?
Costs depend on the complexity and value of the dispute. Debt recovery and straightforward contract disputes are often handled on a fixed-fee basis. For more complex litigation, we provide clear cost estimates and regular updates. Contact us to discuss your matter.
- What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
In mediation, the mediator helps the parties reach their own settlement. The outcome is not binding unless formalised in a settlement agreement. In arbitration, the arbitrator hears both sides and makes a binding decision, similar to a court judgment. Both are faster and more private than court proceedings.
Contact our Disputes team
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