Resolving Business Disputes : How to Get Better Outcomes from Commercial Conflicts

Resolving Business Disputes will give company directors, business executives and other commercial decision-makers a unique and essential insight into how to resolve business disputes and to reach the best outcomes by making effective decisions. The book is also aimed at dispute resolution lawyers, litigation funders and insurers.

It is a guide, explaining the unique choices created by commercial conflict, basic workings of the law about disputes, the main avenues of dispute resolution, the forecasting of litigation outcomes for cases going to court, the funding of legal cases, the management of the risk involved, the creation of a dispute strategy, how to make the best use of legal advice and how to negotiate effectively. Finally, by using objective criteria the guide explains how to decide whether to end a dispute by negotiated settlement or by taking a case all the way to a court judgment or other conclusion.

In view of the profound implications of Covid-19 for trade and commerce, the book also contains an introduction to key issues raised by the pandemic for the resolution of contract disputes.

Stephen Bate practised as a barrister for approximately 30 years in civil and commercial disputes. He left 5RB Chambers in 2017 and now practises full-time as a mediator and arbitrator.

In his barrister work, Stephen acted in many high-profile cases in the media and entertainment sphere, for which he was consistently highly commended in the legal directories. He also advised and represented clients in a wide variety of other commercial disputes.

Stephen qualified as a mediator in 2003 with CEDR and has now been mediating (in excess of 150 appointments) for 15 years across a wide range of business disputes. He is a member of CEDR Chambers.

Stephen has also been a Chartered Arbitrator since 2007 and has since been appointed by courts, appointing bodies and parties in a wide range of domestic and international arbitrations. His arbitration practice is carried on from ArbDB Chambers. He also sits as a legal assessor, advising tribunals on disciplinary law: see at www.independentlegalassessors.co.uk.

Stephen has co-authored a number of legal textbooks, namely The Law of Privacy and the Media (OUP) 2015, Satellite Communications in Europe: Law and Regulation (Sweet & Maxwell) 1996 and Video Law (Sweet & Maxwell) 1994.