Breach of Contract Solicitors

Our clients rely on our detailed understanding of commercial contract law, reputable advice, strong expertise with Alternative Dispute Resolution and exceptional court litigation skills to protect their commercial interests and secure the best available outcome for breach of contract disputes.

A contract is a legally binding agreement between at least two parties, which can be written or agreed verbally. If one party fails to meet its obligations under the agreement, it results in a breach of contract and may give rise to a claim for compensation.

Saunders Law is a renowned, litigation-only London law firm, based in the City of London. Specialising solely in litigation and dispute resolution, our breach of contract solicitors have wide ranging expertise, including in relation to:

• Breach of employment contracts
• Construction contract disputes
• Building contract disputes
• Landlord breach of contract disputes
• International contract disputes

Our dedicated commercial litigators have vast experience assisting clients to resolve all types of contract disputes. We are well-known for our high-profile work and excellent client satisfaction. Our offices face the High Court in central London, making us ideally located to handle contract law, and other commercial litigation cases, for City clients and those from further afield.

We attract enquiries from all over the world due to our reputation, but we can only act for organisations where both sides agree that we are the right law firm to advise and in claims valued in excess of £100,000.

Find out more about the firm, its teams and its typical work by taking a look at our clients.

Speak to our breach of contract solicitors in London

For expert assistance with a breach of contract dispute, contact Saunders Law today for a free, no obligation initial discussion of how we may be able to help.

Call us on 020 7315 4809 or make an enquiry online.

Why Saunders Law is the smart choice for breach of contract claims

More than 40 years’ experience

At Saunders Law, our expert partner-led team of dedicated litigators have over 40 years of knowledge and experience to draw from and are perfectly equipped to offer straightforward, commercially sound and practical contract law advice on any aspect of breach of contract disputes.

Independently recognised expertise

Our team has been independently recognised for our market-leading litigation expertise with strong rankings in highly respected client guides the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.

Astute legal strategies to match commercial priorities

With strong skills in negotiating out-of-court settlements and exceptional experience with court litigation, our team work intelligently to find the right outcomes for breach of contract disputes in ways that matches our clients’ goals and concerns.

Exceptional personal service & client satisfaction

We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional service. Our clients will always receive a call back the same day following an enquiry and can always speak to one of our partners when required. As a result, we consistently achieve excellent feedback from clients.

Clear, commercially attractive pricing

We provide clear and open advice regarding the costs involved, are adept at offering commercially attractive funding arrangements, which could include conditional fee arrangements. We also have excellent relationships with litigation funders.

How our contract lawyers in London can resolve contract disputes the right way for businesses

Evaluating a claim for breach of contract

For parties who believe they may have a claim for breach of contract, or who have had a claim for breach of contract made against them, seeking legal advice should be the first priority.

Our specialist contract law solicitors have the right expertise and experience to quickly identify and advise on key issues such as the likelihood of success, the categories of damages available, and the potential for alternatives to litigation.

Identifying key issues at an early stage can mean the difference between a lengthy, costly, and potentially unsuccessful court battle and a quick, amicable resolution agreeable to both parties.

Seeking an early resolution to contract disputes

Many contract disputes can be swiftly resolved by informing the other party of our client’s legal position, with reference to the relevant contract and any applicable legislation, as well as the outcome sought.

Our breach of contract solicitors can draft a firm ‘letter before action’ covering these details and what steps will be taken if a satisfactory conclusion cannot be agreed.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for breach of contract

We practise various highly effective methods for resolving commercial disputes without resorting to court proceedings. This includes negotiation, commercial mediation and arbitration, all of which can be much faster, less costly and less acrimonious than taking matters to court. This approach can also keep the details of a contract dispute private.

Find out more about our Alternative Dispute Resolution services.

Breach of contract litigation

While an out-of-court settlement is usually the preferable outcome, please be assured that our contract law solicitors will never back down from a fight where this is the right way forward.

Where court proceedings are appropriate, our commercial litigation solicitors have exceptional advocacy skills and very strong court experience, with an excellent track record of success for our clients in proceedings all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Damages for breach of contract

The general aim of an award of damages is to compensate the injured party and put them in the same position as if the contract had been performed.

There are several different categories of damages that could be applicable depending on the specific aspects of the claim, including:

• Compensatory damages: awarded to compensate for loss suffered.
• Nominal damages: where there is a breach of contract but no loss has been suffered.
• Account of Profits: this would be an award equal to the value of profits enjoyed as a result of the breach and is typically only available if compensatory damages are inadequate.
• Liquidated damages: this is where parties agree the level of damages for a breach and include it in the business contract at the outset. There are various conditions that must be met in order for such a clause to be enforceable and a solicitor will be able to advise on whether it is valid.

This list is by no means exhaustive and which form of damages might be available for breaches of contract will depend entirely on the facts of the case.

Damages are usually calculated based on one of two types of loss:

• Expectation loss, or loss of potential earnings. For example, the profits the injured party would have expected to make had the contract been performed.
• Reliance loss or wasted expenditure. This refers to the expenses incurred by a claimant who relied on a contract being performed.

Both types of loss can differ greatly in value from case to case and it will typically only be possible to claim for one. It is therefore vital to instruct a firm with the right level of experience and skill to ensure a realistic estimate of the likely damages can be given from the outset.

Breach of commercial contracts explained

What is considered a breach of contract under UK law?

In commercial contract law, a breach of contract takes place when one party fails to comply with a particular item, and another party decides to bring a claim in relation to the breach to seek compensation.

It is then on the claimant’s shoulders to show that the breach of contract caused a loss, which can either be done by themselves or through the instruction of a contract law specialist who can perform this work on their behalf.

What is the limitation period for a breach of contract?

Anyone bringing a breach of contract claim must do so within six years from the date of the breach. However, if this breach action takes place on a speciality, for breach of an obligation contained within a deed for example, then the claimant has 12 years to bring a claim.

Want to know more about how commercial litigation works?

Read our guide: Introduction to Litigation

Arrange an initial, no obligation consultation with our breach of contract solicitors in London

Where there is the need to make a claim for breach of contract or defend a breach of contract claim, our specialist commercial litigators have the experience, skills and firm, proactive approach required to secure the best available outcome.

For a free, no-obligation, initial discussion of how we may be able to help, please contact us.