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Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 / The Time Best Law Firms 2026 / 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
Commercial disputes can affect cash flow, business relationships, valuable assets and reputation. Lewis Nedas Law advises companies, directors, shareholders, entrepreneurs and individuals on complex business disputes in London, across England and Wales, and in cases with an international element.
Speak to our commercial litigation solicitors on +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online contact form to discuss your position and the options open to you.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Request a ConsultationCommercial litigation concerns disputes arising from business dealings, commercial relationships or company affairs. A dispute may concern a broken contract, unpaid sums, conduct between shareholders, allegations of fraud, ownership of assets, misuse of confidential information or disagreements involving parties in more than one jurisdiction.
Court proceedings are only one route to resolution. A commercial dispute may be settled through direct negotiation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution. Arbitration may apply where a contract contains an arbitration agreement.
The appropriate approach depends on the contract, available evidence, value of the claim, commercial relationship between the parties and the remedy being sought. Early legal advice can help a business understand its position before correspondence, evidence or strategic decisions affect the case.
Our commercial litigation team acts in claims ranging from contractual and company disputes to civil fraud, asset recovery, urgent injunctions and cross-border litigation. We advise both claimants and defendants, with a focus on the legal merits of the case, commercial objectives, cost and risk from the outset.
Our commercial litigation lawyers advise on a broad range of disputes, including:
Breach of commercial contracts and contractual interpretation
Company and director disputes
Misrepresentation claims
Confidential information and intellectual property disputes
Digital asset and cryptocurrency disputes
Cyber-enabled fraud
Enforcement of judgments and court orders
Each commercial dispute presents its own factual and legal issues. We assess the underlying documents, evidence, potential remedies and commercial consequences before advising on the next stage.
Contracts sit at the centre of many commercial relationships. Disputes can arise over payment, performance, termination rights, warranties, indemnities, service obligations, supply arrangements or the meaning of contractual terms.
A breach does not automatically produce the same remedy in every case. The available response can turn on the wording of the agreement, the nature of the breach and the loss suffered.
Our commercial dispute solicitors advise businesses bringing and defending contractual claims. We can review the agreement, assess correspondence and evidence, identify potential remedies and advise on negotiation or proceedings. Where debt recovery is a priority, see our fixed fee business debt dispute service.
Disagreements between business owners can place both the company and personal commercial relationships under considerable pressure. We advise on shareholder agreements, minority shareholder issues, unfair prejudice petitions, disputes concerning directors' duties, derivative claims, company management, dividends and conflicts between business owners and partners.
Where continued cooperation remains commercially realistic, an agreed resolution may protect value and limit disruption. Other cases require decisive legal action to establish rights or prevent further loss.
Some commercial disputes require immediate action. Where there is evidence that assets may be transferred, hidden or dissipated, an urgent court application may need to be considered. Depending on the facts, available remedies can include freezing injunctions, disclosure orders and proprietary injunctions.
Our team advises businesses and individuals on civil fraud and asset recovery claims, including cases involving complex transactions and parties outside England and Wales. Applications for urgent relief carry demanding legal and evidential requirements. Early advice is particularly valuable where assets are at risk.
Commercial disputes increasingly concern cryptocurrency, digital accounts, online platforms and cyber-enabled transactions. Lewis Nedas Law advises on disputes involving stolen or fraudulently transferred cryptoassets, misuse of digital wallets, blockchain projects, online investment fraud and unauthorised access to digital property.
These matters can involve tracing assets across exchanges or jurisdictions, identifying defendants and seeking urgent relief before assets move beyond practical recovery.
The legal framework surrounding digital assets has continued to develop. The Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025 confirmed that a thing, including something digital or electronic in nature, is not prevented from being an object of personal property rights merely because it falls outside the traditional categories of personal property. We can work with appropriate forensic specialists and investigators where technical analysis or asset tracing is required.
London is a major centre for international dispute resolution, and commercial cases can involve contracts, assets or parties located across several countries. Cross-border litigation may raise questions about jurisdiction, governing law, service of proceedings overseas and enforcement.
Wilson Soares' experience includes domestic and cross-border disputes, and his work as a Notary Public involves regular contact with international clients, foreign authorities and overseas documentation. Our team can assess the English law position and coordinate with appropriate overseas professionals where a dispute extends into another jurisdiction.
A commercial dispute does not necessarily begin with court proceedings.
We review the relevant agreements, correspondence, financial records and other evidence. This allows us to identify the main legal issues, potential remedies and risks.
Before proceedings, parties are commonly expected to exchange enough information to understand the dispute and consider settlement. The exact requirements depend on the type of claim. A letter before action or detailed response may set out the legal and factual position, the remedy sought and the proposed next steps.
Settlement can be explored through correspondence, negotiation or mediation. The Civil Procedure Rules encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution, and the court can order or encourage parties to engage in ADR where appropriate. A party's conduct in relation to ADR can also be relevant when the court considers costs. A negotiated settlement can give the parties greater control over commercial terms than a judgment imposed by the court.
Where settlement is not achievable or urgent court intervention is required, proceedings may be issued. Depending on the case, litigation can involve statements of case, disclosure of documents, witness evidence, expert evidence, interim applications and a final trial. If you have received a claim, see our guide on how to respond to a claim.
The court may award remedies such as damages, declarations or injunctions. A successful party may then need advice on enforcing the judgment where payment or compliance does not follow.
The correct court depends on the nature, value and complexity of the dispute. Complex business cases can be heard within the specialist Business and Property Courts. The Commercial Court deals with major commercial disputes, many involving international parties. Other claims may proceed through the London Circuit Commercial Court or another appropriate court.
We advise clients on the correct forum and procedural route for their dispute. For cases where costs security may arise, see our guide on what is security for costs.
Yes. Many commercial disputes settle without a final trial. Negotiation and mediation can provide opportunities to resolve a dispute on terms agreed between the parties. Settlement may address matters that a court judgment cannot readily accommodate, such as future trading arrangements, confidentiality provisions or agreed payment structures.
Court proceedings and settlement discussions can run alongside one another. Starting litigation does not prevent the parties from reaching an agreement later.
The cost of a commercial dispute varies with its complexity, value, volume of evidence, number of parties and the steps required. Court proceedings can involve solicitor and barrister fees, court fees and, in some cases, expert costs. The potential liability for another party's legal costs must form part of the risk assessment.
We discuss the likely scope of work and costs with clients and review strategy as a case develops.
Lewis Nedas Law's Dispute Resolution and Company/Commercial department is headed by Wilson (Will) Soares, Senior Associate Solicitor and Notary Public.
Will advises companies, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals and families on commercial matters and disputes. His litigation work includes contract, company and property disputes, with experience in domestic and cross-border cases. His international practice is supported by his work as a Notary Public and fluency in Portuguese, Spanish and French.
Clients facing a commercial dispute can draw on the wider capabilities of Lewis Nedas Law where litigation overlaps with company, insolvency, employment, fraud or regulatory issues.
A commercial litigation solicitor advises on business disputes, settlement strategy, court proceedings, evidence, remedies and enforcement.
No. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation. Court proceedings may be required where settlement cannot be reached or urgent relief is needed.
There is no fixed timeframe. The length of a case depends on its complexity, evidence, applications, court timetable and whether the parties reach a settlement.
Yes. Limitation periods depend on the type of claim. A claim founded on a simple contract is generally subject to a six-year limitation period from the date the cause of action accrued. Different periods and exceptions can apply, so early advice is important if a deadline may be approaching.
A court can order one party to pay part of another party's costs. Full recovery is not automatic, and costs decisions depend on the case and the parties' conduct.
Yes. Lewis Nedas advises on commercial disputes with cross-border elements, including jurisdiction, overseas parties, international assets and enforcement issues.
If you are facing a business dispute, early advice can help you understand the strengths, risks and practical options available before the dispute develops further.
Contact Lewis Nedas Law's commercial litigation solicitors in London on +44 20 7387 2032 or complete the firm's online contact form. Our team can review your circumstances and advise on negotiation, mediation, urgent remedies or court proceedings.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Request a ConsultationLegal content reviewed by Wilson Soares, Senior Associate Solicitor and Notary Public, Head of Dispute Resolution and Company/Commercial. SRA No. 595176.
This page provides general information about commercial litigation and dispute resolution in England and Wales. It does not constitute legal advice. The merits, procedure, timescales and costs of any dispute depend on the facts and circumstances of the matter.
