Commercial disputes can arise for a variety of reasons – breach of contract, intellectual property infringements, shareholder conflicts, and more. When two businesses end up on opposite sides of a commercial dispute, emotions may run high and derail logical decision making. Bringing in solicitors to help resolve commercial disputes can be invaluable for companies looking to end the conflict and move forward.

Assess the Merits of the Case Objectively

Solicitors have legal expertise that businesses embroiled in a dispute often lack. Experienced solicitors such as these solicitors with offices in Belfast and Dungannon can review commercial disputes objectively to provide clients with candid assessments of the merits of their case and likelihood of achieving their goals through litigation. This perspective is invaluable when emotions are running high and businesses may not have an accurate view of their own position. Solicitors analyse the facts from a neutral stance to advise clients on strengths, weaknesses, and options.

Negotiate Favourable Settlements

Litigation is time-consuming, unpredictable, and expensive. An optimal solution is often a negotiated settlement that gives both parties key terms they want without all-out legal warfare. Solicitors are skilled negotiators who can have calm, productive settlement talks with the other party’s representatives. Removing the personal drama and focusing on mutual interests increases the chance of an agreement that avoids court.

Handle Litigation Strategically

When disputes cannot be settled out of court, solicitors use their litigation experience to build the strongest case possible. They strategically gather evidence, prepare legal arguments, examine the opposition’s claims for flaws, handle court processes and paperwork, coach client witnesses, and more. Allowing a skilled solicitor to drive litigation strategy alleviates clients from having to become legal experts themselves.

Provide Guidance on Legal Risks

Solicitors advise clients on the risks of different dispute resolution paths, including potential court decisions going against the client. Experienced solicitors weigh risks like unpredictable trial outcomes against the desire to pursue a claim. They provide recommendations based on legal expertise the client lacks, steering them away from risky moves that could backfire.

Advocate for the Client’s Best Interests

Unlike clients who may be ruled by emotions and ego, solicitors remain rational advocates for their client’s overall wellbeing. They keep the end goal in sight – resolving the dispute while avoiding unnecessary expense and operational impacts. Solicitors focus on giving clients the best chance at a favourable outcome based on legal realities, not wishes.

Choosing the Right Solicitor

When choosing a solicitor to help resolve a commercial dispute, there are a few key factors businesses should consider:

• Expertise – Look for solicitors with extensive experience specifically in commercial litigation and dispute resolution. 
• Negotiation Skills – Look for solicitors who prioritise negotiation.
• Litigation Capabilities – Look for solicitors who are respected litigators.
• Objectivity – Pick solicitors who will be honest in assessing your case’s merits and provide objective counsel, not just tell you what you want to hear. 

By carefully vetting solicitors on these criteria before selecting representation, businesses can maximise their chances of having disputes resolved strategically at reasonable cost.

With their objective view, negotiation abilities, litigation acumen, risk management, and advocacy, solicitors provide invaluable guidance for businesses embroiled in commercial disputes.