Alternative Dispute Resolution

Settle commercial disputes out of court with cost-effective guidance and expert negotiation from specialist ADR solicitors.

Our ADR solicitors place a premium on helping clients settle business disputes in the most discreet and efficient way possible. Take advantage of the knowledge of our capable team – we have the experience to effectively negotiate for your business, avoiding the commercial risk of litigation where possible while helping you maintain key commercial relationships.

Get in touch

Commercially focused and pragmatic strategies from expert ADR solicitors

Our team of alternative dispute resolution solicitors can help you decide if any of the following options are right for your business:

Negotiation: Straightforward discussions to encourage an early resolution.

We’ll draft correspondence, take the lead on negotiating terms of settlement, and strategically manage the entire process so that you reduce risk and get an early resolution, avoiding the need for court action. Whatever is said as part of negotiations cannot later be used in court.

Adjudication: A quick resolution for disputes that are impeding live projects.

Commonly used to resolve disputes in the construction industry, adjudication will allow you to find a quick solution to contractual issues that are disrupting an ongoing development. With a binding decision from the adjudicator within 28 days, this will enable you to continue work without the distraction of the dispute. Please note, the decision may be later challenged through arbitration or court proceedings.

Mediation: Confidential negotiations lead by an independent expert.

Voluntary commercial mediation allows the parties in dispute to discuss issues before an independent mediator to help you successfully negotiate a settlement. The flexibility and private nature of mediation will help you reach an agreement without publicising commercially sensitive information.

Early neutral evaluation: An incentive to settle before litigation.

An independent expert will make an objective assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each side’s case. This will give you a realistic idea of how you may fare in litigation, encouraging a swift settlement before you reach that stage in the process.

Expert determination: An ADR mechanism for more technical matters.

This form of alternative dispute resolution is useful when the dispute centres on a highly technical issue such as a market valuation of a particular type of property. An independent expert reaches a decision on the issue and this is binding on the parties.

And if these alternative dispute resolution techniques aren’t suitable for your business dispute, or an agreement can’t be reached through these methods? You can rely on our arbitration and litigation services.

More cost effective than litigation

This is the overarching benefit of engaging with the right form of alternative dispute resolution, as the costs of litigation can be substantial.

Avoids the stress and upheaval of going to court

Litigation can be an emotionally draining and fraught process. ADR can potentially help to relieve you of some of that tension and worry.

Usually required by the court

Should the situation be incapable of resolution by ADR, the court will generally require proof that the parties have at least attempted to engage in ADR before one party is permitted to commence litigation.

Maintains commercial relationships

There is generally a better chance that your relationship with the other party can return to a more harmonious footing once the ADR has been satisfactorily concluded.

Confidential solutions

Confidentiality is a crucial part of alternative dispute resolution, which means that you don’t have to worry about sensitive details of your dispute finding their way into the wrong hands.

Who we help: SMEs, start-ups and venture-backed enterprises

We assist a wide range of UK-based companies of all sizes, and across a vast array of sectors. Examples include retail, manufacturing, technology and the public sector. Our aim is to make business legal services more accessible for growing businesses who may feel priced out of quality legal support. As entrepreneurial thinkers, we know all too well the need for legal guidance in order to progress. So we offer an integrated service with our legal subscription plans, so that you can get the support you need to succeed.

Pricing plans

Our three transparent pricing packages are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:

City

Straightforward access to senior solicitors at a competitive rate.

An affordable solution for businesses needing one-off legal support. Receive ‘City’ partner-level expertise at a fraction of ‘City’ prices.

Enterprise

Have legal peace of mind for £189 per month with additional support from £125 per hour.

A monthly subscription legal support package specifically designed for start-ups and smaller businesses.

On-Demand

Providing you with priority access to a dedicated panel of highly experienced solicitors.

Fully account managed quarterly subscription service for businesses with more complex legal needs.

Learn more about our pricing plans

What our clients say

We pride ourselves on delivering an excellent service for clients, but don’t just take our word for it.

Over the years Harper James have helped us navigate complex legal issues and red tape, providing distilled options and legal consultancy that far exceeds the service levels we’ve previously experienced from more traditional law firms. The team act like our own in-house counsel so, regardless of which lawyer we work with, we feel supported and that they truly have our best interests at heart.

Michael Edwards, Co-Founder
Inspire Group

Harper James has provided us with a highly responsive and pragmatic dispute resolution service which has been efficient and very cost effective in resolving recent disputes.

Alex Sloley, CFO
Triptease

As with any business, we need access to good quality legal advice without the fear of facing huge legal fees. The service provided by Harper James is ideal because they are always available to assist and we know that the advice provided is of outstanding quality, with pricing that is cost effective and completely transparent.

Laura Bowen, Director
Admedo

Harper James is a brilliant example of a company disrupting a traditional industry. Suddenly Solicitors become relevant and accessible for start-ups & small enterprises, with the best in-class knowledge of all major legal areas. I’ve used the business now for a year, and the Enterprise plan has been perfect for budgeting my company’s outgoings, and has given me a piece of mind when tackling key, decisive issues. Thank-you HJS!

Koral Ibrahim, Founder & MD
The Ready House

Great customer service with experienced staff. Mark and the HJS team worked well with us and took the stress out of a situation. Advised us proactively to achieve the the best outcome for our situation.

Paul Smith, COO
Incuto

Read all testimonials