Dispute Resolution

Specialists from our offices throughout the North of England work with a range of law firms and the RICS Dispute Resolution Service to provide Expert Witness advice and Determination relating to all land and property disputes: residential, commercial, development and rural.

Our in-depth knowledge of the legal framework, combined with extensive experience in valuation, planning, and contract disputes, ensures we can deliver impartial, reliable, and comprehensive reports that facilitate informed decisions and determinations. By collaborating closely with legal teams, we provide tailored solutions, whether through formal determinations or expert evidence, to achieve the most favourable outcomes for all parties involved.

Expert Witness

An Expert Witness is someone called upon to provide an opinion on a matter in which they are recognised as an industry expert, whether in a dispute, a Tribunal or Court of Law.

It is the solicitor’s job to advocate on behalf of their client, but it is the role of the Expert Witness to give a true and honest opinion which is independent and unbiased, and falls within the scope of their expertise, experience and knowledge.

When acting as an Expert Witness, the overriding duty is not to the client, but to the tribunal where the evidence is being given.

When it comes to property, an Expert Witness can advise on:

• Claims of property valuation negligence
• Disagreement over Market Value
• Enhanced value and overages
• Assessment of losses
• Compensation claims
• Tenant/landlord disputes
• Restrictive covenants
• Sporting rights
• Easements
• Rights of way

Determination

An Independent Expert as Determiner or an Arbitrator, is someone who has the industry expertise that enables them to provide a binding decision over a dispute.

Our Dispute Resolution team have the in depth knowledge and necessary qualifications to handle a wide range of appointments with a vast amount of experience in providing swift and robust outcomes.

Our team includes Arbitrators and Independent Experts who are appointed to the RICS Dispute Resolution Panel. Both methods are used to resolve conflicts or disagreements between parties, aiming to provide faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial ways to settle disputes compared to traditional court proceedings. Arbitration and Expert Determination have separate procedures and the role of Independent Expert or Arbitrator is normally set in place by the contract, but if necessary our team can advise on the best fit for a particular dispute.

Our Dispute Resolution team has a wealth of experience, drawing on expertise across multiple disciplines, making us highly effective in addressing complex challenges while maintaining fair outcomes.

The specialist expertise of our Dispute Resolution team includes:

• Development and Planning
• Commercial
• Rural
• Restrictive Covenants
• Telecoms Disputes
• Complex Valuations

Call us today for a confidential discussion