Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026Â Â /Â The Time Best Law Firms 2026Â /Â 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026Â Â /Â The Time Best Law Firms 2026Â /Â 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
If you or your company are contemplating civil litigation, it is usually as a last resort, and means that all attempts to settle or ADR (alternative dispute resolution) have failed.
Civil disputes can affect businesses, valuable assets, financial positions and personal relationships. Lewis Nedas Law advises individuals, companies, directors, shareholders, entrepreneurs and families on civil disputes in London, across England and Wales, and in matters with an international element.
Speak to our dispute resolution solicitors on +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online contact form to discuss your position.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Request a ConsultationDispute resolution is the process of resolving a disagreement between individuals, businesses or other parties. It covers several methods, including direct negotiation, mediation, arbitration, early neutral evaluation and court proceedings.
Civil litigation is one form of dispute resolution rather than the only option. Many cases are settled before a trial takes place, and some are resolved before proceedings are issued.
The right approach will depend on the nature of the dispute, the relationship between the parties, the evidence, the value at stake and the outcome being sought. Early advice can help establish the legal position, identify relevant evidence and assess whether an agreed resolution is realistic.
Our civil litigation and dispute resolution solicitors advise clients at every stage of a dispute, from early negotiations and mediation through to urgent court applications, litigation, trial and enforcement. We act for claimants and defendants, focusing on the legal merits, evidence, cost, risk and practical objectives of each case.
Our London dispute resolution solicitors advise on a broad range of claims and contentious matters, including:
Contractual disputes
Company and director disputes
Civil fraud and asset recovery
Misrepresentation disputes
Debt and payment disputes
Estate and inheritance disputes
Enforcement of judgments and court orders
We advise clients bringing claims and those required to defend them. Where a dispute relates to business dealings, contracts or company affairs, our commercial litigation solicitors can advise on the commercial and procedural issues involved.
Starting court proceedings is not always the most effective route to a resolution. The Civil Procedure Rules expect parties to exchange enough information before proceedings to understand each other's positions, make informed decisions and consider whether settlement or alternative dispute resolution could resolve the disagreement.
Pre-action correspondence can play an important role. A carefully prepared letter before claim may set out the factual background, legal basis of the claim, remedy sought and supporting documents. A response gives the other party an opportunity to state its position.
The requirements vary according to the type of dispute. Some claims have a dedicated pre-action protocol. Others fall under the general Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct and Protocols. Our solicitors can prepare or respond to pre-action correspondence and advise on the strategy that best reflects your legal and practical objectives.
Alternative dispute resolution covers methods of resolving a dispute without asking a court to determine every issue at trial. Common forms include:
Negotiation, where the parties or their solicitors seek to agree settlement terms
Mediation, where an independent mediator assists the parties in exploring a negotiated resolution
Arbitration, where an arbitrator determines the dispute under an arbitration agreement
Early neutral evaluation, where an independent person gives an assessment of an issue or the merits of the case
ADR can take place before or after court proceedings have started. The courts now have an express power under the Civil Procedure Rules to order parties to engage in alternative dispute resolution. Conduct concerning ADR may be relevant when the court deals with costs.
Settlement through ADR can give parties greater control over the outcome and may allow agreements addressing confidentiality, payment arrangements, future dealings or other matters that a court judgment may not cover.
If a dispute cannot be resolved, issuing court proceedings may become appropriate. Before starting a claim, it is necessary to consider the legal basis of the case, limitation, evidence, the proposed defendant, potential remedies and the correct court.
Depending on the dispute, the claimant may seek damages, repayment of money, a declaration, an injunction or another civil remedy. Court proceedings create procedural obligations and potential costs exposure. A claim should be assessed on its merits before litigation begins. Our civil litigation solicitors can advise on the prospects of the case, prepare the necessary documents and represent you through the proceedings.
If you receive a civil claim, it is important to establish the applicable response deadline promptly. If you have been served with a claim, the documents should be reviewed as soon as possible. Court rules impose deadlines for responding, and failing to take the required procedural steps can have serious consequences.
A defendant may dispute the whole claim, admit part of it, make a counterclaim or raise other procedural and substantive issues. We can review the allegations and supporting documents, advise on available defences and prepare the response to the claim.
In certain proceedings, a defendant may apply for security for costs. An order for security for costs can require a claimant to provide security for a defendant's litigation costs. The court must be satisfied that the relevant legal requirements are met and retains discretion over whether an order should be made.
Such applications can have a significant effect on the conduct and funding of proceedings. Lewis Nedas Law advises parties seeking security for costs and claimants faced with an application.
Some disputes cannot wait until a final trial. Urgent court action may be considered where assets are at risk, confidential information is being misused, property is threatened or conduct needs to be restrained.
Depending on the facts, interim remedies can include freezing injunctions, proprietary injunctions and disclosure orders. These applications can involve strict legal tests and substantial evidential obligations. Some applications may be made without advance notice to the other party where the legal requirements permit it.
We advise clients on whether interim relief may be available and the risks connected with making or resisting an application.
Fraud disputes often require a combination of litigation strategy, asset tracing and urgent relief. Our civil asset recovery lawyers act in claims concerning misappropriated funds, dishonest transactions, concealed assets and fraud involving businesses or individuals.
Where assets have moved overseas or through digital platforms, questions of jurisdiction, disclosure and enforcement may arise. Early action can be particularly significant where there is a risk that assets will be transferred or dissipated.
Internal business disputes can affect ownership, management and the ongoing operation of a company or partnership. Business disputes can arise between shareholders, directors, partners and other business owners. These matters may involve company management, shareholders' rights, directors' duties, partnership obligations or breakdowns in commercial relationships.
An agreed settlement may preserve commercial value in some cases. Court intervention may be required in others. Our commercial litigation solicitors advise on business and company disputes, including shareholder and partnership claims, and can advise on both the underlying legal rights and the practical consequences of each available route.
A dispute involving an overseas party or asset can raise further questions about jurisdiction, governing law, service abroad and enforcement. Our cross-border dispute lawyers advise on cases involving international individuals, businesses and assets. Where advice is required in another country, we can work with appropriate overseas lawyers and professional advisers.
The procedure varies according to the type, value and complexity of the claim. A civil case may involve the following stages:
Review the legal position, identify evidence and exchange enough information with the other party to understand the dispute and consider settlement before proceedings are issued.
If proceedings are required, the claim is issued at the appropriate court and served on the defendant with relevant supporting documents.
The defendant responds within the applicable deadline, setting out any defence, admissions or counterclaim. Missing the response deadline can have serious procedural consequences.
The court may allocate the case to an appropriate track and give directions setting deadlines for evidence, documents and other stages of the proceedings.
The parties are generally required to disclose documents relevant to the issues in the case, including documents that may assist the other side.
Witness statements are prepared for those with direct knowledge of relevant facts. Expert evidence may be required where specialist opinion is needed on a technical issue.
Cases can settle at any stage. The parties may engage in mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution alongside the litigation. A party's conduct in relation to ADR can be relevant when the court considers costs.
If the case does not settle, the matter proceeds to a final hearing where the evidence is tested and the court determines the outcome.
The court delivers its judgment and may award remedies such as damages, declarations or injunctions. A successful party may then need advice on enforcement where payment or compliance does not follow.
Failure to comply with court rules or orders can affect the case and may lead to costs or other sanctions.
Legal costs depend on the nature of the dispute, its complexity, the volume of evidence, the number of parties and whether the case proceeds to trial. Litigation may involve solicitor and barrister fees, court fees and expert costs. There may be a risk of paying part of another party's costs.
Cost should form part of the strategy from the beginning. We discuss the likely scope of work with clients and review the position as the dispute develops.
Lewis Nedas Law has advised individuals and businesses for more than 40 years. The firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number 567461, and handles litigation and dispute resolution for clients in London, across England and Wales and in matters with an international element.
Lewis Nedas Law is Lexcel accredited and has been recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 and in The Times Best Law Firms 2026. These credentials sit alongside the firm's experience advising individuals, entrepreneurs, families and businesses on contentious matters across a range of legal disciplines.
Lewis Nedas Law's Dispute Resolution and Company/Commercial department is headed by Wilson (Will) Soares, Senior Associate Solicitor and Notary Public.
Will advises high-net-worth individuals, families, entrepreneurs and companies on disputes and commercial matters. His litigation practice covers property, contract, company and estate disputes, including domestic and cross-border cases. His work as a Notary Public involves regular dealings with international clients, foreign authorities, embassies and overseas documentation.
The wider Lewis Nedas Law team can provide support where a civil dispute overlaps with company law, insolvency, employment, fraud, property or regulatory matters.
Dispute resolution covers ways of resolving civil disagreements, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration and court proceedings.
No. Many disputes settle through negotiation or mediation before trial. The appropriate route depends on the facts, legal issues and objectives.
Yes. The Civil Procedure Rules give courts power to order parties to engage in alternative dispute resolution where the court considers it appropriate.
There is no fixed timeframe. Negotiated cases may resolve quickly, whereas complex litigation can take much longer and may proceed to trial.
Seek legal advice quickly and check the response deadline. Missing a court deadline can affect your ability to defend the claim.
If you are involved in a civil dispute, obtaining advice at an early stage can help you understand your legal position, possible remedies, costs and the routes available for resolving the matter.
Contact Lewis Nedas Law's dispute resolution solicitors in London on +44 20 7387 2032 or complete the firm's online contact form. We advise clients on negotiation, mediation, civil litigation, urgent applications and enforcement in domestic and cross-border disputes.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Request a ConsultationThis page provides general information about dispute resolution and civil litigation 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.
