Independent editorial overview of the leading commercial disputes teams in Leeds and West Yorkshire. This guide identifies practices known for handling shareholder disputes, contract claims, professional negligence, fraud, insolvency and wider business litigation. Interested in a professionally optimised subpage for your firm or as an individual lawyer, plus a trust badge if you haven’t received one? Please get in touch via our contact page.
Firms are chosen from independent rankings, lawyer profiles and verified sources. Three key lawyers are listed for each firm with one or two authoritative references in the endnotes.
Leading commercial litigation law firms in Leeds
- Walker Morris Leeds
Full service national firm with a large commercial dispute resolution team, acting on high value corporate, shareholder and contractual disputes.
Notable lawyers: Gwendoline Davies, Andrew Beck, Rob Aberdein.
- DLA Piper Leeds
Global law firm with a strong Leeds base for commercial litigation, insolvency disputes and cross border claims.
Notable lawyers: Richard Edwards, Clare Gregory, David Gray.
- Addleshaw Goddard Leeds
National powerhouse with a Leeds hub advising corporates, banks and institutions on commercial disputes, fraud and investigations.
Notable lawyers: Mark Hastings, Richard Clayton, Anna Watterson.
- Pinsent Masons Leeds
Top tier litigation practice with a strong commercial disputes presence in Leeds, advising on contract, procurement and corporate litigation.
Notable lawyers: Andrew Masterson, Joanne Ellis, Victoria Moss.
- Squire Patton Boggs Leeds
International disputes team with Leeds office expertise in financial, corporate and commercial litigation.
Notable lawyers: Mark Hardy, Andrew Wilkinson, Louise Barber.
Sources: 9
- Eversheds Sutherland Leeds
Leeds office is part of a global disputes group, handling major commercial, contractual and professional disputes.
Notable lawyers: John Heaps, Gillian Crandles, Simon Collins.
- Shulmans (part of Knights) Leeds
Well established local commercial litigation offering, now integrated into Knights, acting for SMEs and corporates.
Notable lawyers: Tim Halstead, Richard Atkinson, Sarah Tucker.
Sources: 12
- McLaren’s Solicitors Leeds
Specialist litigation boutique covering business disputes and professional negligence claims in Leeds.
Notable lawyers: Peter McLaren, James McLaren, Emily Green.
Sources: 13
- Gunnercooke Leeds
Flexible model firm with senior litigators operating in Leeds, focusing on commercial contract disputes and shareholder actions.
Notable lawyers: Peter Stead, Kate Dodd, Jonathan Gorrie.
Sources: 14
- Ward Hadaway Leeds
Strong northern firm with a commercial disputes team covering contract, shareholder and professional negligence litigation.
Notable lawyers: Alex Wright, Matthew Crampton, Nick Green.
Frequently asked questions
What does commercial litigation cover
It covers business disputes such as shareholder and partnership disputes, breach of contract, professional negligence, fraud, insolvency and financial claims.
Do most commercial disputes settle before trial
Yes. The majority are resolved through negotiation, mediation or other ADR processes. Courts encourage ADR to save time and costs.
How long do commercial cases take in Leeds
Straightforward cases can settle within months. Complex High Court claims may take 18 to 24 months or more depending on disclosure, expert evidence and trial availability.
What funding options are available
Options include private hourly billing, conditional fee agreements in some cases, damages based agreements, litigation funding and after the event insurance.
What evidence is important in commercial litigation
Key documents include contracts, emails, financial records and expert reports. Disclosure and witness statements play a major role in court outcomes.
Which courts hear commercial litigation in Leeds
Most significant claims are heard in the Leeds District Registry of the High Court or the County Court depending on value and complexity.
What is mediation in commercial disputes
A process involving an independent mediator helping parties reach a negotiated settlement. It is confidential and increasingly used before trial.
How do I choose the right firm
Consider sector experience, scale of resources, independent directory recognition and the partners who will lead your case.
Can injunctions be obtained quickly
Yes. Courts can grant urgent interim relief to preserve assets, stop breaches of contract or prevent misuse of confidential information.
What are costs risks
Generally the losing party is ordered to pay the winner’s reasonable costs, subject to assessment. This is why ADR is often pursued first.
Endnotes
- Walker Morris commercial dispute resolution services. Source: Walker Morris.
- Independent directory recognition of Gwendoline Davies. Source: Chambers.
- DLA Piper Leeds office overview. Source: DLA Piper Leeds.
- Chambers profile of Richard Edwards, DLA Piper Leeds. Source: Chambers.
- Addleshaw Goddard litigation page. Source: Addleshaw Goddard.
- Legal 500 recognition of Mark Hastings. Source: Legal 500.
- Pinsent Masons disputes services. Source: Pinsent Masons.
- Pinsent Masons lawyer references. Source: Chambers.
- Squire Patton Boggs litigation practice. Source: Squire Patton Boggs.
- Eversheds disputes overview. Source: Eversheds.
- Directory note of John Heaps, Leeds disputes. Source: Chambers.
- Knights (formerly Shulmans) Leeds disputes. Source: Knights PLC.
- McLaren’s Solicitors Leeds profile. Source: McLaren’s Solicitors.
- Gunnercooke disputes resolution services. Source: Gunnercooke.
- Ward Hadaway commercial disputes. Source: Ward Hadaway.
- Ward Hadaway Leeds office contacts. Source: Ward Hadaway Leeds.
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