Commercial Disputes

Effective resolution is everything.

Maddocks' Commercial Dispute group focuses on risk management, dispute resolution and formal litigation for clients based nationally and internationally.

Our team's objective is to take whatever path is the most appropriate to solve our clients' disputes.

We understand that for corporate clients, commercial disputes do not form part of their core business. As such, finding an effective resolution to any given dispute is paramount. For some clients, this may involve a quickly negotiated settlement, for others, it may be a settlement achieved at mediation after requiring the other party to 'prove' its case, and for others, it may be taking the matter to trial.

When formal litigation is required, we are recognised for our tough, but fair representation. We have been involved in many high profile cases in recent years. However, we are not about litigation for litigation's sake. Our tactics are to work with the client to clarify their objectives; then with those objectives in mind, we develop a strategy to achieve them most effectively and efficiently.

Our clients comment on our ability to maintain clarity and focus when grappling with complex legal and commercial issues. Our approach is a finely tuned combination of strategy, practicality and persistence - a method that has attracted ongoing client loyalty and new opportunities.

We are single-minded in our approach to understanding our clients' businesses and the environments in which they operate. Only then, can we work with them to develop the most effective strategy for dealing with a commercial dispute. We pride ourselves on our ability to go beyond 'black letter' legal advice and to give our clients commercial solutions to their problems.

The perception of conflict can be as damaging to your company's reputation and bottom line as the dispute itself. Whatever the dispute, we believe your reputation must be protected. In providing strategic advice, we go beyond the issues in dispute and take account of the broader commercial interests.

Creating a culture of compliance within your firm is a key objective of our approach to risk management. Our team can work with you to devise programs that embed legal compliance into everyday work practices. We encourage clients to adopt a strong preventative focus by identifying potential issues at the earliest opportunity and managing risks to avoid future disputes.


Expertise and Experience

The best solution for you.

Our team's legal expertise and business acumen enable us to effectively handle substantial and complex litigation. We have worked with clients in the retail, manufacturing, insurance, building and construction, property development, automotive, aviation and banking and finance industries. We have also represented professional firms and associations, government and regulatory bodies and private individuals in the business, entertainment and sporting communities.

Areas of expertise include:

Trade Practices Act (both restrictive trade practices and consumer protection)
Negligence
Breach of Contract
Breach of Trust/Fraud
Corporations Law
Intellectual Property
Information Technology
Tax Disputes

Maddocks are also the most experienced firm in Victoria in inquisitorial hearings.

Significant international experience, particularly in Asia, enables our Commercial Disputes group to advise on dispute resolution strategies across national boundaries. Legal and business contacts on the ground help streamline this process.


Contact Partners

Michelle Dixon
David Laidlaw
Carmen McElwain
Peter Poulos
Terrie Hamilton-Smith - Special Counsel
Margaret Pavey - Special Counsel