Working with Andrew Marsden
When the trust has gone and you’re at odds with your business partners, fellow directors or shareholders it can feel like there is no way forward – it can feel very unsettling.
For the majority, taking those first steps to dispute resolution can be the hardest part of the process. Should you or should you not upset the apple cart?
If you are to resolve matters sensibly and pragmatically and ensure the protection of your interests, it is crucial that you get experienced, specialist legal advice from the outset.
Explaining the dispute resolution process in a nutshell
I have spent almost 30 years working with clients navigating difficult shareholder and partnership disputes and I know that, all too often, those involved delay taking or turn to the wrong people for advice and live to regret it.
Dispute resolution and the legal process can be confusing. It may well be the first time you have faced something of this sort. To help I have prepared an “infographic” which seeks to explain what’s involved. You can get a copy here.
Instructing a barrister directly
You might also be surprised to know that you can engage a barrister directly instead of going through a solicitor. What does this mean for you? Well, it can streamline processes, gives you immediate access to specialist, expert advice and will often save you substantial costs!
What you can expect from Andrew Marsden
You may not be familiar with working with a barrister – it may even seem intimidating. That is why I have also prepared an outline of exactly what you can expect when working with me. You can obtain a copy here.
Establishing an effective working relationship
Every client I work with and the situation that they face is unique. But what they all want is a practical and commercial solution that works for them and protects their interests. A collaborative working relationship is essential to achieving this. It is very much a two-way process. The service I provide must work for you. To achieve this I welcome open dialogue and regular review and feedback. When you engage a barrister to resolve your shareholder or partnership dispute it’s essential that you establish a good working relationship with clear lines of communication from the outset.
Cost savings and other benefits in going directly to a barrister
How much will it cost? Here complete transparency is key. There is no excuse for unexpected fees or hidden costs. It is imperative to be clear, open and straightforward. I agree all fees in advance so that there are no surprise charges and I bill regularly so you know where you are. Indeed, if your lawyer is unclear about the costs involved this should be a “red flag”.
Unknown to many, it is very often cheaper to engage a barrister directly rather than going through a solicitor. Solicitor firms generally face large overheads and those inevitably get passed down to you; the client.
There are also other savings to consider. Going directly to a barrister can avoid significant delays. It reduces the chain of communication. Fundamentally, if you have a strong position you will know this quickly and can act accordingly. On the other hand, if your position is weak you can save yourself a great deal of time, trouble and money.
Engaging a specialist barrister from the very outset not only provides you with direct access to experienced, specialist advice but also ensures you avoid steps that might compromise the strength of your position further down the line. I will provide you with a clear “road map to resolution” on the best commercial terms possible.
Free 30-minute consultation
So how do you start the process to resolution? I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation. You will probably have a host of questions and I should be able to answer many of them for you immediately. So, if you’re facing a breakdown in your business relations, if you are embroiled in a shareholder or partnership dispute or if your fellow directors/shareholders or partners are behaving in an unfair or prejudicial way please get in touch – an initial conversation won’t cost you anything so you’ve nothing to lose!
