We represent clients in a wide range of civil and commercial disputes before courts, tribunals, and alternative dispute resolution forums.
Strong representation when a dispute cannot be settled
Most people hope never to go to court, but sometimes there is no other way to protect a right or recover what is owed. Litigation is the process of resolving a dispute through the courts, and it demands careful preparation, strategic judgment and clear presentation of the facts and the law. Our litigation advocates represent individuals, families and businesses in civil and commercial disputes in the Magistrates' Courts, the High Court and the specialist courts, from the first letter of demand to final judgment and enforcement.
We are also trained mediators, so we do not treat court as the only option. We will tell you honestly whether your case is strong, what it is likely to cost and how long it may take, and whether a negotiated or mediated settlement would serve you better.
The disputes we handle
Our litigation practice covers contractual disputes, recovery of debts, property and land disputes, shareholder and partnership conflicts, professional negligence claims, employment claims, and claims arising from accidents and insurance. If you are owed money, we can send a demand and, if necessary, file a suit or pursue summary procedures to recover it. If you have been sued, we can help you respond within the required time, defend the claim, and where appropriate bring a counterclaim.
Because the court a case belongs in depends on its subject and value, getting this right at the start avoids delays and wasted costs. We advise on where to file and what orders to ask for, including urgent orders such as injunctions to preserve property while the case is heard.
How we prepare and run a case
A strong case is built long before the hearing. We begin by listening carefully and gathering the documents, witnesses and evidence that support your account. We then prepare pleadings that set out your claim or defence clearly, comply with the rules of procedure, and keep to the court's timelines. We keep you informed at each stage, explain what the court is doing in plain language, and involve you in decisions about settlement.
At hearings we present the evidence, examine witnesses and argue the law. If the outcome is not what you expected, we advise on whether an appeal or review is available. If you win, we help you enforce the judgment so that you actually receive what the court has ordered.
Mediation and other ways to settle
Court cases can take time and strain relationships, particularly between neighbours, relatives and business partners. Court-annexed mediation, private mediation and arbitration are often faster and cheaper, and they let the parties control the result. We advise whether these routes suit your dispute and represent you in them, using our mediation training to protect your interests while seeking a workable outcome.
If you have received court papers, a demand letter or need to recover money or property, contact us as soon as you can. Bring all the documents you have and a short timeline of events, and we will advise you on your options.
What will it cost and how long will it take?
These are the first questions most clients ask, and we answer them frankly. The cost and duration of a case depend on its complexity, the value of the claim, the court and whether the other side cooperates. At the outset we explain the likely stages and give you a realistic view of the investment needed, and we revisit it as the case develops. Where a settlement offers a better outcome than a long trial, we will say so, because the best result is not always the longest fight.
At a glance: what we handle
- Contractual disputes
- Debt recovery claims
- Property disputes
- Shareholder conflicts
- Professional negligence claims
- Mediation, arbitration and other ADR