Blake Lapthorn has a substantial litigation practice, with a team of over 50 commercial litigators. We specialise in resolving commercial disputes for international, national and regional clients, and in minimising our clients' exposure to risk.

We are often used as the first port of call for clients who need advice on matters that might become contentious. Our size also allows us to field teams of people if needed, or to provide a client involved in a dispute with on site legal support. Through our membership of worldwide legal networks TAGLaw® and EuroIT  we are also able to offer a quality service to our international clients. Our clients include Kerry Foods PLC, The Treasury Solicitor and DAS.

We have experience in litigating all types of commercial disputes. Our sector strategy also means that we have litigation specialists with sector knowledge.

our dispute resolution experience

  • Successfully acting for IBM in the case of London Borough of Southwark v IBM [2011] EWHC 549 (TCC)
  • Acting for a supplier in a claim for breach of contract against an agro-industrial company operating in France and the rest of Europe. The sum in dispute was over £3 million.
  • Advising a telecom provider in relation to a multi million pound dispute arising from Cable instalments in the Far East.
  • Acting in a series of connected claims relating to a substantial VAT carousel fraud. The proceedings led to the recovery of over £3 million from a Caribbean Bank and involved the co-ordinating of litigation relating to sophisticated fraud in multiple jurisdictions.
  • Successfully acting for Alcatel Telecom in the London Court of International Arbitration, a case involving nine European defendants.
  • Acting in international arbitration for specialist suppliers of offshore engineering equipment.

our Commercial Litigation team's reputation

"Chris Potts heads the team [Thames Valley] and is hailed as “the perfect foil for litigation; he brings either aggressive action or a softer touch as required."

Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the Legal Profession 2012

Partner Susan Dryden is "hugely practical and has an excellent understanding of her clients' needs," one client comments. Stephen Murfitt is "extremely bright, likeable and reliable." He is known for his expertise in professional disciplinary work, both nationally and abroad. 

Partner Chris Potts heads the team [in Oxford].

Sarah Rees of Blake Lapthorn undertakes a broad range of general commercial disputes and impresses with her "friendly and down-to-earth demeanour" and her "efficient and practical manner." Nick Arnold is the head of Blake Lapthorn's commercial litigation team [in London]. He "always makes pragmatic commercial decisions and is able to communicate with his clients effectively.""

Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the Legal Profession 2010

Please click on the link to view information on related services and sectors.

For further information on handling commercial contract disputes, please contact:

Richard Portlock, partner in Southampton, on  023 8085 7158 or by email at richard.portlock@bllaw.co.uk.

Chris Potts, partner in Oxford, on 01865 254270 or by email at chris.potts@bllaw.co.uk.

Nick Arnold, partner in London, on 020 7814 6857 or by emial at nick.arnold@bllaw.co.uk.

Susie Dryden, partner in Southampton, on 023 8085 7159 or by email at susie.dryden@bllaw.co.uk.

Sarah Rees, partner in London, 020 7814 6926 or by email at sarah.rees@bllaw.co.uk.