Disputes

Wherever we can, we help our clients avoid disputes but, if litigation is necessary, we have the expertise to take cases to trial in a wide range of courts and tribunals.

Key contacts
Overview

Wherever we can, we help our clients avoid disputes or nip potential problems in the bud but, if litigation is necessary, we have the expertise to take cases to trial in a wide range of courts and tribunals.

We offer advice and representation on general commercial disputes and have a specific focus on media-related cases. We have experience in all forms of dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration and litigation. As well as our UK experience, our lawyers work regularly with counterparts in Europe, the USA and beyond, and as a result have a wide knowledge of procedures in the world’s major commercial centres.
Expertise

Our areas of expertise include the following:

  • Breach of contract
  • Copyright infringement
  • Defamation and privacy
  • Negligence claims (including professional negligence)
  • Trade mark infringement
  • Protection of confidential information
  • Passing off claims
  • Breach of restrictive covenants
  • Agency termination
  • Supplier/distribution disputes
  • Partnership/shareholder disputes
  • Civil fraud claims
  • Injunctions and debt recovery
  • Insolvency

KEY CONTACT

KEY CONTACTS

The team are highly regarded for their work across a broad range of contentious matters.

Block quote
Source
Huge effort, attention to detail and great concern for their clients.
Chambers & Partners
High standards, good, transparent communication between team members, excellent understanding of the issues, plus a can-do attitude. Part of the firm’s culture is an awareness of cost, and the farming out of work to the most reasonably-priced resource.
Legal 500
They are experts in their field, provide very focused and commercial advice and are responsive to tight deadlines.
Legal 500
Block Quote
Source
Simkins were relentless and persistent in fighting their client's corner.
Chambers & Partners
Paddy Gardiner is head of the firm's disputes group and is described by commentators as "very able" in the context of contentious music matters and litigation. He is particularly well regarded for his music-collecting societies practice.
Chambers & Partners
Particularly esteemed for his work in music copyright infringement cases, the "excellent" Gardiner is singled out for praise by observers as "a very bright litigator."
Chambers & Partners

News & Insights

TV remote

Film and TV Briefing: Friday 1 August 2025

Cinemagoers

Film and TV Briefing: Friday 25 July 2025

Simkins ranked highly in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2025.

Simkins ranked highly in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2025

Television and mugs

Film and TV Briefing: Friday 18 July 2025