Article
21 November 2024
9 minute read
Why choose me
Frank, no-nonsense advice – that’s what you can expect when you engage my services. When you need help with a dispute, I’ll analyse the evidence, assess your objectives and develop a detailed strategy that will help you to get the best outcome.
When I can, I’ll seek out a low-cost, pragmatic solution, but if necessary, I’ll adopt a more aggressive stand through to trial or arbitration. Either way, you’ll receive dedicated support at every stage to ensure your case is presented as compellingly as possible, and I’ll make sure you’re fully aware of the risks and benefits of litigation or alternative dispute resolution.
I enjoy getting to know my clients and their businesses, and it’s fascinating to learn about such a diverse range of organisations. I work with businesses of all kinds, from SMEs to large corporates, and also help individuals to make claims and defend against them.
Taking on new challenges and developing new skills is what motivates me. My appointment as a Deputy District Judge in 2015 encompassed these and the experience gained from this role assists me in advising clients on the realistic outcomes of disputes.
Away from work I enjoy playing tennis, walking – especially the Northern Irish coastline – and fundraising for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Frank, no-nonsense advice – that’s what you can expect when you engage my services. When you need help with a dispute, I’ll analyse the evidence, assess your objectives and develop a detailed strategy that will help you to get the best outcome.
When I can, I’ll seek out a low-cost, pragmatic solution, but if necessary, I’ll adopt a more aggressive stand through to trial or arbitration. Either way, you’ll receive dedicated support at every stage to ensure your case is presented as compellingly as possible, and I’ll make sure you’re fully aware of the risks and benefits of litigation or alternative dispute resolution.
I enjoy getting to know my clients and their businesses, and it’s fascinating to learn about such a diverse range of organisations. I work with businesses of all kinds, from SMEs to large corporates, and also help individuals to make claims and defend against them.
Taking on new challenges and developing new skills is what motivates me. My appointment as a Deputy District Judge in 2015 encompassed these and the experience gained from this role assists me in advising clients on the realistic outcomes of disputes.
Away from work I enjoy playing tennis, walking – especially the Northern Irish coastline – and fundraising for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Insights for in-house lawyers
Having worked with many in-house lawyers during my career, I understand what they want from external legal advisers. Heading up the firm’s In-House Lawyer Services offering, which provides advice and guidance to lawyers working in business across the country, I use my experience to ensure in-house lawyers have the right experts supporting them.
In-house lawyers require specialist advice and understanding which is tailored to their needs. Our In House Lawyer Services team work together to ensure you are in the best position to advise your business.
Related services and specialisms from HCR Law
Questions my clients ask me
This depends entirely on the nature of the dispute. Sometimes, you may need an injunction to prohibit a party from doing something or to compel them to do something. In most cases, if you are the claimant, you’ll have time to seek advice on the merits of your claim. Even if court proceedings are issued, most settle before trial – 99% of my cases last year settled long before trial.
The million-dollar question! I can’t give a single estimate for the costs of resolving a dispute – it may settle at an early stage or run to trial. However, I’m transparent on the costs involved for every stage of the dispute, and will tell you if you’re potentially liable to pay a contribution towards your opponent’s costs. Where possible, I’ll agree fees with you for fixed stages.
In certain circumstances, yes, but a full recovery is unusual. Most cases settle before trial and often costs are a key area of compromise. Litigation is rarely ‘cost neutral’, which why it’s often preferable to settle early.
I can never promise that you’ll win your case, but with an early assessment of the evidence, and the strengths and weaknesses of the claim, I’ll be able to develop a strategy that aims to provide a realistic outcome.
Read what my clients say about me
Legal updates and thought leadership
Article
18 November 2024
8 minute read
Restrictive covenants: tips for before, during and after employment
Read more
Article
1 May 2024
10 minute read
Avoiding potholes in the road to court proceedings: what you need to know
Read more
Article
20 July 2023
4 minute read
Drafting and enforcing confidentiality agreements – what you need to know
Read more
Article
27 April 2023
5 minute read
An insider’s guide to dispute resolution clauses (DRCs) – your questions answered
Read more
Article
24 January 2023
6 minute read
Warranties and indemnities – your questions answered
Read more
Article
16 February 2022
22 minute read
Dispute resolution clauses: tailored solutions are always a better fit
Read more
Article
15 April 2021
6 minute read
Risk management in directors’ duties post Covid-19; “with great power comes great responsibility”
Read moreSend me a message
"*" indicates required fields