Specialists in resolving complex disputes

Our international team of dispute resolution lawyers has an unparalleled track record of helping businesses successfully navigate the pressures and risks and disputes, and win (or otherwise secure) the right commercial outcome. We're technical experts who combine market-leading experience with a commercial approach to litigation, arbitration, mediation, contentious regulatory issues and investigations. We have the strength and depth to handle any size of dispute.

Our philosophy is to solve problems proactively at an early stage where appropriate, rather than necessarily allowing a dispute to run its course. However, where litigation or arbitration is necessary or unavoidable, we are powerful opponents. The businesses we work with know us for getting the right results – whether by advising pragmatically or winning definitively.

I have confidence that the Osborne Clarke team can handle any kind of dispute.

Litigation Client, Chambers and Partners 

How we can help you resolve disputes

With dispute resolution experts across a range of specialist areas, we can help you with any dispute that your business is facing. Our aim is always to help you deal with disputes efficiently and effectively. We will invest the time at the outset of any dispute to understand your desired outcome and then adapt our strategy accordingly.

Commercial litigation

Where the situation requires it, we are formidable litigators. Our clients come back to us again and again because they know we will help them win. We have the experience and resources to handle any piece of litigation, from the very early phases of commercial fall-out through to the most complex and strategic pieces of litigation.

International arbitration

Arbitration is vital in both domestic and international dispute resolution. From drafting the arbitration clause in a contract to running an arbitration through to the final hearing, including any oral advocacy required, our arbitration team has extensive experience of the most complex commercial and treaty-based disputes. We frequently act on disputes from around the world and under all the major rules, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), DIS (the German Arbitration Institute) and the United Nation Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

Investigations

We have significant experience in setting up, running and project managing complex internal / independent investigations for businesses, Our investigations team can assemble at very short notice and deploy its strength in depth, well-rehearsed playbooks and technology solutions to get to the heart of whatever requires investigation in short order. We're regularly instructed independently to investigate significant matters in the public arena and media (such as public whistleblowing allegations), as well as to investigate sensitive internal matters.

Mediation

Mediation can take place at any stage of a dispute and can be quicker and less expensive than litigation or arbitration. We have mediated all types of disputes with a high success rate. We'll help you reach the right agreement or settlement in a straightforward and commercial way, always keeping the longer-term picture in mind.

Osborne Clarke is a responsive and very well-resourced firm. They can handle complex and sophisticated matters with ease.

Dispute Resolution Client, Chambers and Partners 

Why choose Osborne Clarke for dispute resolution?

Our lawyers have the experience, resources, strategic understanding and creativity to handle any business dispute.

Market-leading companies trust us with their highest value and most complex dispute resolution matters. They also choose us for the strength of our people and the fact that we operate as an extension of the client's internal team, in the trenches with them and watching their back at every step. We pride ourselves on delivering commercial pragmatic and effective legal advice that makes a difference for the businesses we work with.

About our dispute resolution lawyers

Our dispute resolution team comprises more than 150 specialist litigation, arbitration, regulatory and investigations lawyers. We get involved at all stages of a dispute and with offices in the UK, the EU, Asia and the USA, much of our work is cross-border.

Experience

Granville Technology Group (in liquidation) (LCD cartel)

Acting for the claimants in the third-ever competition cartel damages claim to reach a final judgment in England and Wales. This claim was in respect of losses arising from the international LCD panel cartel.

Comune di Venezia / Citta Metropolitana di Milano

Represented these two Italian public authorities on three separate claims in the Commercial Court (and Court of Appeal) relating to the capacity of Italian entities to enter into interest rate swaps under Italian law.

Global financial services business

Advised on a World Bank Fraud & Integrity Unit investigation concerning a major infrastructure project in Easter Europe.

Police Federation of England and Wales

Defending a group litigation action following a highly publicised ransomware attack

Commodities firm

Acted in related ICC and SCC arbitrations relating to breaches of metal trading agreements with a total value of US$150 million.

Construction company

Acted in high-value ICC proceedings arising out of a FIDIC construction dispute in the Middle East.

Cyber crime

Advised an international manufacturing company subject to a significant computer hack; liaising with law enforcement authorities to terminate the unlawful conduct and limit secondary civil and regulatory liability.