Commercial Litigation Solicitors
When a commercial disagreement threatens your business, you need straight-talking advice on your options and what they’ll cost. Our commercial litigation solicitors across Manchester, Sale and Chester will work to resolve things without court if possible, but we’re ready to fight your corner if needed.
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Alternatively, talk to one of our team members on 0330 111 3131 or via our online enquiry form.
Commercial litigation services in Manchester, Sale and Chester
Our commercial litigation solicitors in Manchester, Sale, and Chester handle disputes that could damage your business if left unresolved. We work with company directors, business owners, shareholders, creditors and debtors to enforce rights and protect what you’ve built.
We’ll look at all your options before recommending the best route forward – whether that’s negotiation, mediation or taking things to court. Our advice is grounded in what makes commercial sense for your specific situation, not just the legal theory.
Contract disputes and debt recovery
When suppliers don’t deliver, customers don’t pay, or contracts aren’t honoured, it affects your cash flow and reputation. We help businesses resolve contractual disputes quickly and pursue what you’re owed through our fixed fee debt recovery service. You’ll know upfront what it’ll cost to recover your money.
Partnership, shareholder and director disputes
Disagreements between business partners, shareholders or directors can tear a company apart. Our partnership dispute specialists work to find solutions that protect your investment and keep your business running, whether that means resolving differences or managing exits.
Construction disputes
Construction projects are high-value, time-sensitive and involve multiple parties, which is why disputes over delays, defective work and payment are so common. We act for developers, funders, contractors, subcontractors and private clients (including high-net-worth self-builders) when construction disputes threaten projects or cash flow.
Our construction litigators handle JCT adjudications and arbitrations to resolve disputes quickly, enforce payment applications and pay less notices, and pursue claims for negligence or poor workmanship. We understand how construction contracts work, what the courts expect, and how to protect your position whether you’re the employer, contractor or professional consultant.
We also advise on non-contentious construction matters – reviewing and amending standard form contracts, advising on procurement routes, drafting collateral warranties and performance bonds, and helping construction professionals and smaller contractors put proper terms of business in place across England and North Wales.
Professional negligence claims
When accountants, surveyors or other professionals get it wrong and it costs your business, we help you claim compensation through professional negligence proceedings.
We also advise on franchise disputes, merger and acquisition disagreements, and supply chain conflicts. Whatever commercial challenge you’re facing, we’ll give you straight answers on your chances of success and what it’ll take to get there.
How commercial litigation works
- Initial assessment and pre-action protocol
We’ll review your case, gather evidence and send a formal letter before action to the other side. Courts expect both parties to attempt resolution before litigation starts, and we’ve found that a well-drafted letter of claim often prompts settlement without needing to issue proceedings.
- Issuing and defending the claim
If settlement can’t be reached, we file your claim form and particulars at court. The defendant then has 14-28 days to respond with their defence. We handle all the paperwork and deadlines while you focus on running your business.
- Disclosure and evidence
Both sides must share relevant documents and witness statements. This is often the most time-intensive stage, taking 8-12 weeks depending on complexity. We’ve learned that thorough document preservation from day one saves significant time and costs later.
- Settlement or trial
Most cases settle before trial once both sides see the evidence. If yours proceeds to court, we’ll present your case and cross-examine witnesses. The judge’s decision is usually given within 4-6 weeks of trial.
Why choose Slater Heelis for commercial litigation in Manchester, Sale and Chester
Recognised excellence you can trust
We’ve been resolving business disputes across the North West for over 250 years. Our dispute resolution team is recognised by both The Legal 500 and Chambers as leading practitioners, and we’re listed in The Times Best Law Firms 2026. Clients consistently rank us as one of the best in the country, with an average rating of 4.9/5 on ReviewSolicitors.
Experience that matters
Our commercial litigators are led by Mark Gough, who brings over 25 years of legal experience and holds higher rights of audience to represent clients in civil courts at all levels. The team has handled everything from shareholder and construction disputes to contract breaches and professional negligence claims across all court levels.
What sets us apart is who handles your case. You’ll work directly with senior solicitors who’ve built their reputations on getting results.
Full-service support when you need it
As a full-service firm with offices in Manchester, Sale, and Chester, we can handle everything your business needs under one roof. We understand the stress litigation causes, which is why we focus on the most efficient route to resolution, whether that’s negotiation, mediation or court.
Facing a business dispute? Our commercial litigation solicitors will give you straight answers on your options and handle the court process so you can focus on your business.
Call us on 0330 111 3131 or get in touch through our online enquiry form to speak with our commercial litigation solicitors.
We’re based in Manchester, Sale, and Chester with offices open for face-to-face meetings, and we also work with clients across the UK.
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