Litigation Lawyers in Melbourne, VIC

7 litigation lawyers with offices in Melbourne are listed below, including Corrs Chambers Westgarth Melbourne, Macpherson Kelley Melbourne, Merton Lawyers Richmond and others. Listings are compiled from public information; practices marked Claimed have confirmed their details with us. Before engaging anyone, confirm their current practising status with the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner.

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What a litigation lawyer in Melbourne can help with

Litigation lawyers run and defend disputes: debt recovery, contract and property disputes, defamation, professional negligence and shareholder disputes, as well as negotiation, mediation and arbitration before anything is filed. Civil procedure is State-based, so the courts, costs rules and limitation periods in Victoria shape the strategy.

  • Contract and commercial disputes
  • Debt recovery and enforcement
  • Property, building and neighbour disputes
  • Defamation and reputation
  • Professional negligence
  • Partnership and shareholder disputes
  • Mediation, arbitration and settlement negotiation

Dispute Resolution & Litigation in Victoria: what is different

Most contract and tort claims in Victoria must be started within 6 years of the cause of action arising (personal injury and defamation are shorter). Matters are heard in Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for smaller or specialist claims and otherwise in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Supreme Court of Victoria.

Questions to ask before you instruct

  1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of my position, honestly?
  2. What will it cost to get to mediation, and to trial?
  3. What is my exposure to the other side’s costs if I lose?
  4. Should this be in the tribunal, the Magistrates Court or a higher court?
  5. What is the limitation period, and how much of it is left?

Costs and funding

Litigation is usually charged hourly with budget estimates for each stage. The losing party is often ordered to pay a portion of the winner’s costs, so the risk cuts both ways. Smaller claims in Victoria can be run in Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) or the small claims division, where legal costs are limited. Lawyers must give you costs disclosure under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria) before or as soon as practicable after starting work.

Guides from LawDirectory.au

Other practice areas in Melbourne

Browse all Dispute Resolution & Litigation practices or every practice in Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to try mediation first?

Often, yes. Many courts and tribunals in Victoria require or strongly encourage mediation before a hearing, and most disputes settle before trial.

How long does a court case take?

Anything from a few months in a tribunal to two years or more for a contested trial in a superior court. Your lawyer should give a realistic timeline for your forum.

What is a letter of demand?

A formal letter setting out the claim and what is required to resolve it before proceedings are issued. It is often the cheapest step and frequently resolves the matter.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and inclusion in the directory is not a recommendation. See our disclaimer and how listings are compiled.

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