Commercial disputes

Commercial disputes can be costly, time-consuming and stressful. Minor disputes can escalate, damaging relationships or even threatening the survival of your business. Clear, written contracts with customers and suppliers minimise the risk of disputes. Similarly, having clear agreements in place with employees, shareholders or partners can anticipate potential conflicts and prevent them before they arise.

Negotiation, dispute resolution and litigation

While a pragmatic and positive approach can go a long way to avoiding unnecessary disputes, you need to recognise that disputes are inevitable. There will be times when unacceptable mistakes are made or when you need to fight for the right deal rather than accept an unfair outcome.

Aim to negotiate a constructive resolution to any dispute, rather than to punish or triumph over the other side. Key objectives might include maintaining a working relationship and minimising costs and disruption, as well as any financial settlement or agreement. Take into account practical negotiating issues, such as the strength of your argument and what the other side is hoping to achieve.

If firm but fair negotiation does not succeed, alternative forms of dispute resolution include mediation or arbitration. Well-planned agreements will include dispute-resolution clauses, setting out how any dispute will be dealt with. For example, a lease might specify that rent reviews are subject to arbitration by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Litigation in court should be a last resort.

Legal advice and expertise

A long-term relationship with a firm of solicitors can underpin your approach to avoiding disputes. For example, your solicitor can advise you on drafting standard terms and conditions and ensuring that they apply to any sales, setting up employment procedures and so on. Preventative measures like these can be a highly cost-effective use of legal expertise.

A long-term relationship may also be a cost-effective approach to recurring disputes, such as debt recovery issues – a frequent source of disputes between businesses. Specialist advice may be needed for particular types of dispute: for example, if you want to take action against a professional adviser for negligence.

Bear in mind that legal disputes can be expensive, particularly if they reach court. You may want to consider legal insurance to cover your legal expenses as part of your strategic approach to managing disputes.

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