We settle disputes - so you can get back to business!

And now, yes, we can hear you saying, “But you’re Disputes lawyers, you love an argument”! We’ll be honest, that is true, and we are good at that too. But here at Greenwoods, we’re also all about finding smart, practical ways to resolve conflicts, without the need to resort to the courts unless absolutely necessary.

Our team knows how to cut through the noise, keep things calm, and get to a solution that works for everyone involved. Not every dispute has to take years to run its course to resolution. In many cases, the right option for our clients is to bring matters to a swift conclusion through a negotiated settlement, and this is something we are always mindful of during the varying stages of the litigation process. You can read our previous update for some more detailed thoughts about this here: ‘When is the right time to settle your commercial dispute?’.

In recent months, the Disputes team has experienced great success in achieving commercial solutions for our clients.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

• Lengthy battle looming, swift resolution: at the start of this year an existing client sought our advice in relation to the termination of a contract by one of its main customers.  The validity of the termination was not accepted by our client.  The stakes were high – if the termination was valid, then the lucrative contract would come to an end immediately, if not, then the contract would continue and generate significant income for our client.  However, the time and cost of getting involved in a lengthy dispute and court proceeding was not an attractive option for our client and we were able to negotiate a quick and commercial settlement, under which our client is being paid a significant sum and their time is freed up to concentrate on sales activities.
• Big business, bigger stakes: two major companies were locked in a contract dispute that threatened to spill into the press and drain senior management’s time. We facilitated a behind-the-scenes resolution that kept things out of the headlines and allowed both sides move forward without distraction.
• Personal dispute, professional outcome: a successful entrepreneur came to us with a significant personal dispute that was starting to take a toll on their time and focus. We helped them recover a significant portion of the money pursued, avoiding the stress, and cost, of a protracted battle, helping the client to maintain focus on running their business. We previously wrote about ‘Are wasted management time costs recoverable in court proceedings?’ here.

These are just a few examples of how we help our clients, who are facing the difficult scenario of being involved in a dispute, move forward with confidence. If you’re facing a dispute, big or small, we’re here to help you sort it quickly, calmly, and commercially.

Our Disputes team is committed to supporting our clients in navigating their disputes to a successful outcome, be that through eventual determination by the courts or by way of settlement. If you would like to know more about any points discussed in this article, or linked articles above, please get in touch.

Have you received a West 28th Street loan demand?

These demand letters often arrive many years after the contractor loan or Employee Benefit Trust arrangements ended. The sums claimed may be significant, and the letter probably threatens legal action if payment is not made. 

The key point to understand straight away is that receiving a demand does not automatically mean you have done something wrong, and it does not mean you must pay the sums demanded.  

Greenwoods is helping people understand their options at this stage. While each person’s position needs to be assessed on its own facts, there can be practical advantages in identifying shared issues and, where appropriate, considering a coordinated way forward. This can help keep advice proportionate and cost‑effective, while still ensuring that guidance is tailored to individual circumstances. Click here to find out more about how we can help you.