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Two professionals shaking hands across a table — conveying successful dispute resolution and moving forward
Chester · North Wales · Central England

Dispute Resolution
Solicitors

Practical, proportionate advice on resolving disputes — from mediation and arbitration to full litigation and contractual claims. We focus on outcomes, not process.

Chester-based, acting across England and Wales — including North Wales, Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Nottingham and Leicester. We advise on the most effective route to resolution and what it will cost before any work begins.

✅ Costs explained in writing before work begins✅ Payment arrangements available✅ No-win, no-fee not ordinarily offered✅ Remote service — no office visit required

No obligation — talk through your options first. Costs explained clearly.

Solicitor-led advice
Mediation-first approach
Costs explained in writing
SRA regulated
Chester · North Wales · Midlands

4.8★

Google rating from 374 verified reviews

£300+

initial consultation — costs confirmed in writing before work begins

Mediation first

we always explore settlement before recommending litigation

England & Wales

nationwide coverage — remote service available

Dispute Resolution Services

How We Can Help You

From informal mediation to court proceedings — we advise on the most proportionate and effective route for your dispute, and represent you throughout.

Professional Negligence

Claims against solicitors, barristers, surveyors, financial advisors, accountants, architects, engineers, and insurance brokers. Minimum claim value guidance provided.

From £300 + VAT (initial advice)Find out more

Debt Recovery

Recovering money owed — letters before action, County Court claims, statutory demands, and High Court enforcement for businesses and individuals.

From £300 + VAT (letter before action)Find out more

Shareholder & Director Disputes

Unfair prejudice petitions, shareholders' agreement disputes, director removal, and partnership breakdowns. Suitable for substantial claims.

From £300 + VAT (initial advice)Find out more

Boundary Disputes

Boundary disputes, party wall matters, rights of way, and adverse possession claims. Honest assessment of whether your dispute is worth pursuing.

From £300 + VAT (title review)Find out more

Landlord & Tenant Disputes

Commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes — dilapidations, rent arrears, forfeiture, service charge disputes, and lease interpretation.

From £300 + VAT (lease review)Find out more

Mediation

A structured, confidential process where a neutral mediator helps both parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution — without going to court.

From £1,200 + VAT per partyFind out more

Arbitration

A private, binding alternative to court proceedings. An independent arbitrator hears both sides and makes a final, enforceable decision.

From £2,400 + VAT per partyFind out more

Litigation

When negotiation fails, our experienced litigators will represent you in court — pursuing or defending your claim with skill and determination.

From £1,800 + VAT (pre-action to issue)Find out more

Contractual Disputes

Disputes arising from breached contracts, unpaid invoices, failed services, or unclear terms — we advise on your rights and the best route to resolution.

From £600 + VAT (initial advice)Find out more

Types of Cases We Handle

What kinds of disputes do we see?

Dispute resolution is a wide area — almost any civil or commercial disagreement can be resolved through one of the routes we offer. The following are among the most common types of cases we advise on:

Breach of contract claims
Unpaid invoices and debt recovery
Neighbour and boundary disputes
Property and landlord/tenant disputes
Professional negligence claims
Inheritance and probate disputes
Shareholder and partnership disputes
Consumer and service disputes
Construction and building disputes
Employment and workplace disputes
Business and commercial disputes
Misrepresentation and fraud claims

This is not an exhaustive list. If your dispute is not listed, please call us — we are happy to advise on whether we can assist.

Our Approach to Fees — No-Win, No-Fee & Payment Arrangements

We do not ordinarily offer no-win, no-fee (conditional fee agreements) for dispute resolution and litigation matters. Litigation costs are genuinely difficult to predict — each case turns on its own facts, and the time involved can vary significantly depending on how the other party responds and whether the matter settles.

We believe in transparency: we will always explain our fees clearly before any work begins, and we will update you on costs as the matter progresses. We provide indicative fee ranges for each stage of the process (see our pricing guide below).

Payment arrangements are available. If you are concerned about the cost of pursuing or defending a dispute, please speak to us. We are happy to discuss staged payments, deferred billing, or other arrangements in appropriate cases. We would rather find a way to help you than see you go without advice.

Indicative Fees

What does dispute resolution cost?

People want to know — and we think they should. The table below gives indicative fee ranges for each stage of the dispute resolution process. These are guides only: every case is different, and the actual cost will depend on the complexity of the issues, the other party's conduct, and the time involved.

All fees are exclusive of VAT (currently 20%) unless stated. Court fees, mediator fees, and expert witness fees are additional disbursements. We will provide a written cost estimate before any work begins.

Service / StageIndicative Fee
Initial consultation & case assessment£300 – £600 + VAT
Pre-action correspondence (letter before action)£600 – £1,200 + VAT
Mediation (preparation + attendance)£1,200 – £2,400 + VAT per party
Arbitration (preparation + hearing)£2,400 – £6,000 + VAT per party
County Court claim (up to £10,000)£1,800 – £3,600 + VAT
County Court claim (£10,000 – £100,000)£3,600 – £9,600 + VAT
High Court litigation£9,600 + VAT (indicative)
Settlement negotiation and agreement£600 – £2,400 + VAT

Important: These are indicative ranges only. Litigation in particular is difficult to cost precisely at the outset — the time involved depends on the complexity of the case, the other party's conduct, and whether the matter settles. We will provide a written cost estimate before any work begins and update you regularly as the matter progresses. Payment arrangements are available — please ask.

Your Dispute Resolution Journey

What happens next?

01

Initial call

Tell us about your dispute. We will listen, ask questions, and give you an honest initial view — no charge for the first call.

02

Case assessment

We review your documents and advise on the merits, options, and indicative costs in writing before any work begins.

03

Strategy agreed

We agree the best route — mediation, negotiation, arbitration, or litigation — and a clear cost estimate for each stage.

04

Resolution

We pursue your chosen route with skill and determination, keeping you informed at every stage until the matter is resolved.

Areas We Serve

Chester, North Wales & Central England

Based in Chester, we act for clients across England and Wales. We have particular experience advising clients in North Wales and Central England — and offer a full remote service so no office visit is required.

Chester & North Wales

Chester
Cheshire
Wrexham
Flintshire
Deeside
Denbighshire
Conwy
Anglesey
North Wales Dispute Resolution

Central England & Midlands

Birmingham
Coventry
Wolverhampton
Nottingham
Leicester
Derby
Stoke-on-Trent
Shrewsbury
Central England Dispute Resolution

Your Dispute Resolution Solicitor

Speak to Alex Bailey

Alex Bailey, Solicitor specialising in Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution at PDA Law Chester
Dispute Resolution & Commercial Litigation

Alex Bailey

Solicitor — Commercial Litigation & Employment Law

Alex qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and has extensive experience advising clients on dispute resolution and commercial litigation across the North West, North Wales, and Central England. He advises on the full range of civil and commercial disputes — from contractual claims and debt recovery to complex multi-party litigation. He is committed to transparent, proportionate advice and will always explore whether early resolution is achievable before recommending court proceedings.

Our Approach

Resolving disputes efficiently — without unnecessary cost

Mediation first

Where appropriate, we explore mediation and negotiation before recommending litigation. Most disputes can be resolved without court proceedings.

Proportionate advice

We advise on the most cost-effective route for your dispute. The right approach depends on the value, urgency, and nature of the conflict.

Costs confirmed upfront

We confirm our fees in writing before any work starts. No hidden extras, no surprises — you know exactly what you are paying for.

Solicitor-led

Your matter is handled by a qualified solicitor throughout. You will have a named contact who knows your case.

Focused on outcomes

We focus on achieving the best possible outcome for you — not prolonging proceedings. Early resolution is usually in your best interests.

Chester, North Wales & Midlands

Based in Chester, we act for clients across England and Wales — including North Wales and Central England. Remote service available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dispute resolution

Do you offer no-win, no-fee for dispute resolution?
We do not ordinarily offer no-win, no-fee (conditional fee agreements) for dispute resolution and litigation matters. This is because the costs of litigation are difficult to predict — each case turns on its own facts, and the time involved can vary significantly. We are, however, happy to discuss payment arrangements where appropriate, including staged payments or deferred billing in suitable cases. We will always explain our fees clearly before any work begins.
How much will my dispute cost to resolve?
Litigation can be expensive, and it is genuinely difficult to give a precise figure at the outset because the time involved depends on how the other party responds, whether the matter settles, and the complexity of the issues. We provide indicative fee ranges for each stage of the process (see our pricing guide above) and will update you on costs as the matter progresses. We always aim to resolve disputes as efficiently as possible — early settlement is usually in your best interests.
Can you advise clients in North Wales?
Yes. We regularly advise clients in Wrexham, Flintshire, Deeside, Denbighshire, Conwy and across North Wales. We can advise remotely by phone or video call, or you can visit our Chester office which is easily accessible from North Wales via the A55 and A483.
Do you advise clients in Birmingham, Coventry and the Midlands?
Yes. We act for clients across Central England including Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Leicester and surrounding areas. The majority of our dispute resolution work is conducted remotely — no office visit is required.
What is the difference between mediation, arbitration and litigation?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral mediator helps both parties reach agreement — the mediator does not decide the outcome. Arbitration is a private, binding process where an independent arbitrator hears both sides and makes a final, enforceable decision. Litigation is the process of resolving a dispute through the courts — a judge decides the outcome. We advise on the most appropriate route for your dispute.
How long does dispute resolution take?
Mediation can often be arranged within weeks and completed in a single day. Arbitration typically takes 3–9 months. Court proceedings can take 12–24 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the case and the court's availability. We always explore whether early settlement is achievable before recommending a longer process.
What types of disputes do you handle?
We handle a wide range of civil and commercial disputes including breach of contract, unpaid invoices, property and boundary disputes, professional negligence, inheritance disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, landlord and tenant disputes, and consumer claims. See our case types section for a full list.
Can I recover my legal costs if I win?
In court proceedings, the general rule is that the losing party pays the winning party's costs — but this is not automatic and the court has discretion. In mediation and arbitration, cost recovery depends on the terms agreed. We will advise you on the realistic prospects of cost recovery in your specific case.
What is a letter before action?
A letter before action (or "pre-action letter") is a formal letter sent before court proceedings are issued. It sets out your claim, the amount sought, and gives the other party an opportunity to respond. Courts expect parties to follow pre-action protocols, and failure to do so can result in cost penalties. A well-drafted letter before action often resolves disputes without the need for court proceedings.
Do I need to go to court?
Not necessarily. The majority of disputes are resolved without going to court — through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. We always explore whether a negotiated or mediated settlement is achievable before recommending litigation. Court proceedings are a last resort, but we are fully equipped to represent you if they become necessary.

Client Experiences

What Business Clients Say

A contract dispute with a supplier was threatening to escalate into costly litigation. PDA Law assessed our position honestly, advised on the commercial risks, and negotiated a settlement that resolved the matter without going to court.

Dispute resolved without litigationCommercial outcome achieved

Finance Director, SME

Contract dispute — negotiated settlement, Chester

* Details anonymised to protect client confidentiality. Experiences reflect genuine client engagements.

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Ready to resolve your dispute?

Speak to a dispute resolution solicitor today. Practical, proportionate advice — costs explained clearly before any work begins.

No obligation — talk through your options first. Payment arrangements available.

SRA Regulated
Costs Explained Upfront
Same-Day Response
Chester & England/Wales
Experienced dispute solicitors
Honest assessment of your position
All enquiries strictly confidential

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