Personal Dispute & Civil Litigation Solicitors in Derby
Disputes occur every day, they’re a part of modern day life. If you find yourself embroiled in a dispute with a neighbour, bank, supplier, insurance company or employer, we can help.
We understand that you will want your dispute resolved quickly, effectively and affordably. Our team of personal dispute solicitors in Derby have significant experience in a wide range of issues.
Call our Dispute Resolution Team Email our Dispute Resolution TeamHow our expert civil litigation solicitors in Derby can help
Our team has vast experience in resolving disputes of all kinds. We can help you with;
- Boundary Disputes
- Rights of Way Disputes
- Data Protection Claims
- Breach of Contract
- Civil Dispute Resolution
- Civil Mediation
- Claims Against Local Authority
- Consumer Credit Dispute
- Contentious Wills, Trusts and Probate
- Defamation of Character
- Fraud Claim
- Holiday Sickness
- Injunctions
- Insolvency
- Insurance Disputes
- Claims at County Court
- Claims at High Court
- Landlord & Tenant Disputes
- Letters Before Action
- Libel
- Loan Disputes
- Personal Injury Disputes
- Product Liability Claims
- Professional Negligence
- Slander
- Workplace Mediation
What is a civil dispute?
Civil or personal disputes are private cases in which one or more parties want;
- Compensation, or
- A solution
To a situation outside of criminal law.
Civil disputes are governed by The Civil Procedure Rules which simplify legal proceedings. These rules are the framework on which all civil disputes are judged. Especially where no specific laws exist.
They are designed to reduce both the cost of civil cases and how long they take to resolve.
What does a litigation solicitor do?
When your bring a disputed matter to us, it’s our job to look over as much information and paperwork as possible. We’ll work out if you have a good chance of winning your case and advise you on how best to proceed.
We’ll handle all the paperwork, collect witness statements, and negotiate agreements with the other party. We’ll seek alternative types of dispute resolution and if needed, we’ll file court cases.
While most cases don’t go to court, rest assured, if your case does, we’ll stand with you side by side and represent you.
How we can help resolve disputes
There are two main ways of resolving disputes;
1. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
It is always best to use an Alternative Dispute Resolution method before taking a case to court. There are several methods of alternative resolution. These include;
- Mediation
- Round table negotiation
- Arbitration, or
- Conciliation
This can prevent long and complex court cases, saving both time and money.
2. Civil litigation
If alternative dispute resolution does not work, we might start court proceedings. Not all civil dispute cases go to court, even if we start court proceedings. If they do, they can be long and complex.
Why choose our litigation lawyers?
Our civil dispute lawyers have a lot of experience in a wide range of disputes. We have represented clients in County Court, High Court, and special tribunals.
However, we always try to settle a dispute with alternative dispute resolution methods first.
When you instruct us to represent you, we will assign a dedicated solicitor to your case. They will work with you from the start of your dispute, all the way through to resolution.
We’ll work closely with you to establish the full details of your case. We can then provide advice on the best strategy to resolve your dispute as quickly as possible.
We can also draw on the experience of our other departments including;
- Debt recovery
- Private client
- Commercial & Residential property and
- Corporate law
Send us a message
Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner, Chairwoman & Head of Care
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children law.
David Kaplan
Partner
David Kaplan is a partner in our Corporate team and is based at our Derby city centre office. David has been advising businesses for nearly 30 years and is recognised by Legal 500 as a Leading Individual.
Joanne Millward
Partner
Joanne Millward has over 30 years’ experience dealing in all areas of Family Law in our Nottingham Lace Market, Derby, Beeston and Mapperley offices.
David Tomlinson
Partner, Commercial Property
David is a Partner at Rothera Bray Solicitors. He works from our Derby office and offers clients a wealth of expertise in commercial and commercial property matters.
Melissa Merry
Consultant
Melissa Merry is a Consultant in our Wills and Probate department, with over 30 years of experience in private client work. Melissa is based at our Derby city centre branch.
Rachel Mills
Managing Associate
Rachel Mills is a Managing Associate in Rothera Bray’s Employment Law department and is based at our Derby office.
Lucy Walsh
Managing Associate
Lucy Walsh is a Managing Associate in the Residential Conveyancing team and is based primarily at our Derby office.
Amelia Carruthers
Senior Associate Solicitor
Amelia Carruthers is a Senior Associate at Rothera Bray’s Derby office and is experienced in drafting wills, lasting powers of attorney, administering estates and providing tax advice and planning.
Claire Cooper
Senior Associate Solicitor
Claire Cooper is a Senior Associate in the Claimant Medical Negligence team. She has expertise in brain injury claims, birth injury to mother and baby, group actions, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of various conditions including cancer, cosmetic, dental, product liability, inquests, fatal claims and more.
She is based at our Derby and Nottingham offices.
Carly Harwood
Senior Associate Solicitor
Carly Harwood is a Senior Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Derby office.
Liz Mills
Senior Associate
Liz Mills is a Senior Associate in our Corporate team and is based at our Derby office. Liz is recognised by Legal 500 as a Leading Associate.
Angie Thompson
Premises Manager
Angie Thompson is the Premises Manager for the firm, and is based at our Derby office. She works closely with the management team to assist with the operational activity within Rothera Bray.
Amy Goodwin
Associate Solicitor
Amy Goodwin is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate team and is based at our Derby office.
Emily Sherwood
Associate Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.
Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.
George Cokkinos
Solicitor
George Cokkinos is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Employment department and is based at our Derby office.
Ellie Robinson
Solicitor
Ellie Robinson is a Solicitor in the residential conveyancing department at Rothera Bray and is based at our Derby office.
Laura Runcak
Solicitor
Laura Runcak is a Solicitor in the Conveyancing department at Rothera Bray Derby and Beeston.
Liam Wicks
Solicitor
Liam Wicks is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Corporate & Commercial department and is based at our Derby office.
Katie Murden
Trainee Solicitor
Katie is a Trainee Solicitor in our Family Law department and is based at our Derby and Beeston offices.
Skyler Broadhead
Managing Paralegal
Skyler Broadhead is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray Solicitors’ Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices.
Grace Millward
Senior Paralegal
Grace Millward is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray Residential Conveyancing department and is based at the Derby branch.
Lisa Warren
Senior Paralegal
Lisa Warren is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate team and is based in Derby.
Beth Ashton
Paralegal
Beth Ashton is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Derby Office.
Hannah Lilley
Paralegal
Hannah Lilley is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Child Care team and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices. Hannah specialises in care proceedings and private children law matters.
Kim Davidson
Receptionist
Kim is a receptionist at our Derby office and is a first point of contact for clients who visit our Amen Alley branch.
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Posted 17 November 2025
We have recently used Richard, Rebecca and Ed to deal with the will and trust left by my later father in law. It was complicated and lengthy but the service they provided was excellent. Without their help and advice, we would have given up. So glad it's all over now and we are so grateful for all the effort and hard work they have put in to get it all sorted. Thanks Richard, Rebecca and Ed.
L O'Neill
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Posted 15 September 2024
Had a difficult dispute resolution which required solicitor assistance, I was advised to contact Rothera Bray and dealt with Grant, however Grant had moved onto pastures new. Jade Belcher took over matters instantly and was very informative and up to speed with the matter providing guidance on what avenues I could potentially take as well as well has make contact with the debtor who eventually accepted liability and managed to obtain a payment plan out of the debtor. Thanks for all your help Jade
Rees
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Posted 8 August 2024
I recently enjoyed the benefit of legal representation by Rothera Bray, specifically Millie Moreton. In what was a particularly tricky case with the customer representing himself in a very malicious and contentious manner, the support, guidance and professionalism we received was outstanding. So many times my patience was tested and Millie would listen, advise and get me to see and adopt the best course of action. Anyone who gets to be represented by her will be in very safe hands and I recommend her and her employer whole heartedly.
Mark Bartlett
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Posted 14 November 2023
First class service. Very pleased!
S
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Posted 23 October 2023
We would like to express our sincere thanks for all the help and advice you have given us. We can’t thank you enough for what you have done for us. The situation was very stressful and emotional for us but you always supported us and explained what would be happening each step of the way. You always got back to us if we left a message as soon as you were free. You have always been extremely professional, very knowledgeable and always able to put our minds at rest that you would do whatever you could to help us. You have always gone that extra mile. Once again, we cannot thank you enough. We will definitely use Rothera Bray in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending both you and Rothera Bray.
Stephen and Michelle Hope
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Posted 23 May 2023
Grant at Rothera Bray was absolutely brilliant and professional. I put a claim in for loss to my property I purchased in 2021. I turned to Rothera Bray and Grant was assigned to take my case, this claim I was going through for around 7 months and Grant had every step under control. Brilliant with communication and approach to each step of the way and stages. Very professional. I would highly recommend Rothera Bray and will in the future. Thankyou guys.
Thomas Whitehead
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Posted 23 May 2023
Grant Benskin from Rothera Bray solicitors handled a property dispute I was having with my landlord. He provided excellent advice and was prompt in dealing with all the paperwork. Highly recommended and a very professional service!
Kets p
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Posted 13 June 2022
A pleasure to deal with and your approach was very measured and professional.
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Posted 13 June 2022
I had a litigation case that has been professionally dealt with by Paige from Rothera Bray Solicitors. She is professional, well-communicated and supportive through the whole process. I would definitely recommend them.
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Posted 7 March 2022
Paige was fantastic, clear advice and the letter was laid out perfectly, clear and simple
Tony Westley
Trainee insights: working in Dispute Resolution
Tom Barry is a trainee solicitor at Rothera Bray’s Nottingham office. As part of his training contract, he’s had stints working in our Private Client and Family departments, and is currently in Dispute Resolution. Here he gives great advice for any trainee solicitor.
Rothera Bray welcomes dispute resolution consultant to Nottingham office
We are delighted to announce that Kendal Litherland has joined our Nottingham office as a consultant in the Dispute Resolution team.
Challenging a will – does the maker of the will have capacity?
One of the essential requirements for a will to be valid is that maker of the will (a testator) has the relevant mental capacity.
Courts in England and Wales see rise in inheritance disputes, says the Financial Times
The Financial Times has recently reported that a surge in asset prices and increased prevalence of dementia are contributing to an increased number of inheritance disputes.