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Practice Area iii

Commercial Litigation

Resolving disputes effectively.

Resolving disputes effectively.

Our litigation practice represents clients in the Supreme Court, County Court, Magistrates' Court, Federal Circuit and Family Court, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Litigation is a tool, not a destination. The purpose of any dispute is to protect your commercial position — and the best litigators are those who know when to fight, when to negotiate, and how to tell the difference.

We represent individuals and businesses in disputes across the Supreme Court of Victoria, the County Court, the Magistrates' Court, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Our matters range from contract and property disputes to shareholder deadlocks, building disputes, professional negligence claims and urgent injunctions.

Before any proceeding is issued we give you a realistic assessment of your prospects, the likely costs, and the alternatives — negotiation, mediation and other forms of dispute resolution are always considered first, because the best outcome is usually the one that lets you get back to business.

We advise and represent clients in relation to

  • Contract Disputes
  • Building and Construction Matters
  • Debt Recovery
  • Partnership Disputes
  • Shareholder Disputes
  • Professional Negligence
  • Injunctions
  • Property Disputes

While litigation is sometimes unavoidable, we always explore commercial solutions before proceeding to trial.

Our approach

  1. Assess prospects honestly

    We begin with a clear-eyed review of the strengths and weaknesses of your position, the evidence available, and what a court is realistically likely to do.

  2. Explore commercial resolution

    Most disputes settle. We pursue negotiation and mediation strategically — not as a sign of weakness, but because a good settlement is often better than a good judgment.

  3. Prepare thoroughly

    Cases are won in preparation. We build the evidence, brief the right counsel where needed, and leave nothing to chance.

  4. Litigate with determination

    When trial is unavoidable, we conduct proceedings with rigour and resolve, keeping you informed of costs and strategy at every stage.

Frequently asked questions

How much will litigation cost?
It depends on the complexity of the dispute, the court, and how the other side conducts itself. What we promise is transparency: cost estimates at the outset, updates as the matter progresses, and advice at every stage about whether continuing remains commercially sensible.
Will my dispute go to trial?
Statistically, probably not — the great majority of civil disputes resolve before trial through negotiation or mediation. We prepare every matter thoroughly precisely because well-prepared parties achieve better settlements.
What is VCAT and when is it the right forum?
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hears a wide range of disputes — including building, retail lease and consumer matters — often more quickly and cheaply than the courts. We advise on the right forum for your dispute as part of our initial assessment.
Someone owes my business money and won't pay. What are my options?
Options range from a letter of demand, to a statutory demand (for company debtors), to court proceedings and enforcement action. The right path depends on the size of the debt, the debtor's capacity to pay, and whether the debt is genuinely disputed.

Book a Consultation

Ready to assist — individuals, families and businesses

Contact us to arrange a confidential consultation and discover how experienced legal advice can make a difference.