Disputes can be exhausting, emotionally, financially, and practically. Whether you’re a business dealing with a contractual breach or an individual caught up in a neighbour dispute, civil litigation is rarely straightforward. What you need is a civil litigation solicitor who’ll be straight with you about your options, fight hard when it matters, and help you reach the best possible outcome.
At Farleys, our civil litigation lawyers have years of experience handling disputes of all shapes and sizes. We’ll cut through the complexity, tell you where you stand, and get to work building the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Call us today on 01254 606 008 or complete our online enquiry form to speak with one of our civil litigation solicitors.
We handle a wide range of civil disputes for both individuals and businesses, including:
We know the legal process can feel daunting, which is why we make it as straightforward as possible from start to finish.
1. Free initial chat — We’ll talk through your situation by phone, video, or in person. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your case, explain your options, and outline the likely costs and timescales. There’s no obligation and no jargon.
2. Pre-action steps — Before going to court, the law requires both sides to follow pre-action protocols. This usually means sending a formal letter before action and allowing the other party a chance to respond. Many disputes settle at this stage, saving time and money.
3. Issuing proceedings — If the dispute can’t be resolved through correspondence or negotiation, we’ll issue a claim through the appropriate court. We’ll handle all the paperwork and make sure everything is filed correctly and on time.
4. Evidence and disclosure — We’ll gather the documents, witness statements, and expert reports needed to support your case. This stage is crucial; in our experience, thorough preparation at this point often determines the outcome.
5. Negotiation and settlement — The majority of civil disputes settle before they reach a full trial. We’ll negotiate hard on your behalf to achieve the best outcome without unnecessary delay or expense. We’ll also advise on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options like mediation, which can often be quicker and cheaper than going to court.
6. Trial — If settlement isn’t possible, we’ll represent you in court and put your case forward as compellingly as possible. You’ll have our full support every step of the way.
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the dispute. Straightforward cases can sometimes resolve within a few months, while more contested matters may take longer. We’ll always keep you updated so you know exactly where things stand.
Straight-talking advice
We won’t overcomplicate things or keep you in the dark. Our civil litigation solicitors will give you a clear, honest picture of your case, including the risks, so you can make informed decisions throughout.
Experienced across a wide range of disputes
Our civil litigation solicitors have handled cases of all sizes and complexity, from straightforward debt recovery through to multi-party commercial disputes. Whatever your situation, you’ll be working with solicitors who’ve seen it before and know how to get results.
A practical approach
Going to court isn’t always the right answer. We’ll always explore whether negotiation, mediation, or another form of ADR could achieve a better result for you faster and more cost-effectively. But when litigation is necessary, we’re ready.
Transparent on costs
Civil litigation costs can be a real concern, and we understand that. We offer a range of funding options including hourly rates, fixed fees for certain stages, and, where appropriate, conditional fee arrangements. We’ll talk you through the options so you can choose what works for you.
Accessible and approachable
We have offices across the North West and can meet by video, phone, or in person. Whatever works best for you.
Speak to Our Civil Litigation Team
Whether you’re facing an urgent dispute or want to understand your options before things escalate, we’re here to help. Our civil litigation lawyers offer a free initial chat with no obligation, just straightforward advice from people who know what they’re doing.
Call us on 01254 606 008 or complete our online enquiry form to get started.
Whether you’re facing an urgent dispute or want to understand your options before things escalate, we’re here to help. Our civil litigation lawyers offer a free initial chat with no obligation, just straightforward advice from people who know what they’re doing.
Call us on 01254 606 008 or complete our online enquiry form to get started.
Request A Call Back
What is civil litigation?
Civil litigation is the legal process for resolving disputes between individuals, businesses, or organisations, as opposed to criminal proceedings brought by the state. It covers everything from contract disputes and debt recovery to property disagreements and professional negligence claims. A civil litigation solicitor guides you through the process and represents your interests, whether that’s negotiating a settlement or taking the matter to court.
How much does a civil litigation solicitor cost?
Costs depend on the complexity of your dispute and how it’s resolved. We offer a range of funding options including fixed fees, hourly rates, and conditional fee arrangements for certain types of claim. We’ll be upfront about likely costs from the very start so there are no surprises. Get in touch for a free initial chat and we can talk through what’s involved.
How long does civil litigation take?
It varies. A straightforward debt recovery matter might resolve in a few months, while a complex commercial dispute could take a year or more. Many cases settle before they reach trial, which usually speeds things up considerably. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe for your specific situation when we speak.
Do I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. The majority of civil disputes settle before trial, either through direct negotiation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) such as mediation. We’ll always look at whether there’s a quicker, more cost-effective route to a resolution before recommending court proceedings.
What is a letter before action?
A letter before action (sometimes called a letter of claim) is a formal letter sent to the other party before court proceedings are issued. It sets out your claim, what you’re asking for, and gives the other side a chance to respond. Sending one is usually a legal requirement before issuing a claim, and it often prompts settlement without the need to go further.
What is the limitation period for civil claims?
In most cases, you have six years from the date of the event giving rise to your claim to bring legal proceedings, though this varies depending on the type of claim. For personal injury claims the period is three years, and different rules apply to claims involving fraud or where the claimant wasn’t aware of the problem. It’s important to take advice sooner rather than later so you don’t lose the right to claim.
Can I recover my legal costs if I win?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed. In many civil cases, the losing party is ordered to contribute to the winner’s legal costs, but this is at the court’s discretion and rarely covers 100% of actual costs. We’ll give you a realistic view of the costs position when we discuss your case.
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