Sydney CBD
Litigation lawyers resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation and court, from contract claims and debts to defamation and insurance disputes.
75 firms
Surry Hills, NSW · Sydney CBD
Tully & Chiper Lawyers provides legal services in Surry Hills, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Criminal Law and Corporate Law & M&A.
Sydney, NSW · Sydney CBD
Turner Freeman Lawyers provides legal services in Sydney, NSW. Listed practice areas include Personal Injury, Property & Conveyancing and Litigation & Dispute Resolution.
Sydney, NSW · Sydney CBD
ZK Lawyers provides legal services in Sydney, NSW. Listed practice areas include Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Family Law and Property & Conveyancing.
Most disputes settle before trial. A litigation lawyer's first job is to tell you honestly how strong your case is and what it will cost to pursue, then find the fastest route to a good outcome, whether that's a letter, a mediation or proceedings. Smaller claims are often handled in local courts or state tribunals where costs are lower. For larger matters, ask about the likely cost of each stage and the risk of paying the other side's costs if you lose.
Unresolved disputes drain time, money and relationships. A clear strategy controls cost and risk.
Civil disputes are heard in state and federal courts and tribunals, with a strong emphasis on mediation and early resolution.
Understand the next step
A demand, unpaid account, insurance decision or disagreement over professional work can require different strategies. Identify the outcome sought and supporting evidence. The amount involved, other party’s position and cost of pursuing the matter all affect a proportionate approach.
A city-centre address can be convenient for meetings, but it does not tell you which solicitor will handle the file. For a business transaction, employment issue or dispute, ask whether the team has experience with your particular industry and the size of the matter.
For disputes & litigation, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant NSW experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Sydney CBD. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
Prepare a chronology, agreement or policy, important communications and a calculation of any claimed amount. Distinguish firsthand facts from assumptions.
Discuss negotiation, a complaint scheme, mediation, a tribunal or court. Ask which options are available for this particular matter.
Agree on a first step and a point to reassess progress and cost. Before settling, understand what claims would be released and how obligations would be recorded.
Request stages for advice, correspondence, negotiations and proceedings. Discuss filing, expert and barrister costs and any potential liability for another party’s costs.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Provide every demand, decision and court document with its date. Do not assume informal negotiations suspend a response or filing deadline.
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Good to know
It depends on the court, the complexity and how far the matter goes. Ask for a written estimate for each stage, and remember that the losing party often pays part of the winner's costs.
Possibly, if a publication identified you and caused or is likely to cause serious harm to your reputation. There are defences and strict time limits, usually one year from publication.
Ask for the reasons in writing and use the insurer's internal complaints process. You can then take the dispute to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, which is free, or get legal advice on court action.