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As a public sector organisation, it’s likely at some point you’ll be involved in a dispute; whether that’s bringing a claim or defending one.

Disputes of any kind give rise to a risk of liability, exposure to damages and costs, plus they  take up valuable time and resources. You therefore need an expert team by your side to help mitigate these risks and guide you to a successful resolution.

Top-ranked in the legal directories and two time winner of the Legal 500 dispute resolution firm of the year (outside London) award, our disputes team is one of the largest and strongest in the North of England.

We are known for the breadth of our expertise, our commitment to our clients, astute and pragmatic advice, and our ability to think outside the box.

Whether you face a contractual or procurement dispute, a Judicial Review application, or whatever form of issue gives rise to your dispute, you can rest assured that we have the  experience and sector knowledge that you need.

Going to court is hopefully the last resort and our team has a wealth of experience of  mediation and other more cost-effective and timely ways of resolving disputes However, if your case does reach court, you can be assured of our proven trial experience and successful track record.

We are here and ready to help.

Our services
  • Contractual disputes
  • Fraud
  • Intellectual Property matters
  • IT disputes
  • Judicial Review applications
  • Misfeasance
  • Professional negligence
  • Public procurement disputes and challenges
  • PFI Disputes

Contact a specialist

Peter Hornsey

Partner | Head of Commercial Litigation

+44 (0) 330 137 3314

+44 (0)792 149 8908

Email Peter Hornsey

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Robert Glassford

Partner | Commercial Litigation

+44 (0) 330 137 3313

+44 (0)752 522 4545

Email Robert Glassford

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Ian McCombie

Partner | Commercial Litigation

+44 (0) 330 137 3316

+44 (0)7720 295 270

Email Ian McCombie

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View all contacts

What people say

  • "Sam Walker is exceptionally well-organised with an excellent command of detail. Very hard working and dedicated to clients' cause and needs whilst remaining commercially astute."

    Legal 500, client quote
  • Nichola Evans is hugely experienced in her relevant sector. Able to grasp and communicate complex issues. Her sure-footed and patient guidance through unfamiliar Court processes and proceedings inspires confidence. Complete professional

    Legal 500
  • The Ward Hadaway LLP team comprises specialist partners in a broad range of sector disciplines. Partners are supported by efficient, professional support teams. Client communication at all levels and via all media forms is exceptional. Impressive IT support, especially client collaborative hubs

    Legal 500
  • My main point of contact is Ian McCombie. I think he has very sound legal judgment and commercial nous. I think he gives clients confidence that he understands their cases fully and can hatch an intelligent strategy to see the case through to the end.

    Legal 500
  • High-profile commercial litigators

    Legal 500
  • Robert Glassford – very clever but also practical, always unflappable, good with clients, a first rate team leader who excels at framing both longer term strategy and short term tactics.

    Legal 500
  • The commercial litigation team in Newcastle is extremely strong in every respect. They are excellent lawyers with a very practical and commercial outlook. They are very hardworking and always determined to achieve the best outcome for their clients. In so doing, they are imaginative,
    flexible and pragmatic. They are also charming people to work with. I cannot recommend them more highly’

    Legal 500
  • Russell Ward – always willing to go the extra mile for his clients. Technically able but particularly adept at putting the client at ease and understanding their interests.

    Legal 500
  • Robert Glassford and Lucy Cleghorn have been very personable and professional at all times.

    Legal 500

What we're thinking