Dispute resolution

Clear, pragmatic guidance for resolving legal disputes

Disputes can be disruptive, causing unnecessary worry and diverting attention away from what truly matters — your business, career or personal life. We provide clear, pragmatic and commercial advice to help clients make swift, informed decisions and achieve successful outcomes.

By fully understanding the nature and impact of a dispute and the outcome our clients wish to achieve, we work tirelessly to find effective resolutions. Whether through negotiation, alternative dispute resolution or litigation, we resolve disputes as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

What is dispute resolution law?

Dispute resolution law is the area of law concerned with the processes and methods used to resolve disagreements or conflicts between two or more parties. These disputes can arise in various contexts, such as commercial, civil, family, employment, consumer and even international relations, and the law provides structured mechanisms to address and settle them. This can involve informal methods like negotiation or formal proceedings such as litigation.

Types of dispute resolution

At Moore SGD Law, we understand that no two disputes are the same. That’s why we tailor our advice to your priorities and objectives, guiding you to the most effective outcome. Here’s how we typically approach dispute resolution:

Negotiation

A direct, informal process aimed at finding common ground swiftly. Often the most cost-effective route, negotiation allows parties to retain control and resolve issues without the need for third‑party involvement.

Mediation

Mediation is a process where an independent mediator helps both sides work towards an agreement. It gives everyone the chance to talk openly, find common ground and agree a solution without going to court. It’s usually quicker, more private and more cost-effective than formal legal action such as litigation. It is also more flexible in terms of the settlement parameters.

Arbitration

When parties prefer a binding decision but wish to avoid the formality of a courtroom, arbitration or expert determination can be effective. Disputes are heard by an independent arbitrator or expert whose determination is final. This process offers flexibility in procedure, timing and forum, and can serve as an alternative to traditional litigation.

Litigation

When other methods are insufficient or impractical, we proceed with litigation, the formal resolution of disputes through the courts. Our litigation lawyers ensure a strategic, cost-aware approach, guiding you through every stage from pre‑action protocols to trial, always focusing on your commercial rather than purely legal objectives.

Finding the right resolution

We prioritise speedier, less costly settlements through negotiation and alternative methods, offering our clients solutions that minimise stress and expense. If court proceedings are necessary, our litigation lawyers ensure a strong and strategic approach to achieving a favourable outcome and we guide clients through the cost implications of bringing or defending a claim and explore funding options to help manage costs effectively.

Our dispute resolution expertise

We handle a wide range of disputes for both businesses and individuals, including:

Entertainment, music and media disputes

We represent artists, rights holders, managers, media companies, and investors in a range of disputes unique to the entertainment and media industries. This includes:

• Management disputes: Conflicts between artists and managers over contracts, representation and commission arrangements.
• Royalty claims: Disputes over unpaid or miscalculated royalties, licensing income and revenue sharing.
• Breach of confidence claims: Cases involving the unauthorised disclosure of confidential information, often impacting reputation and commercial interests.
• Copyright infringement and intellectual property issues: Protecting creative works from unauthorised use, digital piracy and enforcing licensing agreements. We also advise on complex cross-border IP disputes and work with international legal networks when necessary.

Contract and commercial disputes

We advise on all forms of contract disputes, from straightforward breaches (such as non-payment or failure to deliver goods/services) to complex commercial disagreements. Our expertise includes:

• Breach of contract: Proving the existence of a contract, identifying breaches and seeking remedies such as damages or specific performance.
• Termination disputes: Handling conflicts over the lawful ending of contracts.
• Payment and invoicing issues: Resolving late or non-payment, and discrepancies in invoicing.
• Franchise, partnership and supply chain disputes: Addressing operational, financial and regulatory disagreements.

Business disputes involving shareholders, directors, partnerships and LLPs

We assist businesses with internal conflicts, including:

• Shareholder disputes: Disagreements over profit distribution, management decisions or breaches of shareholder agreements.
• Director and boardroom disputes: Allegations of misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty or removal of directors.
• Partnership and LLP disputes: Issues over profit sharing, decision-making and partnership exits or dissolutions.

Claims against professionals and professional negligence

We act for clients pursuing or defending claims against professionals such as solicitors, accountants, surveyors and financial advisors. This covers:

• Professional negligence: Where a professional’s advice or service falls below acceptable standards, causing financial loss or reputational harm.
• Breach of duty and misrepresentation: Claims arising from incorrect advice, errors or omissions in professional work.

Debt and loan recovery

We support businesses and individuals in recovering debts and enforcing loan agreements, including:

• Issuing statutory demands and court proceedings for recovery of unpaid debts.
• Negotiating repayment plans or settlements
• Enforcement of judgments: Using legal mechanisms to recover monies owed.

Residential and commercial property disputes

Our property litigation team handles disputes for landlords, tenants, developers and property owners, including:

• Possession claims: Recovering property from tenants or occupiers.
• Service charge and rent arrears disputes: Resolving disagreements over unpaid charges or rent.
• Dilapidations claims: Addressing allegations of damage or failure to maintain property.
• Boundary disputes: Clarifying property lines and resolving encroachments or rights of way.

Disputes arising from a death

We provide sensitive advice and representation in disputes following a death, including:

• Wills and probate disputes: Challenging or defending the validity of wills, or disputes over estate administration.
• Inheritance Act claims: Assisting those who believe they have not been adequately provided for under a will or intestacy.
• Court of Protection applications: Resolving disputes regarding the management of affairs for individuals lacking mental capacity.

Our dispute resolution approach combines legal expertise with practical, commercial advice. We use negotiation, mediation, arbitration and, where necessary, robust litigation to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.

Why choose us for dispute resolution?

Our experience, combined with a client-focused and commercial approach, ensures we deliver tailored solutions to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively. Whether navigating a negotiation or defending a claim in court, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you resolve your disputes swiftly and successfully.