Dispute Resolution

Litigation, or dispute resolution, relates to the assistance with disputes and claims which might arise over the course of any commercial transaction or deal. Such matters can arise between different companies, or between companies and individuals.

At Smith and Stone LLP we offer a full range of integrated support, sector and commercial experience. Whatever your risks, we understand you need to deal with them in ways that protect your interests and your reputation, and we will be there to help you whenever and wherever you need us.

Our firm has experience from developing long-term strategy planning to emergency response, injunctions, applications and expedited procedures. We have extensive trial experience in courts and tribunals throughout the UK, and regularly handle technically challenging and complex multi-jurisdictional matters. When disputes occur in jurisdictions where we do not have a presence, we are still able to provide a seamless service through our well-established and trusted international network of local firms who share our values and who understand our approach to litigation.

We pride ourselves on our long-term relationships with our clients, and work closely with clients not only to resolve disputes, but also to proactively avoid them in the first place. We will aim to solve disputes swiftly and effectively by providing solutions which are aligned with your business/personal objectives. By understanding our client’s business and sector we are able to manage their risks and achieve advantageous commercial outcomes, in part due to efficient and effective strategies to meet our clients’ objectives, but also by ensuring any creative thinking is aligned with commercial insight. We will work with you to implement the most effective solutions to reduce costly escalation.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

At Smith and Stone LLP we recognise there is always more than one way of solving a problem, and litigation at court may not always be necessary if effective actions are taken to resolve the issue before it escalates, such options include arbitration, negotiation, mediation and conciliation.

Litigation is considered to be the last resort and parties should seek to resolve disputes amicably before bringing proceedings against each other. We understand and appreciate the value of ADR in helping find an early resolution to disputes. ADR is an increasingly attractive option for clients who wish to settle their disputes in a commercial and confidential manner as this approach tends to be less time-consuming and costly, and is now the favoured route for businesses when disputes arise. It is our aim to help ensure our clients resolve disputes out of court, if possible, and we have had great success in many cases using these alternative options.