Commercial Litigation

Do you need help with a commercial dispute?

• Have you received a claim form and you are unsure how to respond? 
• Have you suffered losses due to a breach of contract and you want to get your money back?
• Do you have unpaid debts you need to chase?

Samuels Solicitors is a niche litigation practice, based in Devon, serving clients throughout the UK.

We have a strong and expanding litigation team, built on years of experience both locally, and with some of the largest commercial firms in the country.

What is Commercial Litigation?

Commercial litigation is the name given to a dispute about a commercial arrangement between parties. This can be a dispute between individuals, or a dispute between companies.  

Litigation is the name given to the court process when one party sues another. In fact, most commercial disputes can be settled without the need to go to court. 

Examples of commercial litigation cases that we commonly deal with are:

• claims for breach of contract;
• claims against suppliers of good or services;
• claims against debtors for non payment of invoices or demands;
• claims about the performance of duties under a contract; or
• disputes between business partners.

Commercial disputes can involve companies, partnerships, commercial organisations, charities and individuals. Samuels has a well-established track record of advising in all types of claim, going back several decades.

How are cases dealt with?

When an individual or a company becomes involved in litigation, it can be very stressful, even if court proceedings are never started. We have the experience to manage cases sensitively and to guide you through the process and procedures. Initially, opening up lines of communication with your opponent is very important. It helps if your opponent has also instructed a solicitor, but we have a great deal of experience of dealing with unrepresented opponents. 

We understand that in some cases, preserving business relationships will be your priority, whereas in others, maintaining your cash flow and ensuring you are paid what is due to you will be the key.

We will always advise as early as possible how to achieve the best and most practical outcome for you or your business, and will provide an early analysis of the likely costs and risks of your case. 

What are the costs of dealing with a legal dispute?

When you first contact us, we will initially asses your matter for free. If we are able to help you, we should be able to tell you very quickly.

We understand that you may be reluctant to become involved in litigation because of the expense, but if you have a strong case, we will always consider with you at the outset whether your case is suitable for some method of litigation funding or other flexible funding arrangements which we can tailor to your individual needs. This can include conditional (or no win no fee) arrangements in appropriate cases. 

If you have a very strong case, we might agree with you that you do not have to pay our fees until the case has been concluded. 

We will always discuss with you whether you have insurance which might help you with legal fees. 

However your case is funded, we are committed to ensuring that our clients have access to justice when they need it, and so we will make sure that your funding arrangements are tailored to your own circumstances. 

We will always try to ensure that your legal fees are kept to an absolute minimum, by negotiating with your opponent, rather than litigating, in the hope that the matter will settle without the need to go to court. 

Resolving disputes without going to Court

Taking someone to court, can mean that your business relationship with them is damaged beyond repair. This is why we will always discuss different ways of dealing with your dispute with you, at the very outset.

We understand that you may not want your relationship with your supplier or business partner to break down completely - often what clients want is for a dispute to be resolved so that they can carry on doing business together. 

As well as dealing with disputes in court, Samuels Solicitors have extensive experience in dealing with all forms alternative forms of dispute resolution, such as mediation, arbitration and expert determination. Not all of these methods might be suitable for your case, but we we will always discuss these with you at the appropriate time.

What to do next

If someone has issued proceedings against you, or if you need advice about how to start or deal with court proceedings, we can help. The law expects people to deal with claims quickly, so you should contact a lawyer as quickly as possible. 

If you want to have a discussion about how to resolve a dispute without having to go to court, Samuels Solicitors has the expertise you are looking for.

Contact us for your free initial assessment of any litigation matter.