Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Commercial litigation is the legal process of resolving business disputes through the courts - covering breach of contract, debt recovery, shareholder disputes, employment matters, and more. At Abbots Legal, our Richmond litigation team focuses on resolving disputes strategically with minimal disruption to your business.

It depends on complexity and which court is involved. Magistrates' Court matters typically resolve within 6–12 months; County and Supreme Court matters can take 1–3 years. We always explore negotiation and ADR options first to achieve faster, more cost-effective outcomes.

In mediation, a neutral mediator helps parties reach a negotiated settlement - no outcome can be imposed. In arbitration, an arbitrator hears both sides and makes a binding decision. Both are faster and cheaper than litigation and are our preferred first approach wherever possible.

A letter of demand is usually the first formal step in a dispute. It sets out your claim, the remedy sought, and a response deadline. A well-drafted letter from a law firm often resolves matters without court proceedings. Our team can prepare and send one on your behalf.

Costs vary depending on complexity, whether it settles early, and which court is involved. We offer fixed-fee options for defined dispute stages and provide a written estimate upfront - including honest advice on whether litigation is commercially worthwhile.