Dispute Resolution Lawyer

Dispute Resolution Law

Stormcatcher specialises in consumer and business dispute resolution law, involving automotive law, building and construction disputes, breach of contract and sale of goods problems.

We have a dynamic and extensively experienced consumer and business dispute resolution lawyer with a distinctive track record of succeeding in a wide range of complex legal disputes, regularly instructed in cases throughout the UK.

With a reputation for excellence, expertise and being a tenacious civil dispute resolution advocate, he is committed to fight for you to settle your problem as promptly and as cost effectively as possible.

What is Dispute Resolution & Litigation

For many people and businesses involved in legal disputes, litigation, or taking someone to court, seems inevitable. This is amplified when parties start incurring solicitors’ costs and barristers’ fees, which all too often are equal to if not more than the claim value.

On the other hand, there is a common misconception that negotiation and mediation are a sign of weakness, and feel more like ‘surrendering’.

However, claimants and defendants are often unaware that even if they win, they will not recover all their costs from the losing party, and instead may be awarded only 70% of their costs and fees.

As a result, courts actively encourage parties to explore dispute resolution out of court and the use of alternative dispute resolution, so much so, a party who unreasonably refuses to engage in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) may face adverse costs.

ADR comes in various forms and itself has had a makeover. In the Commercial Court Guide 2022, Alternative Dispute Resolution has been replaced with Negotiated Dispute Resolution (NDR).

The Commercial Guide reiterates:

Legal representatives in all cases should consider with their clients and the other parties concerned the possibility of attempting to resolve the dispute or particular issues by NDR and should ensure that their clients are fully informed as to the most cost effective means of resolving their dispute

It goes on to broaden the scope by stating ADR and NDR is “not confined to mediation and conciliation” giving more scope for business mediation and without prejudice communications.

As dispute resolution lawyers we are civil lawyers specialising in dealing with contentious civil legal disputes. Rather than simply engage in facilitated negotiation or mediation we appreciate the need to put both your claim and the opposition’s case under a microscope. We will test the cases by analysing the evidence, applying the correct laws, scrutinising the opposing case and developing a robust strategy for successful resolution.

The dispute resolution process not only provides the opportunity for settlement but crucially, highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the claim and the defence.

Simply, the best results come from dispute resolution when you are stronger and your tactics more flexible; particularly where the costs and risks for the opposing party of not settling, let alone losing, become too high.

Small Claims Court Mediation

Free mediation is offered for claims issued in the small claims track of the county court and can prove to be effective in settling claims but is dependent upon both parties’ commitment to compromise and actively engaging in the process.

We offer mediation advice and assistance as part of our small claims lawyer service, which includes advocacy and case presentation for litigants in person.

Business Disputes & Commercial Claims

Commercial disputes are increasingly common, especially in the current uncertain economic landscape, but for small and medium-sized businesses they can be a nightmare, costing time and money they can ill afford.

Problems and claims may arise from an unpaid invoice, supply of poor services or faulty goods, failure to carry out the term(s) of the contract, a breach of a term of the agreement or false statements, representations or credentials.

If you find yourself in a dispute with a customer or supplier it is crucial you get expert legal advice and a practical common-sense approach to deal with it quickly and effectively, minimising the impact on both your own well-being and that of the business.

As contract dispute resolution law firm we have considerable experience in resolving disputes across a wide range of industries and sectors and we understand the reputation and commercial impact of these on a business. We also know the importance of reaching a positive outcome as swiftly as possible.

Whether you need to bring a claim or defend a commercial dispute, our specialist commercial litigation team will provide you with expert advice and guidance, however tough, challenging or complex the situation.

Customer Complaints

We accept instructions from consumers as well as businesses who have bought a faulty product or received a bad service.

A consumer dispute lawyer can advise and guide you through making, trying to resolve or settling a complaint, whether a new or an existing claim.

As a consumer buying from a business, you may have been told that you have ‘agreed to their terms and conditions’. However, just because it is written doesn’t make it right, and terms and conditions have to comply with trading standards regulations and ‘be reasonable’ in the light of the Unfair Contract Terms Act.

If you’ve complained to a business or supplier but they have refused to resolve it, you may wish to get legal advice from a consumer dispute lawyer who can explain the legal position clearly in everyday language, as well as the available options to you and how to best resolve your dispute quickly.

Understanding your legal rights as a consumer is often key to resolving disputes effectively and confidently. From faulty good to poor service, consumer protection laws set our clear obligations for businesses and remedies available to you. To learn more about how these laws apply and the protections you may be entitled to, speak to our team of consumer dispute resolution lawyers.

Unbundled Legal Services

‘Unbundling’ of legal services, sometime referred to as ‘à la carte’ enables consumers and businesses to pay for particular legal services which can reduce the overall costs of legal services by up to two thirds.

The Legal Services Consumer Panel’s (Panel) Work Programme research stated “Consumers also reported a greater sense of control and ownership. Those who had unbundled felt that it improved the outcomes of their case as well.”