A Brief Introduction to Litigation

Litigation is the process of taking legal action — by a business or an individual — against one or multiple parties to resolve a dispute. It is rarely the first option, but it can be the right one when negotiation has broken down or where a court order is required.

Most civil claims follow a familiar pattern: a letter of claim, exchange of pre-action correspondence, attempts at settlement, issue of proceedings, disclosure, witness evidence, expert evidence and trial. Each stage carries cost implications.

Good litigators look for opportunities to settle on favourable terms throughout the process. Mediation, without-prejudice negotiation and Part 36 offers are all powerful tools that can shorten proceedings and reduce risk.

If you are facing a dispute, early strategic advice is the best investment you can make. We will assess the merits, the likely costs and the realistic outcomes — so you can make an informed decision about what to do next.