Commercial litigation, arbitration and mediation, including enforcement of foreign judgments.
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Arbitration is often faster, private, and internationally enforceable under the New York Convention. Your lawyer can advise which route is better for your dispute.
EU judgments are generally enforceable across member states. Non-EU judgments require a separate recognition process. A litigation lawyer can advise.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across United Kingdom's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsCivil litigation in England and Wales is governed by the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR, SI 1998/3132) and their Practice Directions. The CPR introduced the overriding objective (CPR r.1.1) — to deal with cases justly and at proportionate cost — and created a three-track allocation system. Courts have broad case management powers and can impose costs sanctions for disproportionate behaviour or failure to attempt ADR.
| Court / Track | Claim Value | Issue Fee Range | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Claims Track (County Court) | Up to £10,000 (personal injury £1,500) | £35 – £455 (online); £50 – £675 (paper) | 3–9 months |
| Fast Track (County Court) | £10,001 – £25,000 | £455 – £1,455 | 9–18 months |
| Intermediate Track (new from Oct 2023) | £25,001 – £100,000 | £1,455 – £10,000 | 12–24 months |
| Multi-Track (County Court / High Court) | Over £100,000 (or complex) | Up to £10,000 (High Court £10,000 + trial fees) | 18 months – 5 years (complex) |
| Business and Property Courts (BPTC) | £100,000+ (commercial, company, chancery) | As multi-track + specialist fees | 2–4 years |
| Court of Appeal | N/A (permission required) | £235 (permission) + £1,199 (full hearing) | 12–24 months |
Money Claim Online (MCOL): debt claims up to £100,000 filed online for a reduced fee. Judgment in default where defendant fails to acknowledge service or defend within 14 days (CPR Part 12).
The CPR Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct requires parties to exchange information and attempt settlement before issuing proceedings. Specific Pre-Action Protocols exist for: Debt Claims (2017); Personal Injury; Construction and Engineering Disputes; Professional Negligence; Judicial Review; and others. A compliant Letter Before Action for a debt claim must: state the facts clearly; set out the amount claimed; give 30 days to respond (14 for individuals in financial difficulty); enclose a Reply Form and Financial Statement form. Courts penalise non-compliance with costs sanctions (CPR PD Pre-Action para 13–16).
| Type | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Judgment debt (County Court) | 8% per annum simple | County Courts Act 1984 s.69; County Court (Interest on Judgment Debts) Order 1991 |
| Judgment debt (High Court) | 8% per annum simple | Judgments Act 1838 s.17 |
| Late commercial payment (B2B) | 8% + Bank of England base rate | Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 s.6 |
| Contractual interest | As agreed in contract | Party autonomy; subject to UCTA 1977 / Consumer Rights Act 2015 |
Courts actively encourage ADR (CPR r.1.4(2)(e)). Following Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil CBC [2023] EWCA Civ 1416, courts may now compel parties to participate in ADR before proceeding to trial — a significant development from the earlier position in Halsey v Milton Keynes [2004]. Costs consequences for unreasonable refusal to mediate can exceed the claim value for smaller disputes. The Civil Mediation Council maintains a register of accredited mediators. Costs of mediation: typically £150–£750/hour per mediator; split equally unless agreed otherwise.
Enforcement methods: Warrant of Control (County Court bailiffs — goods up to £5,000); Writ of Control (High Court Enforcement Officers, HCEO — preferred for £600+); Third Party Debt Order (freeze debtor's bank account — CPR Part 72); Charging Order (against land — CPR Part 73 + Order for Sale); Attachment of Earnings (deduct from salary — Attachment of Earnings Act 1971); Bankruptcy / Winding-Up Petition (debts £5,000+ individual, £750+ company).
A London marketing agency was owed £38,000 by a Bristol retailer (unpaid invoices). LBA issued per Debt Pre-Action Protocol (30 days). No response. MCOL claim issued (£38,000 + 8% + BoE base interest + £1,455 court fee). Defendant acknowledged service but filed no defence. Judgment in default (CPR Part 12): £39,100 including interest. Defendant refused to pay. HCEO instructed (Transfer Up from County Court: £60 fee); HCEO attended commercial premises, took control of goods per TCE Act 2007; settlement reached within 48 hours for full amount plus HCEO fees (£1,200). Total recovery: £40,300. Claimant's solicitor costs: £3,500 (most recovered from defendant as default judgment costs).
