4 litigation lawyers with offices in Canberra are listed below, including Chamberlains Law Firm Canberra, Ken Cush & Associates Canberra, Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers (MV Law) 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 ACT Law Society.
Chamberlains Law Firm Canberra
- Level 8, 224 Bunda Street, Canberra ACT 2601
- (02) 6188 3600
- 16 October 2026
Ken Cush & Associates Canberra
- Level 3, 10 Rudd Street, Canberra ACT 2601
- (02) 6257 4177
- 16 October 2026
Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers (MV Law)
- Level 2, 121 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra City / Civic, Canberra ACT 2601
- (02) 6279 4444
- 13 October 2026
Parker Coles Curtis Canberra
- Level 2, 15 Moore Street, Canberra City / Civic, Canberra ACT 2601
- (02) 5114 2660
- 13 October 2026
What a litigation lawyer in Canberra 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 the Australian Capital Territory 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 the Australian Capital Territory: what is different
Most contract and tort claims in the Australian Capital Territory must be started within 6 years of the cause of action arising (personal injury and defamation are shorter). Matters are heard in ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for smaller or specialist claims and otherwise in the Magistrates Court and Supreme Court of the ACT.
Questions to ask before you instruct
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of my position, honestly?
- What will it cost to get to mediation, and to trial?
- What is my exposure to the other side’s costs if I lose?
- Should this be in the tribunal, the Magistrates Court or a higher court?
- 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 the Australian Capital Territory can be run in ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) or the small claims division, where legal costs are limited. Lawyers must give you costs disclosure under the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT) before or as soon as practicable after starting work.
Guides from LawDirectory.au
Other practice areas in Canberra
- Family Lawyers in Canberra
- Conveyancing & Property Lawyers in Canberra
- Wills & Estates Lawyers in Canberra
- Employment Lawyers in Canberra
- Personal Injury Lawyers in Canberra
- Commercial Lawyers in Canberra
Browse all Dispute Resolution & Litigation practices or every practice in Canberra.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to try mediation first?
Often, yes. Many courts and tribunals in the Australian Capital Territory 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.