Professional Services Disputes Solicitors

If a professional’s work has fallen short or caused your business loss, JMW will act decisively to resolve the dispute and protect your position. It is crucial to address these disputes promptly, and the earlier you instruct us, the greater the likelihood we can resolve the situation without things escalating or resorting to court action.

Contact our team today to discuss your dispute and the options available to you. Call us now on 0345 872 6666 or fill in our contact form and we will be in touch.

How JMW Can Help

JMW’s professional services disputes lawyers act on behalf of individuals and businesses facing financial or operational loss due to substandard work or incorrect advice from a professional. We have handled many complex, high-value cases across a broad spectrum of sectors.

At JMW, our focus is on resolving disputes efficiently, using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation and without-prejudice meetings where possible. When litigation is necessary, we prepare and present a robust case to protect your commercial interests.

As a large full-service law firm, JMW can draw on a wide network of specialist expertise to strengthen your case, including in-house legal teams across practice areas, and external professionals such as expert witnesses, forensic accountants and specialist counsel. This puts us in a position to resolve your dispute on the strongest terms.

Meet Our Team of Solicitors

JMW’s team offers specialist advice and customised solutions to manage professional service disputes, helping to resolve issues efficiently and protect your business’s reputation and interests.

Our Professional Services Contract Disputes Services

There are many circumstances in which a professional may be accused of breaching a contract if the quality of their service does not meet the agreed standard. These disputes often involve allegations of professional negligence and can impact both individual and corporate clients across the UK. They may arise from a single incident or develop on an ongoing basis, and the financial and reputational costs can be substantial.

Our team has a proven track record of guiding clients through the legal process with strategic advice and effective risk management, acting decisively to protect their commercial position.

We regularly act in disputes involving:

• Surveyors failing to identify serious structural defects, overvaluing property, or providing incorrect advice on property condition or suitability.
• Solicitors missing limitation deadlines, failing to advise on material issues, or providing incorrect legal advice regarding a major issue when you have purchased a property.
• Independent financial advisers offering poor advice in respect of an investment, pension, mortgage or tax issue, which has resulted in you or your business losing money or depleting your retirement fund.
• Architects producing defective or unworkable designs, failing to address planning requirements or mismanaging projects, leading to financial loss.
• Accountants providing incorrect tax advice, flawed accounting procedures, or inaccurate asset valuations affecting financial decisions or debt recovery actions.

These disputes can be complex legal matters and require a combination of sector insight, technical expertise and a clear strategy. Our clients value our ability to deliver high-quality, recognised legal support that addresses the problem efficiently.

We are committed to protecting our clients’ interests, resolving the dispute through negotiation or dispute resolution methods where possible before pursuing litigation. In every case, our goal is to secure the strongest possible outcome while safeguarding your commercial reputation.

Can Professional Services Contract Disputes Be Resolved Through Dispute Resolution Without Litigation?

Not every dispute needs to go to court. Alternative dispute resolution can be faster, more discreet and preserve commercial relationships. Where appropriate, our dispute resolution lawyers will assess the circumstances of your case and determine whether ADR is the most effective way forward. Common methods include:

• Negotiation: direct discussions between parties, guided by our dispute resolution lawyers.
• Mediation: an independent mediator helps parties reach an agreement.
• Arbitration: a binding decision is made by an independent arbitrator.
• Early neutral evaluation: an expert provides a non-binding assessment of the likely outcome at trial.

We advise early on the most effective route to resolution, using ADR where it offers the best prospect of achieving your objectives while managing risk.

The Service Contracts Disputes Litigation Process

The legal process for resolving a professional services contract dispute will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. While not every matter will follow the same steps, understanding the general process can help you know what to expect. At JMW, we tailor our approach to suit the needs of clients, and will guide you through the most appropriate steps to bring the dispute to an efficient and effective conclusion.

Here is an overview of how we typically handle these disputes:

• Initial consultation/advice: we will review the details of your dispute, assess your legal position and outline your options. At this stage, we provide realistic, strategic advice on the best course of action, taking into account the commercial context and potential risks involved.
• Pre-action: before starting formal litigation, we aim to resolve the dispute through pre-action steps. This may include preparing and sending a detailed letter before action, setting out your claim and inviting a response. Pre-action correspondence can give both sides the opportunity to resolve the matter without the need for court proceedings.
• Negotiation and ADR: where appropriate, we recommend exploring alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or without-prejudice meetings, to resolve the matter more quickly and cost-effectively. ADR can be an effective way to reach a commercially beneficial outcome without the time and costs involved in litigation.
• Issuing proceedings: if settlement cannot be reached, we will commence court proceedings on your behalf. We prepare the necessary documentation with precision, ensuring your case is presented in a clear and persuasive manner. Where required, we work with specialist counsel and other expert resources to strengthen your position.
• Court proceedings: the litigation process typically involves the exchange of documents, witness statements, and - where necessary - expert evidence, followed by a hearing. Throughout this stage, we keep you informed and act decisively to present your case in the strongest possible terms.
• Judgment and post-litigation steps: once judgment is given, we assist with any post-litigation requirements, including enforcing court orders or negotiating settlements.

If you are unsure how this process might apply to your circumstances, contact our commercial litigation team today so we can advise you on the best course of action to resolve your dispute.