Expert litigation & dispute resolution lawyers
When a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation alone, having the right litigation team behind you makes a real difference. Koffels Solicitors & Barristers represents individuals and businesses in civil and commercial disputes across all Australian courts and tribunals, from the Local Court through to the High Court of Australia. We also appear in arbitration and mediation proceedings, and can arrange overseas legal representation for clients with cross-border matters through our membership with Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW) and IR Global.
We are mindful of the cost of litigation and always consider whether a negotiated or mediated outcome is achievable before recommending a court-based approach. Where litigation is the right path, we are well prepared to pursue it.
Civil and commercial litigation
Our litigation practice covers a broad range of civil and commercial disputes, including:
- Contractual disputes and breach of contract claims
- Debt recovery and enforcement
- Partnership and joint venture disputes
- Competition and consumer law claims under the Australian Consumer Law and related state legislation
- Corporations Act and corporate disputes
- Building and construction litigation (see also our building and construction law page)
- Tenancy and lease disputes in civil and administrative tribunals
- Interlocutory applications including injunctions and urgent relief
Arbitration and mediation
Not all disputes need to go to court. Koffels has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, including:
- Mediation – most civil proceedings in Australia require a mediation step before trial. We advise clients on the mediation process, assist with preparation, and appear with clients at mediations. Selecting the right mediator for the circumstances is often as important as the preparation itself.
- Arbitration – where a contract requires disputes to be resolved through arbitration, whether in Australia or internationally, we represent clients throughout the process. Arbitration follows procedures similar to litigation but is conducted privately and can be more appropriate for commercial and cross-border disputes.
Courts and jurisdictions
Koffels has litigation experience across all Australian courts and tribunals, including state and territory courts at every level, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia, and the High Court of Australia. We maintain relationships with experienced barristers who can conduct advocacy in any jurisdiction when the matter requires it.
For clients with litigation matters overseas, we can arrange international legal representation through our affiliations with LAW and IR Global, a network spanning more than 1,000 firms across 150 legal jurisdictions.
Our approach
Commercial disputes can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. We are direct with clients about the realistic prospects of a claim, the likely costs, and the alternatives to litigation at every stage. Our goal is to achieve the best outcome for each client’s specific situation, whether that means a negotiated settlement, a mediated resolution, or a litigated result.
Contact Koffels to discuss your dispute using the free and confidential call-back request form below:
Frequently asked questions
What types of disputes does Koffels handle?
Koffels handles a broad range of civil and commercial disputes, including contract disputes, debt recovery, partnership and joint venture disagreements, competition and consumer law claims, corporate disputes, building and construction litigation, and tenancy and lease disputes. We also represent clients in arbitration and mediation proceedings.
Do I have to go to court to resolve my dispute?
Not necessarily. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation without ever reaching a courtroom, and in many civil proceedings in Australia, mediation is a required step before a matter can go to trial. We assess each situation carefully and advise on the most practical and cost-effective path to resolution. Where court proceedings are necessary, we are fully prepared to litigate.
Which courts does Koffels appear in?
Koffels appears across all Australian jurisdictions, including state and territory courts at every level, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia, and the High Court of Australia. We also appear in arbitration and mediation proceedings and maintain relationships with experienced barristers for advocacy in any jurisdiction.
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
Mediation is a voluntary, facilitated process where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps the parties reach their own negotiated resolution. It is non-binding unless agreement is reached and documented. Arbitration is a more formal process where a neutral third party (the arbitrator) hears the evidence and makes a binding decision. Arbitration is commonly used in commercial contracts and international disputes.
Can Koffels help with a dispute that has an international element?
Yes. Through our memberships with Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW) and IR Global, we can arrange overseas legal representation and connect clients with legal practitioners at more than 1,000 firms in 150 jurisdictions. We can also advise on the Australian dimensions of cross-border disputes. See our cross-border transactions page for more details on our international capability.