Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Run Commercially
When a commercial dispute turns serious, the first decisions matter most.
Heathfield Grosvenor is a Sydney commercial litigation practice acting for companies, directors and shareholders across NSW and federally. Our matters run in the Supreme Court of NSW, the Federal Court of Australia, the District and Local Courts and NCAT — and, wherever it serves the client better, they settle before a courtroom is ever needed.
Litigation is a commercial decision before it is a legal one. Early in every matter we give you a clear view of your prospects, the realistic range of outcomes, the likely costs, and the settlement leverage each procedural step creates. Most disputes should settle; the ones that should not, we run hard — using mediation, expert determination and arbitration where they serve you, and preparing every matter as if it will be tried.
We are deliberately senior-led: the lawyer you meet at the first conference runs your matter end to end. Costs are managed through staged fixed fees and, where the economics justify it, litigation funding and after-the-event insurance. For statutory demands, winding up and director penalty notices, see our dedicated insolvency disputes practice.
Class Actions Negligence Claims Insurance Disputes Professional Indemnity Defamation & Reputational Risk Employment Disputes Debt Recovery Shareholder and director disputes Intellectual property disputes Contractual disputes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does commercial litigation cost in NSW?
It depends on the forum, complexity and how far the matter runs. We scope every matter at the outset and use staged fixed fees where possible, so you always know the cost of the next step before committing to it. Many disputes resolve at the letter-of-demand or mediation stage for a fraction of the cost of a hearing.
How long does commercial litigation take?
Local Court and NCAT matters can resolve in months. A defended Supreme Court proceeding typically takes twelve months to two years or more to final hearing. The overwhelming majority of commercial matters settle before trial — often at or shortly after mediation, which NSW courts routinely order.
I have received a letter of demand — what should I do?
Do not respond in haste and do not ignore it. The response sets the trajectory of the dispute: it can close it down, or hand the other side ammunition. Take advice before replying — a first conference is usually enough to set the strategy.
Should I settle or fight?
That is a commercial calculation: prospects, recoverable amount, costs, time and enforcement risk. We give you that analysis in plain terms at the start and update it at every stage. Good litigation advice sometimes means telling you not to litigate.
Do you act for defendants as well as plaintiffs?
Yes — roughly evenly. Acting on both sides of shareholder, contract and insolvency disputes is precisely what lets us anticipate the other side’s strategy.
Professional and on time. Our lawyer is a person of high integrity and is genuinely committed to helping us achieve our goals. If Chris Chang leaves the firm, we will follow him. All aspects of their work were performed at an exemplary standard — skill, timeliness and client service. Good practical advice speedily given and implemented. Responsiveness, quality, professionalism and value. Highly recommend working with Chris — responsive, professional and outcome-focused, and very well-priced given the exceptional quality of work. Chris Chang always responded very promptly. Heathfield Grosvenor have no areas in which they could improve — our experience was nothing but positive. Professional and diligent in their research, prompt and timely in their responses. I achieved a favourable outcome. Highly professional, diligent, and trustworthy services. Chris went above and beyond — and truly cares about his clients. Chris provided excellent advice and great service. I would highly recommend. They made the process seamless for us. Very professional and very knowledgeable in their field. Chris Chang goes above and beyond to get the desired results. Their pricing is fair and you don't feel like you're constantly on the clock. Very professional service and top quality advice — quality, professionalism and value. Excellent and timely advice, professional handling of all issues. All was good, easy communication (we are from Italy), efficient support, fast procedures. Understood exactly the issue and resolved it right away. Made sure I did not include unnecessary expense in pursuing my litigation for a broken contract.Testimonials
