Solicitors in Putney and Chiswick

Civil Litigation

 
Civil Litigation Lawyer
Legal disputes can arise over a wide range of issues in everyday life, including disputes over property, contracts and professional negligence. If not dealt with quickly, a legal disagreement can escalate over time and be harder to resolve.

Personal Dispute Solicitors in London

Civil litigation, the process of taking someone to court, is not always essential in dealing with a dispute. Once legal action is commenced, it is frequently possible to agree on a solution with the need for a court hearing.

At Gibson Young Solicitors, we have experience in dealing with a full spectrum of legal disputes. We have an excellent track record of success in obtaining the desired outcome for our clients, often without resorting to litigation.

Where it is necessary to go to court, we will ensure you have the strongest possible case as well as expert representation.

We deal with dispute resolution and civil litigation in a range of areas, including the following:
• Property disputes and neighbour disputes
• Contractual disputes and claims
• Small claims disputes
• Probate disputes and Inheritance Act disputes
• Personal injury claims disputes
• Negligence and professional negligence disputes

Contact our London SW15 Putney solicitors about civil litigation.

If you would like to speak to an expert civil litigation solicitor, ring us on 020 7924 2919, email us at reception@gibsonyoungsolicitors.com or fill out our Contact Form.

How our SW15 London lawyers can help with civil litigation.

We will go through the details of your dispute with you and advise you of the strengths and weaknesses of your case as well as the options open to you.

We can negotiate with the other party where possible to try and reach an agreed settlement without the need for a full court case. If necessary, we can guide you through the mediation process to try and resolve issues.

We will put together a strong case on your behalf, backed up by all relevant evidence. Where court proceedings are necessary, we will lodge your claim at court, respond to any defence that is received and ensure that you have representation by an experienced advocate.

Where necessary, we can also take steps to enforce a judgment in your favour.

Our civil litigation lawyers understand how stressful making a legal claim can be and will work to make sure that the process is as easy as possible for you. We will work proactively to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that we keep you updated as to progress. We are easily contactable and will be happy to discuss the situation with you and answer any questions you may have throughout your case.

Civil litigation Solicitors FAQs

What is civil litigation?
Civil litigation is a court claim under civil law, i.e. private law, not public or criminal law. This includes cases where you have employed a professional, such as an accountant or architect, who has not carried out their job to a reasonable standard, or where you have a disagreement with a neighbour over boundaries or trespass. 

It also includes disputes over contracts that have not been properly performed, such as building works or the purchase of goods.

What does a civil litigation lawyer do?
An experienced civil litigation lawyer will be able to advise you of your options and will usually attempt to resolve the matter by negotiation. This is often possible once the other party understands that a solicitor has been involved and that the issue is being taken seriously. 

If negotiation is not successful, then a civil litigation solicitor can put a robust case together and bring a claim in the civil courts. 

How can I resolve a legal dispute? Will I have to go to court?
A legal dispute can be resolved without the need to go to court if the other party is prepared to negotiate. Experienced solicitors will be able to suggest potential solutions and compromises that may be acceptable.

Once lawyers are involved, an agreement can usually be reached more easily as they will be able to reduce the level of conflict and offer pragmatic advice.

If a solution cannot be found, then alternative dispute resolution offers a good alternative to court.

How does ADR compare to civil litigation?
Alternative dispute resolution or ADR includes methods such as mediation, arbitration, negotiation and conciliation. With mediation, a neutral mediator will work with the parties to help them understand their options and to see whether agreement can be reached on settling the matter. A solution will not be imposed on the parties and it is open to them to walk away if they wish.

With arbitration, the arbitrator will consider the parties’ points of view and then impose a binding award on them.

Alternative dispute resolution is generally quicker and more efficient than a court hearing. It is also usually more cost-effective.

How long does civil litigation take?
If a solicitor is able to negotiate a settlement, then a civil claim can be dealt with in a matter of weeks. If the case goes to court however, it can take many months or longer. There are a number of stages that the case will need to go through.

Once the claim has been filed at court and the defendant has issued a reply and possibly a counterclaim, there will be a process of discovery of documents. The court will allocate the case to a particular track, for example, claims of around £10,000 to £25,000 will usually be on the fast track. The court will then generally set a timetable for exchange of evidence and work towards a hearing.

Unless the case is complex, a fast track hearing will generally be dealt with in a day or less. 

What are the remedies in a civil litigation claim?
If you have suffered loss as a result of a breach of contract or professional negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages by way of compensation. This is intended to put you in the position you would have been in had the contract been properly performed.

On occasion, the court can also make an order for specific performance requiring the other party to carry out their obligations under the contract.
If the breach of the contract is fundamental, then it may be possible to ask the court to state that the contract is at an end, which is known as repudiation. Damages can be awarded alongside this. 

What is the first step to take in a legal dispute?
It is advisable to take legal advice as soon as you can if you become involved in a legal dispute. There will be deadlines for taking action and it is also important not to breach a contract yourself, in which case you could open yourself up to a claim.

By asking a civil litigation expert to step in early on, you stand the best chance of resolving matters before positions become entrenched.  

Contact our expert civil litigation solicitors London SW15.

At Gibson Young Solicitors, we offer both legal expertise and outstanding client service. We are friendly and approachable and our advice is clear and straightforward. 

If you would like to speak to an expert civil litigation lawyer, ring us on 020 7924 2919, email us at reception@gibsonyoungsolicitors.com or fill out our Contact Form. All initial enquiries are free of charge and without any obligation.

Putney Office: 1 & 2 Crescent Stables, 139 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, London SW15 2TN

Helping people resolve disputes

We emphasise negotiation and agreement rather than conflict and confrontation in the application of the principles of law to the special circumstances of each individual case. In a majority of these cases a positive outcome is achieved by negotiation between solicitors and agreement between the parties. We can advise you on your rights and chances of success and the possible value of a claim. 

Please ring us on 020 7924 2919, email us or fill out our Contact Form, if you would like to discuss your matter further. All initial enquiries are completely free of charge and without any obligation.
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