Disputes are an inevitable part of business life and often difficult to avoid. They can however be managed to limit any damage to your business and to avoid taking up large amounts of management time. We work with our commercial clients to resolve disputes quickly, on best possible terms and within agreed budgets.

Commercial disputes rarely contain themselves to a one issue so we can call in expertise from our commercial, employment, property and regulatory teams to ensure you receive the right advice.

There are many ways in which a business dispute can be resolved. We always try to find a solution that works best for your situation and causes the least disruption to your business.

Alterative dispute resolution is usually the first route we choose, and our lawyers excel in negotiating favourable terms without going to court which can often become complicated and costly.

We work with a range of businesses, from small start-ups and entrepreneurs to large corporations. Our clients work in a range of sectors based in London and the South East.

“They are all hard-working, commercial and pragmatic lawyers who go the extra mile for clients. The firm has a good collegiate culture and a modern settlement-focused approach to litigation.” The Legal 500 UK, 2023

The team’s in-depth knowledge and experience is comparable to a London City firm.The Legal 500 UK, 2022

The entire team at Debenhams Ottaway set themselves apart from other firms by their breadth and depth of knowledge, competence and constructive communication, capable of dealing with difficult complex issues effectively, yet sensitively and to the point. The Legal 500 UK, 2021

Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution news

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What Clients Say
  • Thank you for all your hard work on this case. You well prepared us for the best shot possible and we appreciate that. We appreciate your resourcefulness and efficiency with this case and our costs as that’s very important to us.

    Celebrity client
  • Juliet Schalker is a powerhouse. Her team covers the full range of dispute resolution work and does so to an extremely high standard.

    The Legal 500 UK 2023
  • Juliet has a sharp mind but is very client focused and also empathetic. She goes the extra mile.

    The Legal 500 UK 2023
  • Juliet is extremely responsive, knowledgeable and technically and commercially astute. She has a great understanding of the industry and clients love her. We have a number of mutual clients who also hold her in high regard.

    The Legal 500 UK 2023
  • Alex Neale is a fantastic lawyer. Great to work with and always puts in the extra effort for clients. He is very capable and conscientious and is excellent at settling disputes.

    The Legal 500 UK 2023
  • Debenhams Ottaway are a very professional and long established firm.

    The Legal 500 UK 2022
  • The entire service from start to finish was excellent, from the initial phone enquiry to the provision of notes from the solicitor, the whole process was faultless, professional, courteous, high standard from the beginning to the end. I cant recommend this firm enough, truly supportive, helpful and understanding.

    Client
  • Excellent legal service in my contract dispute – erudite and hard-hitting letters written by my lawyer carrying the full weight of the law.

    Client
  • Constructive and concise explanations, friendly and helpful advice at every turn – we are truly grateful for the help you have given us.

    Client
  • Kept us informed all the way through the process from start to finish and were very happy with the resolution. Thank you

    Client
  • Ease of contact and very professional in all aspects of the service. Highly recommended.

    Client