Commercial Contract Disputes

When you examine the business disputes that come before the Courts, a majority of them relate to disputes surrounding contractual provisions.

Although commercial contract disputes are common, that does not mean to say they are at all desirable. Disputes will drain you of money, resources, and take your focus away from growing your business.

This is why our specialist Contract Disputes Solicitors take a tenacious approach to dispute resolution, settling matters swiftly and cost-effectively so you can concentrate on your organisation. We also go further, reviewing and drafting your commercial contracts so they include provisions to prevent disputes in the first place, and if they do occur, ensure there are robust terms related to effective dispute resolution.

From our city centre offices we are a recognised and highly recommended diverse, multi-lingual law firm based in Coventry and Warwickshire. Our solicitors use best-in-class technology to provide clients with streamlined, modern, and highly effective civil litigation advice and representation. Our many years of experience means we have a robust reputation for excellence with the UK’s best Barristers and King’s Counsel, Forensic Accountants, Industry Experts, Insolvency Professionals, and Surveyors who can provide additional support to our Civil Litigation Department when required. Our clients also benefit from our ability to instruct the country’s most respected expert witnesses.

Below are some common questions we get asked about commercial contract disputes.

Before a contractual dispute can be resolved our Solicitors must ascertain whether a contract exists. The essential elements of a contract are:

  • Offer.
  • Acceptance.
  • Consideration.
  • Intention to create legal relations (assumed in commercial dealings).
  • Certainty of terms.

Oral contracts are as legally binding as written ones so long as they contain the above elements. The difficulty comes with proving what was actually agreed and the certainty of terms which is why it is always best practice to put commercial contracts in writing.

A breach of contract occurs if one of the parties fails to perform its obligations under the agreement.

Breaches of contract fall into three categories:

Minor – where although a term/s has been breached the breach is so trivial the contract can still be performed. The injured party can claim damages; however, the contract will not be terminated.

Material – this applies when several breaches have ensued, or the breach goes to the heart of the contract making it impossible to continue with its performance.

Anticipatory – where one party informs the other they cannot perform part or all of their contractual obligations. This can result in the contract being terminated and the injured party is able to claim damages.

A force majeure clause provides that one or both parties to a contract are excused from performing their obligations due to an event that is outside of their control.

The effect of the clause will depend on how it is drafted. Most force majeure clauses only suspend contractual obligations and once the event ends, the agreement is re-activated. The affected party’s liability for non-performance will also be removed until the event has ceased.

Parties affected by a force majeure event are expected to take all possible steps to avoid the event or mitigate its consequences. Failure to do so could result in the party not subject to the event bringing a breach of contract claim.

The purpose of an award of damages for breach of contract is to compensate the injured party for loss, rather than to punish the wrongdoer. The general rule is that damages should in so far as possible, put the injured party into the position they would have been in had the contract been performed.

The Court will use the ‘but for’ test when assessing the value of damages. This involves examining the position of the Claimant after the contract has been breached and establishing hypothetically their position ‘but for’ the breach, then comparing the two.

With our three decades of experience, we can quickly gauge the level of damages you could expect to receive and use litigation tactics such as a Part 36 offer to achieve the best result.

Why choose us?

Commercial contract disputes are hugely varied and can involve complex cross-jurisdictional issues and threaten the completion of multi-million-pound projects or deals. We are alive to the stakes involved and have the talent, experience, and resolve required to get the outcome that benefits your business.

People choose and recommend us not just in Coventry, Nuneaton, Rugby and Leamington, but across Warwickshire, the Midlands and the whole of the UK., because we get results and in most instances, we are able to settle disputes outside of Court. Our specialist Contract Dispute Solicitors will take care of your case, ensuring you understand the options available and get the advice you need to protect your best interests.

To talk to us about a commercial contract dispute, please contact us using the form below, call us on Coventry (02476) 231000, email enquiries@askewslegal.coor visit us at our city centre offices in Coventry.

Meet your 'Commercial Contract Disputes' specialists

Based in our city centre offices in Coventry, here’s our team to guide you through your legal needs.

Kuljeet Sandhu
Kuljeet Sandhu
14 years experience
Contact Kuljeet
Harvin Dhillon
Harvin Dhillon
5 years experience
Contact Harvin
Shyam Gadhia
Shyam Gadhia
1 years experience
Contact Shyam

Fees

Depending upon the complexity we are able to offer fixed fees in some cases. In other cases our solicitors charge the following hourly rate:

 
  • Partner/Member Solicitor
    Hourly rate of £265 + VAT
  • Senior Solicitor or Head of Dept: (PQE 8yr+)
    Hourly rate of £240 + VAT
  • Assistant Solicitor/Fee Earner (PQE 3/7yr)
    Hourly rate of £215 + VAT
  • Newly Qualified Fee Earner (PQE 1/3yr)
    Hourly rate of £185 + VAT
  • Paralegals/Trainees
    Hourly rate of £135 + VAT
  • Support Paralegals
    Hourly rate of £115 + VAT

Request a callback

If you want to discuss a particular service or have something on your mind, get in touch.

    Are you able to fund your enquiry privately? See our fee rates here.

    Do you require a quote?

    Unfortunately, we do not offer legal aid or free advice for your enquiry.

    For free and impartial advice, we recommend you contact the Citizen Advice Bureau who should be able to help with your legal issues.

    If you are able to fund your enquiry, please click here to continue.

    You have selected that you require a quote for conveyancing services.

    To generate your free quote, please click here.