Commercial Litigation Lawyers
Our Commercial Litigation team acts for businesses, professionals, investors and individuals in resolving complex disputes throughout Queensland, with a particular focus on the Gold Coast and South East Queensland courts. We combine strategic advice with commercial pragmatism, working closely with you to protect your position and achieve costeffective outcomes.
Our approach to disputes
We understand that disputes are a distraction from daytoday business and can quickly become expensive if not managed proactively. Wherever possible, we aim to resolve matters early through negotiation, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, but when litigation is necessary, we are experienced advocates in all Queensland and Federal jurisdictions.
Key features of our approach include:
- Clear advice on prospects, risks and likely costs at an early stage.
- Strategies tailored to your commercial objectives, not just the legal issues.
- A focus on preserving relationships and reputations where appropriate.
- Robust representation in court when your position needs to be defended or advanced decisively.
Types of commercial disputes we handle
We act in a broad range of commercial, corporate and business disputes, including:
- Contract and commercial disputes (breach of contract, misleading or deceptive conduct, supply and service disputes).
- Partnership, shareholder and director disputes, including oppression and governance issues.
- Building and construction disputes, including payment claims, variations and defects.
- Property and leasing disputes, including options, rent reviews, make good and termination.
- Debt recovery, enforcement, statutory demands and defending winding up or bankruptcy proceedings.
- Body corporate and community titles disputes, including bylaws, levies and caretaker/letting agreements.
- Professional negligence claims against advisers and other professionals.
- Consumer law, fair trading and regulatory investigations or prosecutions.
- Insolvency and bankruptcy related litigation, including claims by liquidators, administrators and trustees.
- Estate and trust disputes where commercial or business interests are involved.
Courts and tribunals
We conduct matters in all relevant courts and tribunals, including:
- Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts of Queensland.
- Federal Court of Australia and Federal Circuit and Family Court (commercial and corporations matters).
- Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) and other specialist tribunals.
- Appellate courts, where decisions are appealed or judicial review is required.
How we work with you
From the outset, we will review the facts of your matter, identify the legal issues and advise whether you have a viable claim or defence. We will then outline your options (including negotiation, mediation, arbitration and court proceedings) and guide you through each step so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Typical steps in a commercial litigation matter include:
- Investigating the dispute, reviewing documents and taking detailed instructions.
- Preparing and responding to letters of demand and withoutprejudice correspondence.
- Representing you in settlement conferences, mediations and expert determinations.
- Drafting and filing originating process, pleadings and evidence where proceedings are commenced.
- Managing interlocutory applications (such as injunctions, security for costs and disclosure).
- Preparing thoroughly for hearing or trial and, where necessary, appeal.
If you are involved in a commercial dispute or anticipate that one may arise, we recommend seeking advice early so that your rights are protected, key evidence is preserved and the most effective strategy can be put in place.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.