What We Do

Commercial Litigation

My kind of lawyer - Straight talking, clear advice.
Jason Tyldesley, Managing Director, Sofaworks
Manleys impressed us from the off. Their advice was quick, decisive and, more importantly, it worked. They achieved the result we needed under considerable time pressure.
Andrew Magowan, General Counsel & Company Secretary, ASOS
Thank you for all your hard work, a great team!
Peter Hook, ex Joy Division & New Order now Peter Hook and the Light
Always been very good and honest. Tells you the up and down sides so there's no surprises. Always available , always in contact.
Lisa McGorrin
A fiercely able litigator - the man you want on your side.
Nick Freeman, (Mr. Loophole), Freeman & Co.

Directors, shareholders and partners often fall out. Commercial disputes over contracts, obligations, shares, rights, enforcement, NDAs are common. The aim is to achieve a result as quickly as possible – through skilful negotiation or litigation.

As a team of specialist litigators, we have over 100 years' combined experience of acting in all manner of contract and negligence disputes.

Recognised by the independent legal directory guides for our first class litigation capability, we have particular expertise in resolving disputes within media, entertainment and sports, involving high value matters and sensitive commercial and reputational issues.

From commercial contract issues to shareholder or partnership disputes and negligence cases, we can advise you on the best approach to any commercial issue which might require mediation, arbitration, an injunction, urgent litigation or plain and simple negotiation.

We’re on hand to advise you on the best course of action for your case, with clear focus on the result you want to achieve.  We’re in your corner! 

Our Areas of Expertise Include:

  • Shareholder Disputes and fall outs
  • Contract disputes
  • Partnership disputes
  • Professional negligence
  • Other Negligence claims
  • Trust actions
  • Misfeasance claims
  • Validity claims
  • Unfair prejudice

For an honest, credible appraisal of the merits of your dispute, contact us.

Recent Commercial Litigation Experience:

  • LS Systems & Ors v Scott & Anor, Court of Appeal - Chancery Division, February 17, 2015, [2015] EWHC 1335 (Ch) - Successfully representing claimant employer in action against former employees for high value, complex employee fraud.
  • Kenneth Carmichael, Philip Lewis and Ashbury Holdings Limited v. The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, National Westminister Bank PLC - Litigation over the sale of four Interest Rate Hedging Products (“IRHPs”).
  • Brown Ltd v Ward [2017] - Dispute over alleged loan agreement, consumer credit licences, FCA compliance.
  • Hills v Cloudbluff Ltd and Valleymount Ltd [2015] - Complex dispute in the Supreme Court in Gibraltar over validity of trusts and unfair prejudice proceedings under s994 Companies Act 2006.
  • Celebrity phone hacking - Successfully representing a number of high profile celebrities and professional sportspeople in phone hacking claims against the Mirror Group and News Group.
  • Coutts v Artistica Ltd [2017] - Quasi-partnership / shareholder dispute / petition to wind up company.
  • Peter Hook v New Order - Advising professional musician Peter Hook in complex derivative claim and shareholder dispute, and intellectual property dispute against his former band, New Order.
  • Football sexual abuse claims - Representing former football players in highly sensitive historic sexual abuse claims.
  • Premiership football contract disputes - Advising football manager in contract claim against former Premiership club.
  • Harley Street surgeons - Advice on general litigation, insurance disputes and reputation issues for a number of private sector medical professionals.
  • Peter Hook v Sumner & Others (New Order) [2015) - Trademark licence disputes.
  • Charles Byrne, Former PLC CEO - Complex breach of confidentiality and IP claim.
  • Money Claims & Me - Wrongful use of IP claim in sensitive commercial dispute.
  • KKA Architecture v Peel Holdings (Leisure) and Others [2015] - Representing highly regarded firm of architects in issues relating to copyright, IP and licensing rights.
  • Belo v Lime Pictures Ltd and ITV Ltd [2013] - Major TV format dispute, advised the defendant production company in claims for breach of copyright and breach of confidence.
  • Collins v Gelshorpe [2016] - Property dispute over commercial premises acquired under a partnership – application of The Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (ToLATA).
  • Bauer Media Ltd v Global Media Ltd [2013]) - Acted for Claimant in passing off and trade mark action relating to use of radio strapline.
  • Wroblewski v DePuy [2015] - Complex patent dispute over device used in medical procedures.

Your Questions Answered:

How do you assess if I have a case?

We will arrange an initial meeting with you to assess the merits of your case. We will give you an honest appraisal of your prospects of success at the outset and throughout any dispute.

If I win, will I recover all of my costs?

The winning party can expect to be awarded their costs, however, this is unlikely to be for the full amount. In most successful cases, costs are recovered on what is known as “the standard basis” which means recovery of between 50-75% of costs incurred.  If the opponent acted unreasonably, the court can award costs on the indemnity basis…which is mis-nomer as it is not a 100% indemnity but involves recovery at around 80-90% of the costs you have incurred.

Do I have to make/accept an early offer?

The Civil Procedure Rules require parties to consider resolving disputes without the involvement of the court. This usually involves early offers being made to settle.  We will guide you through the process to protect your best interests.

We will advise clients as part of our case strategy on making/accepting early offers. Our experience in mediating over 500 cases is invaluable in this context.

How long is the commercial litigation process?

The duration of a claim depends on a lot of factors, including the complexity of the issues, the sums involved, and which court will hear the matter.

On average, it can take 12-18 months for a case to be heard by a court if the case has not settled earlier.

For all enquiries, please call 01244 230000 and a member of our team will be happy to help. Alternatively, you can fill out a quick form on our contact page.

Contact us