Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Most disputes are commercial problems before they are legal problems. Armstrong Lawyers acts for businesses, individuals and estates in commercial and civil disputes across the Supreme Court of Victoria, the County Court, the Magistrates' Court, the Federal Court and VCAT. Our approach is to map the cost, risk and likely outcomes of every dispute up front, and to resolve matters at the earliest sensible opportunity.

Contract and commercial disputes

We act on breach of contract claims, misleading or deceptive conduct claims under the Australian Consumer Law, recovery of monies owed, disputes over warranties and indemnities under business sale agreements, and disputes about restraints of trade and confidentiality obligations.

Shareholder and partnership disputes

Disputes between business owners are particularly damaging because they distract from running the business itself. We act in shareholder oppression claims under section 232 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), deadlock disputes, buy-out negotiations, partnership dissolutions and trustee removals, often in parallel with the underlying commercial restructure.

Property, lease and construction disputes

We act in retail and commercial lease disputes in VCAT, boundary and easement disputes, owners' corporation disputes, and disputes arising out of off-the-plan and conveyancing transactions. For construction disputes we work with specialist construction counsel where the matter requires.

Estate and trust disputes

We have a long history of acting in contested estates — Part IV family provision claims, will validity challenges and executor and trustee disputes. These matters are covered in detail on our dedicated Contested Wills & TFM Claims page.

Mediation and negotiated outcomes

We prepare every dispute as though it will run to hearing — which produces stronger positions at mediation. Most matters resolve before trial, and we are experienced in mediation, judicial settlement conferences and structured commercial negotiations.

Related services

Further reading

Visit the Armstrong Lawyers Information Centre for commentary on Victorian legal issues relevant to this area of practice.

Speak with Armstrong Lawyers

For commercial-grade advice on a dispute — before it grows or after it has already escalated — Contact Armstrong Lawyers on 134 134 or submit an enquiry through our contact page.