Business Dispute Solicitors
Commercial disputes can disrupt your operations, drain time and resources, and put important business relationships at risk. Our business dispute resolution lawyers provide clear, practical advice to help you protect your position and pursue the most effective outcome.
We understand that every business dispute has commercial as well as legal implications. Whether you want to resolve matters quickly through negotiation or need support with formal legal proceedings, our dispute resolution solicitors will explain your options clearly and guide you through each stage.
Our Dispute Resolution team combines legal expertise with a practical understanding of the pressures businesses face. Led by Jill Lipscombe, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution, the team works closely with businesses, directors and individuals to resolve commercial disputes efficiently and effectively. As experienced business litigation lawyers, we focus on resolving business disputes in a way that supports your commercial priorities.
Jill is supported by Daniel Bentley, Associate Solicitor, and Laura Southwell, Solicitor. Donna Barclay, Legal Secretary, and Robyn Angus, Paralegal, who provide valuable assistance to clients and the wider team throughout the dispute resolution process.
Our Corporate & Commercial dispute resolution services
We provide civil litigation services and commercial disputes resolution advice for businesses, directors and individuals. Whether you need a dispute resolution lawyer to help prevent a dispute escalating or require representation in proceedings, we will recommend a proportionate route forward.
We advise on a wide range of civil and commercial disputes, including:
Commercial disputes
We advise on a broad range of commercial disputes involving contracts, shareholders, suppliers, customers and business partners. Our commercial dispute lawyers will assess the strengths of your position, identify the commercial risks and work with you to find a practical resolution.
Commercial property disputes
Commercial property disputes can affect your ability to trade and create significant financial uncertainty. We advise landlords, tenants and business owners on matters including lease terms, rent, dilapidations, break clauses and other property-related disputes.
Private landlord disputes
We advise private landlords on a range of residential property disputes, including rent arrears, property damage, deposit disputes and tenants who refuse to vacate. Our residential landlord solicitors will assess your position, explain the options available to you and work to resolve the matter efficiently to protect both your property and your rental income.
Facing a dispute as a residential landlord trading as a business? Read our article on the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 for information on the abolition of Section 21 notices, the new Section 8 eviction criteria and how these reforms may affect landlords facing a dispute with a tenant.
Further information can be found in our article here: The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – Enhanced Protections for Private Tenants
Business debt collection
Unpaid invoices can place real pressure on cash flow. Our business debt collection service can help you pursue overdue payments, from a letter before action and negotiation through to court proceedings where necessary.
Director and shareholder disputes
Disagreements between directors or shareholders can put a company’s future at risk. We advise on shareholder and director disputes concerning decision-making, directors’ duties, minority shareholders rights, share valuations and the terms of shareholder agreements, helping you work towards a solution that protects both the business and your interests.
Intellectual property disputes
It is increasingly common for businesses to use competitors marketing as inspiration for their own but if text and images are directly copied there may be a claim for copyright infringement or passing off. We can act promptly in assessing the merits of the claim and issuing a cease and desist letter.
Franchise disputes
Franchise disputes can arise when there is a disagreement over the terms of a franchise agreement or how the relationship should operate. We advise franchisors and franchisees on matters including franchise fees, territory rights, performance obligations, alleged breaches of contract and termination with a focus on achieving a practical resolution while minimising disruption to the business.
Need help with a personal dispute?
Case Examples
Securing a £1.5m+ Commercial Settlement Through Mediation
Successfully resolved a commercial contract claim worth over £1.5m through mediation, enabling the client to receive payment swiftly while avoiding excessive legal costs.
Director and shareholder dispute
Resolved a dispute between directors of a fledgling company where there was no shareholder agreement, without the need for court proceedings to be issued. Received a payment for the client promptly to allow them to move forward independently.
Fully defended a commercial contract dispute
Successfully defended a claim for alleged contract dispute against a large company and prevented court action being pursued as had been threatened avoiding the client having to pay out a large claimed sum and keeping legal costs down.
Securing a £1.5m+ Commercial Settlement Through Mediation
Successfully resolved a commercial contract claim worth over £1.5m through mediation, enabling the client to receive payment swiftly while avoiding excessive legal costs.
Director and shareholder dispute
Resolved a dispute between directors of a fledgling company where there was no shareholder agreement, without the need for court proceedings to be issued. Received a payment for the client promptly to allow them to move forward independently.
Fully defended a commercial contract dispute
Successfully defended a claim for alleged contract dispute against a large company and prevented court action being pursued as had been threatened avoiding the client having to pay out a large claimed sum and keeping legal costs down.
Obtained an injunction to prevent the commencement of insolvency action
The client had been served with a statutory demand over a disputed debt. We secured an injunction to prevent a winding up petition being issued, then got the county court proceedings dismissed and received orders for our clients costs to be paid on an indemnity basis.
Debt recovery as an extension for credit control
We have the ability to recover your debts promptly and in a cost efficient fixed fee service. Whether you have 1 unpaid invoice or 100 we can assist with securing payment of the same.Obtained an injunction to prevent the commencement of insolvency action
The client had been served with a statutory demand over a disputed debt. We secured an injunction to prevent a winding up petition being issued, then got the county court proceedings dismissed and received orders for our clients costs to be paid on an indemnity basis.
Debt recovery as an extension for credit control
We have the ability to recover your debts promptly and in a cost efficient fixed fee service. Whether you have 1 unpaid invoice or 100 we can assist with securing payment of the same.Making a claim
If your business is owed money, has suffered a loss or needs to enforce its contractual rights, we can advise you on the most effective way to make a claim. We will assess the strength of your case, help you gather the relevant evidence and consider whether the matter can be resolved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution before court proceedings become necessary. If formal action is required, we will guide you through each stage and seek to achieve a commercially sensible outcome.
Defending a claim
If you or your business receives a legal claim, it is important to act promptly, as strict deadlines may apply. We will review the claim and supporting documents, explain your options and prepare a robust response to protect your position. Where appropriate, we will explore early settlement. If the claim needs to be defended through court proceedings, we will provide clear, practical representation throughout.
Alternative dispute resolution
Going to court is not always the best or most cost-effective way to resolve a business dispute. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can provide a quicker, more flexible and less confrontational route to settlement, while helping to preserve valuable business relationships.
We can advise and represent you in a range of ADR methods, including:
- Negotiation – working directly with the other party to reach a commercially acceptable agreement.
- Mediation – using an independent mediator to help both parties explore a mutually agreed solution.
- Adjudication – a fast, binding process commonly used in construction and commercial contract disputes.
- Arbitration – a private process in which an independent arbitrator makes a decision, often avoiding the need for court proceedings.
We will help you choose the method most appropriate to the circumstances, the value and complexity of the dispute, and your business objectives.
Our Fees
We recognise that legal costs are an important consideration for every business. At the outset, we will discuss the likely work involved and provide clear information about our fees, including the available funding options where appropriate.
At Lamb Brooks, we offer a Fixed Fee appointment, which can take place by telephone or in person at our office. Your Fixed Fee appointment gives you up to 60 minutes of advice with one of our Dispute Resolution solicitors, providing an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, understand your options and consider the most appropriate next steps.
Depending on the nature of your case, we may be able to offer fixed fees for specific stages of work, hourly-rate advice, or tailored fee arrangements. We will keep you updated on costs as your matter progresses, so you can make informed decisions and remain in control of your budget.
A pragmatic approach to resolving disputes
Early action can often prevent a disagreement from becoming a costly dispute. Our disputes & litigation solicitors will assess the facts, identify the risks and opportunities, and recommend a proportionate strategy that reflects your commercial priorities.
We seek to resolve disputes as quickly and efficiently as possible. If court action is necessary, we will provide robust representation and keep you informed about costs, timescales and likely outcomes throughout.
If your business is facing a dispute, unpaid debt or legal claim, contact our dispute resolution team for practical, cost-effective advice tailored to your circumstances. Give call us on 01256 844888 or email enquiries@lambbrooks.com to set up your first fixed appointment.Our Business Disputes Team
Jill Lipscombe
Daniel Bentley
Laura Southwell
Donna Barclay
