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Litigation

Strategic Solutions for Disputes

Citilawyers is a Sydney CBD law firm acting for individuals, businesses, and corporations in litigation and debt recovery matters across New South Wales. We appear in the Local Court, District Court, Supreme Court of New South Wales, and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). Our litigation lawyers provide clear, practical advice focused on achieving the best possible outcome for our clients from the first instruction through to final enforcement.

When Should You Contact a Litigation Lawyer?

Contact our Sydney litigation lawyers as early as possible if any of the following apply:

  • A business or individual owes you money and is refusing to pay
  • You have received a court claim or statement of claim and need to respond
  • A breach of contract has occurred and you have suffered financial loss
  • You are considering commencing proceedings and want to understand your options
  • A statutory demand has been served on your company
  • A dispute has failed to resolve through negotiation
  • You need to enforce an existing court judgment or tribunal order

The earlier you contact us the more options you have and the lower your legal costs are likely to be. Call us on (02) 9233 7737 for urgent litigation advice.

 

 

Our Litigation Services

We act for plaintiffs and defendants across a broad range of civil disputes, including:

  • Breach of contract claims
  • Debt recovery proceedings; check our debt recovery page
  • Commercial disputes between businesses; for the full scope of civil and commercial disputes we handle, see our commercial litigation lawyers page.
  • Director and shareholder disputes
  • Building and construction disputes
  • Consumer claims in NCAT
  • Strata and property disputes; for commercial lease disputes, encroachment matters, easement disputes, and co-ownership applications specifically, see our property law lawyers Sydney page.
  • Enforcement of court judgments and tribunal orders

For the underlying commercial agreements that often form the basis of these disputes, our commercial lawyers Sydney can assist with contract drafting, review, and advisory work

Types of Commercial Litigation We Handle

Commercial litigation covers disputes between businesses where money, contracts, or company control is at stake, from a client who refuses to pay an invoice, to a business partner who breaches a shareholders’ agreement, to a competitor who steals confidential client information. Each of these disputes follows a different path through the courts, but all of them start the same way: an assessment of how strong your case is and what it will cost to pursue. For a full breakdown of the types of commercial and civil disputes we act on, including the process, costs, and which court your matter belongs in, see our civil and commercial litigation lawyers page.

 

 

Our Approach to Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Before commencing litigation we work closely with our clients to assess the strength of the claim, identify the correct legal forum, and prepare all necessary supporting documents including contracts, invoices, and correspondence. We provide clear advice on costs, procedural steps, risks, and timeframes at every stage.

We also advise on alternatives to litigation including mediation and negotiation where these are in our clients best interests. For more information visit our articles on The Process in Civil Litigation and Mediation as an Alternative to Litigation.

 

NSW Courts and Tribunals We Appear In

Choosing the right court or tribunal for your matter is one of the most important decisions in any litigation. Each forum in New South Wales has specific monetary and subject matter limits. Getting this right from the start avoids delays, reduces costs, and keeps your matter on track.

Local Court of NSW: Hears civil claims up to $100,000 including debt recovery and contractual disputes. The fastest and most cost effective forum for smaller claims.

District Court of NSW: Deals with civil claims between $100,001 and $750,000. Suitable for commercial litigation and medium scale disputes.

Supreme Court of NSW: Has unlimited jurisdiction and handles cases involving urgent injunctions, significant commercial disputes, and equitable relief. Generally appropriate for claims exceeding $750,000.

NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT): Handles consumer claims up to $100,000, strata disputes, residential tenancy matters, and residential building disputes up to $500,000. A more accessible and cost effective forum for certain civil matters.

We advise on the most appropriate forum for your matter, available remedies, and enforcement of tribunal decisions where needed. For dedicated guidance on NCAT commercial disputes, retail lease matters, and consumer claims, see our NCAT Disputes Lawyers page. For NCAT building disputes and construction-related claims specifically, see our building and construction lawyers Sydney page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does litigation cost in NSW?

Cost depends heavily on which court your matter is in and whether it is contested. As a general guide, Local Court matters typically cost $8,000–$25,000 in total, District Court matters $25,000–$80,000, and Supreme Court matters $80,000–$300,000 or more for complex cases.

How long does litigation take in NSW?

Timeframes depend on the court. Local Court matters typically take 6–12 months from filing to judgment, District Court matters 12–18 months, and Supreme Court matters 18–36 months for complex disputes. Many matters resolve before a final hearing through negotiation or mediation, which shortens this timeline significantly.

Do I need a lawyer, or can I represent myself?

You are entitled to represent yourself in NSW courts, and for very small, straightforward claims in the Local Court’s Small Claims Division, some people do. However, litigation involves strict procedural rules, deadlines, and evidence requirements, and a missed deadline or poorly drafted document can seriously damage an otherwise strong case. For anything beyond a small, undisputed claim, we recommend obtaining advice before taking any formal step, even if you intend to manage parts of the process yourself.

What happens if I receive a Statement of Claim and don't respond?

If you do not file a defence within the required time, the other party can apply for default judgment against you without a hearing, meaning a court order can be made against you without your side ever being heard. If you have received a Statement of Claim, contact us immediately. There are strict deadlines, and ignoring it will not make the claim go away.

Can I recover my legal costs if I win my case?

In most cases, yes. The successful party is generally entitled to a costs order requiring the other side to contribute toward their legal fees, typically covering 60 to 70 per cent of actual costs. This will not cover all of your legal spend, but it materially reduces your net cost of pursuing or defending a claim.

What is the difference between litigation and mediation?

Litigation is the formal court process, ending in a judgment imposed by a judge. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where both parties try to reach a negotiated resolution with the help of an independent mediator, without a judge deciding the outcome. Many disputes attempt mediation before or during litigation because it is faster and less expensive than a full hearing.

Contact Us for Litigation Assistance

If you have a commercial dispute or contractual claim, contact Citilawyers today. Our Sydney litigation lawyers will assess your matter and advise you on the best path forward.For criminal defence representation across all NSW courts, see our criminal litigation lawyers page.