Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Somerville Legal provides strong Court representation. We appear in all Courts, from the Local Court to the Supreme and Federal Courts, and in the growing number of Tribunals, such as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
What makes Somerville Legal's litigation team different from other solicitors?
Communication with the client
At the outset, we advise and work with the client to decide on the best outcome, and how to achieve it. We keep working to that goal throughout the case.
Practical Approach
Many lawyers become carried away with the fight, and lose sight of the client's goals. At Somerville Legal, we always keep a practical eye on the outcome. For example, we will not waste your money on suing a defendant who cannot pay, nor in defending a claim you cannot win.
Settlement
Most of our litigation is settled, to avoid the risk and expense of a Court hearing. But years of experience have shown that the best way to achieve a good settlement is to show the opposition we are prepared to fight the case all the way. By better preparing your case, we maximise the chances of settlement.
Keeping Control
Many solicitors hand over the running of a Court case to barristers. We use specialist barristers for expert advice and high level Court appearances, but we always keep control of the litigation, in the client's interest. Our skilled litigation solicitors do most of the work that other lawyers leave to the barristers, such as drafting Court documents, conducting Local Court hearings and preliminary hearings and arguments in the Supreme Court and other superior Courts. In this way, we save money for our clients and keep control of the case.
Other Dispute Resolution
Somerville Legal's litigation specialists are also highly experienced in alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation. Sometimes, a mediation, conciliation or other method of dispute resolution can achieve an agreement between the parties without the need for a protracted court battle. In such circumstances, our lawyers can help you get the best achievable result.
Contact
Tim Somerville, Ben Hemsworth or Fiona Hoad