Business Legal Services
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Settle commercial disputes out of court with cost-effective guidance and expert negotiation from specialist ADR solicitors.
Our ADR solicitors place a premium on helping clients settle business disputes in the most discreet and efficient way possible. Take advantage of the knowledge of our capable team – we have the experience to effectively negotiate for your business, avoiding the commercial risk of litigation where possible while helping you maintain key commercial relationships.
Experts in alternative dispute resolution
Our team can assist you across all areas of dispute resolution, including:
Commercially focused and pragmatic strategies from expert ADR solicitors
Our team of alternative dispute resolution solicitors can help you decide if any of the following options are right for your business:
Negotiation: Straightforward discussions to encourage an early resolution
We’ll draft correspondence, take the lead on negotiating terms of settlement, and strategically manage the entire process so that you reduce risk and get an early resolution, avoiding the need for court action. Whatever is said as part of negotiations cannot later be used in court.
Adjudication: A quick resolution for disputes that are impeding live projects
Commonly used to resolve disputes in the construction industry, adjudication will allow you to find a quick solution to contractual issues that are disrupting an ongoing development. With a binding decision from the adjudicator within 28 days, this will enable you to continue work without the distraction of the dispute. Please note, the decision may be later challenged through arbitration or court proceedings.
Mediation: Confidential negotiations lead by an independent expert
Voluntary commercial mediation allows the parties in dispute to discuss issues before an independent mediator to help you successfully negotiate a settlement. The flexibility and private nature of mediation will help you reach an agreement without publicising commercially sensitive information.
Early Neutral Evaluation: An incentive to settle before litigation
An independent expert will make an objective assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each side’s case. This will give you a realistic idea of how you may fare in litigation, encouraging a swift settlement before you reach that stage in the process.
Expert Determination: An ADR mechanism for more technical matters
This form of alternative dispute resolution is useful when the dispute centres on a highly technical issue such as a market valuation of a particular type of property. An independent expert reaches a decision on the issue and this is binding on the parties.
And if these alternative dispute resolution techniques aren’t suitable for your business dispute, or an agreement can’t be reached through these methods? You can rely on our arbitration services.
What are the benefits of engaging with alternative dispute resolution?
More cost effective than litigation
This is the overarching benefit of engaging with the right form of alternative dispute resolution, as the costs of litigation can be substantial.
Avoids the stress and upheaval of going to court
Litigation can be an emotionally draining and fraught process. ADR can potentially help to relieve you of some of that tension and worry.
Usually required by the court
Should the situation be incapable of resolution by ADR, the court will generally require proof that the parties have at least attempted to engage in ADR before one party is permitted to commence litigation.
Maintains commercial relationships
There is generally a better chance that your relationship with the other party can return to a more harmonious footing once the ADR has been satisfactorily concluded.
Confidential solutions
Confidentiality is a crucial part of alternative dispute resolution, which means that you don’t have to worry about sensitive details of your dispute finding their way into the wrong hands.
Who we help
We assist a wide range of UK-based companies of all sizes, and across a vast array of sectors. Examples include retail, manufacturing, technology and the public sector. Our aim is to make business legal services more accessible for growing businesses who may feel priced out of quality legal support. As entrepreneurial thinkers, we know all too well the need for legal guidance in order to progress. So we offer an integrated service with our legal subscription plans, so that you can get the support you need to succeed.
Finding the right legal partner
Why work with Harper James
Choose a legal partner you can trust: we’ll help protect your goals, your business and your people so you can move forward with confidence and focus on growing your business.
Affordable, transparent and predictable pricing
Clear itemised invoices, subscription plans with up to 50% discount, and fixed fee products help you plan and manage legal spend – with no nasty surprises.
Proven track record and measurable results
We’ve supported over 8,000 businesses since 2014, with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60+ from monthly client surveys.
Straight-talking, responsive advice
We’re here to make things easier, not add complexity. That means fast response times, practical expert legal advice delivered in plain English, and dedicated client service and account management support.
Risk and compliance assured
We’re an SRA regulated firm, but more importantly, we build quality, data, and compliance best practice into everything we do.
Appointing a legal partner is a big decision. That’s why we’re open about our values, culture and model, so you can see what makes us tick. And because a productive partnership starts with understanding, we always begin with a conversation – listening to your goals, pressures and plans, then tailoring our support to fit.
Testimonials
What our clients say
Why use our alternative dispute resolution solicitors?
Our specialist ADR solicitors have amassed a wealth of industry-specific know-how in their multiple years of experience, in Top 100 law firms in the UK and in-house for international corporations. Our approach is all-encompassing: we advise you on the appropriate alternative dispute resolution options available, and work with you in developing the right strategy to resolve your dispute.
Find out more about our ADR solicitors here:
Top ranked SME focused firm
"Harper James is a one-stop shop for anything legal. It has excellent breadth, with experience on a large number of deals and multiple departments for different legal areas."
Chambers and Partners 2026
Pricing and service plans
Legal support designed
to fit your business needs
Our three transparent service plans are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
Engage
Flexible access to senior solicitors at highly competitive rates
An alternative to our subscription plans, offering access to full service legal expertise on a project-by-project basis.
Enable
Purpose built legal support for start-ups and smaller businesses
Monthly subscription plan for £239 per month, with £159 monthly credit and access to all legal services at 50% discount on our Standard Rates.
Extend
Comprehensive legal partnership for established businesses
Fully account managed and scalable annual subscription plan with support from a curated team of partners and senior solicitors, with up to 33% discount on our Standard Rates.
