Contract Dispute Solicitors
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Contract Dispute Solicitors
Despite the best intentions and careful contract drafting, commercial disputes can arise, often leading to financial loss, business disruption, and reputational damage.
Whether pursuing a contract claim or defending against one, we focus on protecting your interests, and achieving the best possible outcome – by negotiation, mediation or a vigorous courtroom strategy.
For your free initial consultation, please call our contract dispute solicitors today on 020 7467 3980. Alternatively, you can complete the enquiry form and we’ll call you right back.
What is a contract dispute?
A contract dispute occurs when parties disagree over the terms, performance, or enforcement of a legally binding contract. These disagreements often arise when a contract is poorly written, unclear, or open to interpretation.
- Pursuing a contract dispute claim: You may be able to claim damages to put you back in the position you would have been in if the contract had been met as agreed. You may also be able to obtain a court order to force the other side to carry out their contractual obligations.
- Defending against a contract dispute claim: Where a breach of contract has occurred, we can help you negotiate a swift settlement to save you time, money and potential damage to your reputation. Where a breach has not occurred, we will robustly defend your position via all available means.
Common types of commercial contract disputes
No matter how complex your dispute, our Partner-Level solicitors will assess your case and recommend the best course of action.
We help with high value commercial contract disputes involving (but not limited to):
- Breach of contract claims
- Disputes over contract terms
- Misrepresentation claims
- Commercial lease and building contract disputes
- Construction contract disputes
- Supplier and service agreement disputes
- Contracts of sale/hire disputes
- Merger and acquisition disputes
- Intellectual property disputes
- Employment contract disputes
Contract dispute resolution methods
Many contract disputes can be settled out of court, avoiding the time, cost, and stress of litigation. Our contract dispute lawyers explore a range of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods to achieve a favourable resolution while protecting your business interests.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Depending on your situation, our contract dispute solicitors may explore:
- Negotiation: This involves engaging with the other party to reach an agreement that protects your legal and commercial interests.
- Mediation: A voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party (mediator) facilitates discussions between both parties to reach a compromise. With flexible outcomes, mediation allows for creative solutions that courts cannot impose.
- Arbitration: Arbitration is a structured dispute resolution process where an independent arbitrator makes a legally binding decision on the contract dispute.
- Adjudication: In construction disputes, adjudication allows for a quick and enforceable decision – typically within 28 days – helping businesses avoid costly project disruptions.
Contract dispute litigation
Where ADR fails or is not suitable, we have the experience needed to support you through every stage of court litigation. Our contract dispute solicitors can:
- Issue, pursue and defend contract claims at court.
- Seek interim injunctions to prevent further contract breaches.
- Recover financial losses or enforce contractual obligations.
Contract dispute outcomes
Following a contract dispute, potential remedies may include:
- Financial compensation to put the harmed party back in the same position they would have been if the other party had not breached the contract.
- A court order/injunction to ensure both parties adhere to their agreed contractual commitments.
- Cancelling the contract and returning both parties to their pre-contractual positions.
- Contract rectification where there has been a mutual mistake and the written document does not reflect the agreed terms.
How do I make a contract dispute claim?
If you want to make a contract dispute claim, we will identify the issues at hand, check to see if the contract states how you must handle disputes, find out if the dispute is covered by insurance, and check that you are within time to make a claim.
Crucially, we ensure you know how much the contract dispute could be worth, while determining whether the at-fault party has the funds to pay. This involves:
1. Reviewing your contract dispute case
Our contract dispute solicitors will establish whether the contract has been breached, and how serious any violation is. Once we know a breach has occurred, we will advise you on your legal options.
2. Gathering crucial evidence
A strong contract dispute claim requires compelling evidence. For example:
- A copy of the contract and any written amendments.
- Email exchanges, letters, or messages documenting any breach.
- Invoices, receipts, or bank records showing financial losses.
- Witness statements or expert reports (if applicable).
- Evidence that you took steps to mitigate losses, as required by UK contract law.
We’ll help you collect clear and well-documented proof to significantly improve your chances of securing a favourable outcome.
3. Attempting to secure an early resolution to your contract dispute
Many contract disputes can be resolved without litigation, and we often start by negotiating with the other party to find a commercially sensible solution. This is especially valuable where there is a relationship you would like to maintain.
4. Pursuing a legal claim
If negotiations and ADR are unsuccessful, it may be necessary to escalate your case to litigation. We only recommend litigation when it is in your best interests, balancing the potential benefits, costs, and commercial impact.
How do I defend against a contract dispute claim?
Facing a contract dispute claim can be stressful and disruptive. Our goal is to minimise financial risk, avoid unnecessary litigation, and resolve disputes quickly.
Here at Summit Law, our expert contract dispute lawyers will help you by:
1. Assessing the validity of the claim
The first step is determining whether the claim has legal merit. If we find the claim invalid or weak, we will take immediate steps to have it dismissed or challenged before it progresses.
To do this, our litigation solicitors will:
- Examine contract terms to assess whether a breach has occurred.
- Review supporting evidence to evaluate the claimant’s case.
- Identify weaknesses in the claim.
- Determine if the claim is time-barred, as contract disputes must be brought in a strict timeframe.
2. Identifying possible counterclaims
If the other party has failed to meet their contractual obligations, you may have grounds to file a contract dispute counterclaim. This can strengthen your defence and, in some cases, allow you to recover losses. A strong counterclaim can also force the opposing party to reconsider their position.
3. Exploring early contract dispute resolution options
We explore all options for resolving the dispute without litigation. If a settlement is possible, we ensure any agreement protects your interests and avoids unnecessary financial exposure.
4. Challenging unfounded or exaggerated claims
Claimants often overstate their losses or seek excessive compensation. If the claim is misleading, excessive, or unsupported by evidence, we will seek to have it reduced or dismissed entirely.
Reasons to choose our contract dispute lawyers
When facing a contract dispute, having the right legal team is essential. At Summit Law, we offer:
- Specialist contract litigation expertise: We have decades of experience handling high-value, complex contract disputes.
- Cost-effective solutions: We prioritise early resolution and ADR, reducing legal expenses.
- Strategic, commercially focused advice: Our approach aligns with your business objectives.
- Transparent fees: We provide clear cost estimates from the outset, with flexible funding options.
- Proven track record: We have a history of successfully resolving contract disputes for businesses of all sizes.
Let us handle your contract dispute efficiently and effectively. Call us today on 020 7467 3980 or complete our online enquiry form.
Contract dispute litigation - FAQs
If you are unsure if you have a contract dispute claim, our expert contract solicitors will clarify the situation and advise you on the actions available.
Contract disputes can often be resolved without court. The main resolution methods include:
- Negotiation
- Mediation
- Arbitration
- Adjudication (for construction disputes)
If these methods fail, contract litigation may be necessary.
A material breach is a serious violation of contract terms that significantly impacts the agreement and prevents the injured party from receiving the expected benefits. This often gives the non-breaching party the right to:
- Terminate the contract
- Claim damages for losses incurred
- Seek enforcement of the contract through legal action.
Disputing a signed contract can be challenging, but it may be possible if:
- The contract contains unfair or illegal terms
- There was misrepresentation, fraud, or concealment of key information
- You were forced to sign under duress or undue influence
- The other party breached the fundamental terms of the agreement
- The contract lacks consideration, meaning one party receives nothing of value.
Depending on the circumstances, you can challenge the contract’s validity, seek amendments, or terminate the agreement.
Yes, this is often possible. And, in most cases, it is advisable to do so. We offer various alternative dispute resolution services, such as mediation and negotiation (ADR), to help avoid litigation in court.
In the UK, you have six years from the date of breach to bring a claim (Limitation Act 1980). For contracts signed as deeds, the time limit extends to 12 years.
Yes, damages can be awarded for financial losses caused by a breach. These include:
- Direct losses: Financial losses directly caused by the breach.
- Consequential losses: Indirect but foreseeable damages, such as lost profits.
The type of damages you can claim will depend on your specific circumstances.
Yes, contracts do not have to be in writing to be legally binding. However, proving a verbal contract can be more difficult.
If your business has failed to meet its contractual obligations, a claim could be brought against you. Seeking early legal advice can help protect your position.
Regardless of your business dispute, the cost of pursuing any legal action is bound to be an important consideration. Our fees depend on the time spent on your case and the level of expertise required.
To keep costs down, our team works strategically on your behalf, and uses technology to streamline day-to-day tasks. To learn more about the likely costs involved in dealing with a contract dispute, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.
Contact our contract dispute solicitors today
If you’re involved in a contract dispute, our expert solicitors will ensure the best outcome for your business.
Based in the heart of legal London, we are perfectly situated to support clients across Europe, Middle East and Asia, with high value and complex contract disputes.
For your free consultation, contact us today to discuss your commercial contract dispute and explore your legal options. Please call us on 020 7467 3980 or complete our online enquiry form.
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