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.

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Source
Huge effort, attention to detail and great concern for their clients.
Chambers & Partners
Simkins are knowledgeable, commercial, always responsive and willing to go above and beyond to help.
Chambers & Partners
They were incredibly understanding of our unique needs and collaborated in a very flexible way. I would describe the team as very approachable and capable – they took time to listen to our requirements and made recommendations accordingly.
Legal 500
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Source
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
They are genuinely concerned with their clients' interests - they seek to reach satisfactory resolutions before the matter comes to court.
Chambers & Partners

News & Insights

Associate Jessica Keal

Jessica Keal interviewed by International Comparative Legal Guides

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Film and TV Briefing: Friday 27 June 2025

Simkins' Family team

Simkins' Family team ranks highly in Spear's 2025 Family Lawyers Index