Our clients expect us to resolve disputes quickly, on best possible terms and within agreed budgets and this is what our lawyers do. We work with individuals and entrepreneurs, SMEs and large corporations based in London and the South East.

Disputes rarely contain themselves to a single legal issue so our lawyers have broad experience. We also have strategically developed market leading expertise in specialist areas and sectors.

Our team can advise you on all aspects of commercial disputes, as well as, regulatory, compliance, commercial debt recovery, wills/trusts and property disputes.

“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

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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
  • Juliet Schalker is an experienced litigator – she brings City expertise to Debenhams Ottaway and is impressively focused on meeting client objectives in litigation.

    The Legal 500 UK 2022
  • The team had a good knowledge and understanding of the details of the case, and have guided us every step of the way.

    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. Importantly their standards of professional service and client care are consistently maintained at a very high level at all times.

    Del Dervish
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • This team has the perfect recipe – perfect depth, excellent breadth, and a great team dynamic, headed by the dynamic Juliet Schalker.

    Legal 500 UK 2024
  • The team takes a very personable approach.

    Chambers UK 2024
  • The lawyers at Debenhams Ottaway are bright, commercial and a pleasure to deal with.

    Chambers UK 2024