Department contacts
We fully understand that commercial disputes can be disruptive, costly and time-consuming. Seeking legal advice from the outset and being aware of your legal position will often minimise the risk and impact.
Our team is committed to providing the firm's clients with a quick and proactive service in the most cost-effective way and court action is only used as a last resort.
It is not uncommon for tension and disagreements to arise when dealing with the running of a business. This can be anything from its direction, conflicts of interest, deadlock between shareholders, unfair prejudice, breaches of directors' duties and many more. These types of disputes must be resolved quickly to protect the business and its assets.
A commercially-minded approach is essential. Our team will work with you to identify the most appropriate course of action in each case and advise on the best outcome for you and your business.
For advice on directors' duties, shareholder and partnership disputes, please get in touch.
During the sale of a business, or a business asset, you may be asked to provide a number of warranties. A warranty is a contractual promise which confirms the truth of the statement or fact usually relating to the position of the business and/or business assets.
Disputes can often arise when the nature and extent of the promise are questioned. We recognise that this can have an impact on the business, its current and former directors and shareholders. With the help of our team, you will receive clear and practical advice with a cost-effective solution.
For advice on business sale and warranty disputes, please get in touch.
We advise a wide range of clients on day-to-day issues that arise in business and more complex disputes.
We recognise that litigation can be an expensive process but with our skill and knowledge, we take a pragmatic and sensible approach. We are committed to minimising the impact of the dispute on you and your business and finding a strategy which achieves the best possible result.
For advice on contract disputes, please contact us.
We advise a number of creditors and companies on matters relating to corporate insolvency. This includes issuing and defending statutory demands, issuing, defending and negotiating the presentation of a winding-up petition, maximising recoveries for creditors following Administration or Liquidation, pursuing and defending directors and investigating matters leading up to and during the insolvency process.
We acknowledge that these matters can be sensitive and burdensome so our team take a forward-thinking and practical approach to suit your needs.
For advice on insolvency, please contact us.
Intellectual Property (IP), such as patents, trademarks and domain names, can have a huge impact on your ability to trade and do business. Whether your rights have been infringed or whether action is being taken against you, it is imperative that you act quickly to minimise the impact of the dispute and the cost.
Similarly, pursuing or defending a claim for passing off can have a damaging and long-lasting effect. With our expertise, we provide a hands-on commercial approach to resolving the matter as quickly as possible.
For advice on intellectual property disputes, please contact us.
Our team of specialists regularly advise commercial landlords and tenants in disputes. This can involve:
In these cases the law and its procedures must be followed otherwise there may be further delays and increased costs. We understand that these issues are not straightforward but we will guide and advise you through the process.
For advice on landlord and tenant disputes, please contact us.
There are times when you may receive poor service or incorrect advice from those who were placed in a position of trust such as solicitors, accountants, surveyors, insurance brokers, architects and property agents. This can often lead to missed opportunities and severe financial implications.
At SME Solicitors we understand that this can undermine your trust in a particular profession. Our team of specialist lawyers strive to deal with such difficulties and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
For advice on professional negligence, please contact us.
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