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Alexander James · A regulated legal practiceClear costs from the outset
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Practice area

Civil & Criminal Litigation

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Your enquiry, carefully considered

A clear first conversation. A practical next step.

Tell us what happened, what you need to resolve and whether a deadline is approaching. You do not need to know the legal terminology or have every document ready to ask for an assessment.

  • Keep key dates, correspondence and any existing reference numbers together.
  • We will explain whether we can help, the proposed scope and the funding or fee arrangements before you instruct us.
Discuss your matter

Our litigation team acts for businesses and individuals in commercial, civil and criminal disputes — from early-stage negotiation through to trial and enforcement.

On the civil side, we advise on contract and business disputes, debt recovery, shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence, and injunction proceedings. Every matter starts with a clear merits and costs assessment so you can make an informed commercial decision.

On the criminal side, we work alongside specialist counsel on regulatory and fraud-related criminal matters, business crime, and proceedings arising from regulator investigations.

We aim to resolve disputes commercially wherever possible — through negotiation, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution — and we are equally prepared to litigate hard when settlement is not achievable.

How we can help

  • Commercial & contract disputes
  • Debt recovery & insolvency-related claims
  • Shareholder & partnership disputes
  • Professional negligence claims
  • Injunctions & urgent applications
  • Mediation & ADR
  • Business & regulatory crime
  • Fraud-related litigation

Our process

  1. 1

    Initial consultation

    Confidential discussion of your matter, the documents available and any time-critical deadlines that apply.

  2. 2

    Strategy & costs

    A clear written assessment of your options, realistic prospects and a stage-by-stage costs estimate so you can decide how to proceed.

  3. 3

    Active progression

    We carry out the agreed work — drafting, correspondence, negotiation or court proceedings — keeping you fully informed at each stage.

  4. 4

    Resolution

    We explain the result, any remaining obligations and the options for enforcement, review or further work. No particular outcome is promised.

Discuss your matter in confidence

Every case starts with a conversation. Speak directly with one of our solicitors and we will explain the options available to you.

Frequently asked questions

How long does litigation take?
Most civil claims take 9–18 months from issue to trial, but many resolve through settlement well before trial. We give a realistic timetable at the outset and review it as the matter develops.
How are your fees structured?
We offer fixed fees for defined stages, hourly rates for ongoing work and, in suitable cases, third-party funding. You will always receive a clear written estimate before instructing us.
Can I recover my legal costs?
Successful parties usually recover a proportion of their legal costs from the losing side, although recovery is rarely 100%. We explain the costs risks fully before you commit to proceedings.

Have a different question? Contact our team for confidential advice tailored to your circumstances.

Civil & Criminal Litigation solicitors near you

We act for clients across England — including Greater Manchester, the North West, Yorkshire, the Midlands and London. Choose your location for a dedicated civil & criminal litigation page with local information.