Litigation Lawyers
We defend Sydney businesses against claims, pursue breach of contract actions, and resolve shareholder disputes before litigation costs spiral.
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500+
Your brand deserves to be yours, no question. Join 500+ others who’ve secured trade marks built to grow, scale, and stand out globally.
$10M +
With over $10 million recovered, our clients move forward with renewed clarity, free from delays, distractions, and the weight of unresolved matters.
2,000 +
We’ve helped over 2,000 companies scale, advising on the deals, hires, and legal frameworks behind expansion, funding, and ownership.
40 Years
With 40 years of experience, we’ve all seen the challenges you’re facing. We’ll help you avoid the mistakes others have made.
When Do You Need Litigation Lawyers?
Litigation lawyers represent businesses in court proceedings and formal dispute resolution when commercial relationships break down. You need one when negotiation has failed, when you’ve been served legal documents, or when the other party won’t acknowledge their breach without formal action. Our Sydney litigation lawyers typically assist with these scenarios:
Your business partner is threatening legal action over equity or decisions
You've been served a Statement of Claim and need to defend
A supplier or client breached contract and won't pay damages
Your shareholder dispute has escalated beyond mediation
You need to enforce a judgment after winning but not getting paid
A former employee is pursuing unfair dismissal or restraint breaches
Your company is defending against claims from customers or contractors
You're considering court action but need assessment of your prospects
The Commercial Litigation Lawyer Team That Protects Your Position
Our team is led by Mark Lazarus, who defended Monster Energy in commercial disputes before founding Lazarus Legal. We’ve represented over 150 NSW businesses in litigation matters over the past four years, achieving favorable settlements in 73% of cases before trial and winning 82% of matters that proceeded to hearing. We’ve defended shareholder oppression claims, pursued breach of contract damages, and recovered six-figure debts through Supreme Court proceedings.
Why Choose Our Commercial Litigation Lawyers
Our commercial litigation lawyer team doesn’t just file documents and show up to court. We assess whether your dispute has genuine merit or if you’re being bullied into settlement, whether the other party has assets worth pursuing, and whether alternative dispute resolution could achieve better outcomes faster.
We’ve defended businesses against baseless claims where the plaintiff abandoned proceedings after seeing our evidence, and we’ve pursued defendants who thought silence was a strategy until enforcement action started. Every case analysis includes cost projections, realistic timeline expectations, and whether litigation is actually your best commercial option compared to negotiated resolution.
How To Know If Your Dispute Needs Litigation
Not every business dispute requires court proceedings. Litigation makes sense when the other party won’t negotiate in good faith, when the amounts justify legal costs, or when you need court orders for enforcement. Here’s how to assess your situation.
If You've Been Served Legal Documents
- Don't ignore it. You typically have 28 days to file a defence in NSW Supreme Court proceedings
- Read the Statement of Claim carefully and identify which allegations are factual versus exaggerated
- Gather all relevant contracts, emails, and documentation that support your position
- Get legal advice before filing your defence, even if you think the claim is baseless
- Consider whether you have counterclaims or cross-claims worth pursuing
If You're Considering Taking Action
- Assess whether you have documentary evidence supporting your claim, not just verbal promises
- Confirm the other party has assets or insurance worth pursuing
- Calculate whether your potential recovery justifies legal costs and time investment
- Attempt formal dispute resolution through lawyers' letters before filing proceedings
- Understand that litigation typically takes 12-24 months from filing to trial in NSW
I’ve worked with Lazarus Legal on several matters and have always been impressed with the level of service provided. They are professional and knowledgeable, and take the time to explain things clearly, which makes the whole process much less stressful.
Mark and his team are reliable, efficient, and genuinely focused on achieving the best outcome. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a lawyer who provides not only expert advice but also outstanding client care.
What truly sets Mark apart is his dedication, whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, he is responsive, thoughtful, and ready to help. It’s clear that he puts his heart and soul into his work, and that level of care and commitment is rare to find. If you’re a startup looking for legal counsel, Mark is the lawyer you want by your side. He’s resourceful, dependable, and above all, he truly has your back.
Mark and the team at Lazarus legal have been very friendly and extremely helpful, working around the clock to ensure my clients have been kept up to date throughout transactions. Could not speak any more highly of the team at Lazarus and would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a reliable firm by their side.
- Facing a commercial dispute?
Get Clear Legal Advice On Your Options
Questions About Litigation Lawyers Answered
What does a litigation lawyer do in Australia?
A litigation lawyer represents clients in court proceedings and formal dispute resolution processes. We prepare Statements of Claim, draft defences, conduct discovery, brief barristers, prepare witnesses, and appear in court for interlocutory applications. Litigation lawyers handle everything from initial case assessment through to trial preparation and enforcement of judgments. Most commercial litigation work happens outside the courtroom through document preparation, evidence gathering, and settlement negotiations, but we’re ready to run trials when necessary.
How much does a litigation lawyer cost in Sydney?
Commercial litigation costs vary significantly based on case complexity and whether matters settle or proceed to trial. Simple debt recovery might cost $5,000-$15,000 if settled early, while complex shareholder disputes proceeding to Supreme Court trial can exceed $100,000 including barrister fees. Most litigation lawyers charge hourly rates between $350-$600 plus GST, with senior partners and barristers charging more. We provide fixed-fee quotes for specific stages like drafting Statements of Claim or initial defence work. Cost agreements must comply with Legal Profession Uniform Law requirements, and we explain likely total costs before you commit to proceedings.
What is the difference between a litigation lawyer and a commercial lawyer?
Commercial lawyers handle business transactions, contracts, and advisory work, while litigation lawyers represent clients in court proceedings and disputes. Many commercial lawyers avoid litigation entirely, focusing on preventative advice and deal structuring. Litigation lawyers specialize in court procedures, evidence rules, and advocacy, whether in Supreme Court proceedings or tribunals. Some lawyers practice both, but litigation requires specific procedural knowledge and willingness to run contested hearings. At Lazarus Legal, our commercial litigation expertise means we understand both the business context and the court process, so we can assess disputes from both commercial and legal perspectives.
How does the litigation process work in NSW?
NSW litigation typically starts with a Statement of Claim filed in the appropriate court, followed by the defendant’s defence within 28 days. Both parties exchange relevant documents through discovery, then prepare witness statements and expert reports. Most cases settle before trial through negotiation or court-ordered mediation. If settlement fails, the matter proceeds to hearing where both sides present evidence and legal arguments before a judge. The process usually takes 12-24 months from filing to trial, though urgent matters can be expedited through interlocutory applications. Understanding NSW Civil Procedure rules is critical, as missing deadlines or failing to comply with directions can damage your case.
What should I do if I've been served a Statement of Claim?
First, note the date you were served because you typically have 28 days to file your defence in NSW Supreme Court matters. Read the Statement of Claim carefully to understand what’s being alleged and what the plaintiff is seeking. Gather all relevant documents including contracts, emails, and correspondence that relate to the dispute. Contact a litigation lawyer immediately, even if you think the claim is baseless, because failing to file a defence can result in default judgment against you. Don’t contact the plaintiff or their lawyers directly without legal advice, as anything you say can be used in proceedings. We can assess whether you have valid defences, counterclaims, or whether early settlement makes commercial sense.