Harringtons LLP advises on civil disputes, from defamation and contractual disagreements to claims requiring urgent court intervention. We examine the evidence, the remedy you need and the risks of each route, including negotiation, mediation and litigation.
Defamation
A damaging statement can affect personal standing, professional life or a business. We assess the words used, the context, the extent of publication and the available evidence before advising on a response. Options may include correspondence, a correction or apology, settlement or proceedings. Defences and freedom of expression must also be considered. Preserve the original publication and seek advice promptly.
Other areas of civil litigation
Civil disputes can span contract and commercial claims; debt recovery and disputed debts; property, boundary, easement and co-ownership disputes; landlord and tenant disputes; professional negligence other than personal injury*; probate, inheritance and estate disputes; partnership and shareholder disputes; insurance disputes; consumer claims; privacy and misuse of confidential information; injunctions; and public-law or judicial-review proceedings. Contact us to discuss the particular dispute so we can confirm whether it falls within the work we can undertake.
Establishing your position
We start with the documents, chronology, parties and outcome you want. A sound assessment considers the legal basis of a claim or defence, evidential gaps, possible limitation issues, costs and the practicality of enforcing a judgment. Receiving a claim or a solicitor’s letter does not mean that liability is established, but response deadlines should never be ignored.
Negotiation, mediation and court proceedings
The right strategy is proportionate to the dispute. We discuss whether early correspondence, negotiation or mediation may achieve a workable resolution. Where proceedings are necessary, we prepare the case and work with counsel or experts as appropriate. We keep the objective under review as the evidence and the other party’s position develop.
Related practice areas
Personal injury* claims have their own dedicated service page. Employment disputes and urgent reputation-management matters also have separate pages, allowing you to find advice tailored to those issues. Civil litigation provides the broader framework for claims and remedies where proceedings may be required.
PRACTICAL ANSWERS
Common questions
Is every dispute best resolved by going to court?
No. The value of the claim, available evidence, urgency, costs, enforceability and the parties’ objectives all matter. We discuss alternatives alongside the option of litigation.
What should I do if I receive legal proceedings?
Keep the complete papers, note when and how they arrived and contact a solicitor immediately. Court documents can require a response within a strict period.
What should I preserve for a defamation enquiry?
Keep the exact publication, web address, date, screenshots, any correspondence and information about who saw or received it. Avoid changing or deleting original records.
Does this page include personal injury* claims?
Personal injury law* is presented separately on this website. Contact us if you are unsure which practice area applies and we can direct your enquiry.
General information about legal services in Ireland. Advice depends on your circumstances. Contact us promptly about any deadline.