Dispute Resolution (Civil Litigation)

Berry & Berry's Dispute Resolution department comprises a wide spectrum of Court and Tribunal work known as ‘Civil Litigation’. Our experienced solicitors deal with a wide variety of claims and defences.

These include:

• Boundary and Property disputes
• Intellectual Property disputes
• Building disputes
• Partnership
• Debt
• Housing
• Contract disputes
• Defamation
• Insolvency
• Professional Negligence
• Disputes over Wills and Estates

We also deal with Appeal cases and the preparation of cases for trial hearings in the High and Divisional Courts.

Our experienced litigation lawyers' philosophy is that we would prefer to hear from would-be clients as soon as they are aware that there is or there is likely to be a dispute between themselves and a third party. We will normally be able to deal with your matter straight away and provide appropriate advice but if we are unable to, we will point you in the right direction. For example and depending on the circumstances, we may recommend that specialist advice is obtained from a Barrister or that a referral is made to a free advice agency such as Citizen's Advice Bureau or ACAS.

Since litigation can be lengthy, costly and financially risky, it is important to establish with clients at an early stage:

• their likely prospects of success
• the different types of funding available
• the likely costs involved
• the need for insurance to cover any potential costs liability

In so doing, we will assess the strength and weaknesses of a client's case and provide practical advice for its potential early resolution. We will also advise on the conduct and carrying out of negotiations on behalf of clients at all stages and if necessary, we will issue a claim in the relevant Court or Tribunal and advise on each step of the proceedings up to the conclusion or settlement of the claim.

We will respond quickly when emergency action is needed and a Court Order required to protect a client's interests, for example, to freeze a Bank Account or other assets or to prevent the destruction or disposal of evidence.

Our department is always approachable and in appropriate cases, happy to provide initial advice over the telephone prior to a more formal agreement to act for a client.