Press Releases

Feb 2010

Baxter Caulfield, the Huddersfield based legal practice, says the long recession has led to an increase in litigation. The firm’s thriving commercial and employment litigation department has been busier than ever in the last 12 months.

An analysis of the firm’s cases reveals five top reasons for disputes leading to the instruction of  solicitors:

• Disputes between owner-managers within private businesses
• The collection of debt
• Changes in terms and conditions of supply
• Employment issues
• Breach of confidentiality

Stephen Newman, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield Solicitors, said: “Private businesses are still finding the going really tough. They often need to make changes to reduce costs but are hindered by issues arising from contracts that were drawn up in more certain economic times. When incomes and profits are reduced business owners invariably reassess the long term viability of commercial relationships.  This often creates tension in those relationships.

 “There is no doubt that the diminished economy has contributed to the escalation of disputes and lawyers are being instructed more often than would be the case in times of greater prosperity. Tighter money means that all avenues are being pursued to maximise income or reduce costs.”

He concluded: “In the rush to law people sometimes forget that lawyers can also be used to mediate or arbitrate on disputes.  Alternative dispute resolution can sometimes prove to be a relatively quick and less costly means of settling disagreements, and it should not be ignored.”

Stephen Newman, Senior Partner, Baxter Caulfield

Baxter Caulfield (SRA no. 00046766) is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
You can inspect the professional rules applicable to us at www.sra.org.uk