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Disputes & litigation

Resolving disputes without losing the plot.

Clear-eyed advice on breach of contract and commercial disputes, through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or the courts, always with your commercial goal in view.

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A dispute is rarely the goal. It is an obstacle between you and something you want: payment owed, a deal honoured, a relationship preserved or cleanly ended. The best dispute lawyers keep that destination in view, and resist the pull to fight for its own sake. Sometimes the right move is firm litigation; often it is a well-judged settlement that ends the matter and lets you move on.

We advise businesses and individuals on contract and commercial disputes across Nigeria, the UK and Canada, choosing the forum and strategy that serve your objectives, whether that is the courtroom, the arbitration table or a negotiated resolution.

What we help with

Disputes we resolve.

01

Breach of contract

Pursuing or defending claims where an agreement has not been honoured.

02

Commercial litigation

Representing clients in court where a dispute cannot be resolved any other way.

03

Arbitration

Advising and acting in domestic and international arbitration proceedings.

04

Mediation & ADR

Using mediation and other alternatives to reach faster, less costly outcomes.

05

Debt recovery

Recovering sums owed efficiently, including across borders where needed.

06

Pre-action strategy

Assessing merits and risk early, so you act from a position of clarity and strength.

The best result in a dispute is often the one that ends it. We keep the commercial goal in sight, not the grievance.

The Old Stone Legal approach

The law where you are

Dispute resolution across our jurisdictions.

Nigeria

The courts and the Arbitration and Mediation Act

  • Commercial disputes are heard in the state and federal courts.
  • Arbitration and mediation are governed by the Arbitration and Mediation Act.
  • Alternative resolution is increasingly used to avoid lengthy litigation.

United Kingdom

Courts of England and Wales, Arbitration Act 1996

  • Pre-action protocols encourage early exchange and settlement.
  • Arbitration is supported by the Arbitration Act 1996.
  • London is a leading seat for international commercial arbitration.

Canada

Court of King’s Bench, Manitoba

  • Commercial disputes are heard through the provincial courts.
  • Arbitration and mediation are widely used and supported by legislation.
  • Courts encourage proportionate, settlement-focused conduct.

How we work with you

From assessment to resolution.

01

Assess merits & options

We evaluate the strength of your position, the likely cost and the realistic outcomes.

02

Pre-action & negotiation

We pursue settlement where it serves you, often resolving matters before they escalate.

03

Proceedings or arbitration

Where resolution is not possible, we represent you firmly in court or arbitration.

04

Enforcement

We take the steps needed to enforce a judgment or award, including across borders.

Common questions

Commercial disputes, answered.

It depends on the strength of your case, the value at stake, the cost and time involved, and your commercial priorities. Many disputes settle on better terms than a contested outcome would deliver, once both sides understand their risk. We give you an honest assessment so the decision is yours, made with clear eyes.
Arbitration is a private process in which an independent tribunal decides the dispute, often used where a contract requires it. It can offer privacy, flexibility and enforceability across borders, though it is not always cheaper or faster. We advise on whether it suits your situation and represent you within it.
It varies widely. A negotiated settlement may take weeks, while contested litigation can take many months or longer. The jurisdiction, the complexity and the other side’s conduct all play a part. We work to resolve matters as efficiently as your objectives allow.
Often yes. Cross-border recovery depends on where the debtor and their assets are, and on the routes available to enforce a judgment or award there. With our offices and global network, we can coordinate the steps needed across jurisdictions to pursue what you are owed.

Related services

Energy & utility disputes Corporate law Real estate & property International law

Speak with us

Get a clear read on where you stand.

Tell us about the dispute and we will give you an honest assessment and a route forward.

Book a consultation