Litigation & Risk Advisory

Partner-led advice on disputes, risk management and strategic resolution

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We advise owner-managed businesses, directors and individuals across the Midlands and England and Wales on disputes, contentious issues and strategic decision-making.

Our work covers commercial disputes, shareholder and partnership issues, debt recovery, employment disputes and contentious private matters. We are instructed where financial outcome, control, reputation and long-term position are at stake.

We act where early strategic input, disciplined execution and clear decision-making are essential. We help clients assess risk, protect their position and resolve disputes in a way that supports their wider commercial or personal objectives. Litigation is not always the answer, and our advice is focused on achieving the most effective outcome while managing cost, risk and disruption.

What we do

Disputes rarely arise in isolation. They often affect businesses, investments, property interests, family arrangements and professional relationships. We provide coordinated advice designed to protect our clients’ wider interests while pursuing a clear strategy for resolution.

Alternative dispute resolution – Mediation and negotiated settlements to avoid litigation where appropriate.

Commercial and contract disputes – Breach of contract, supply and trading disputes.

Debt recovery and enforcement – Recovery strategy, statutory demands and enforcement action.

Employment disputes – Employer-side disputes, senior exits and restrictive covenant issues.

Insurance and coverage disputes – Policy interpretation and coverage issues.

Partnership disputes – Disputes between partners and LLP members.

Professional negligence – Claims involving advisers, consultants and professionals.

Property and construction disputes – Commercial property, development and building disputes.

Shareholder and business owner disputes – Control, unfair prejudice and deadlock situations.

Trust, inheritance and probate disputes – Contentious estate and inheritance claims.

Selected experience

We act where clarity of strategy and controlled resolution are critical. Recent instructions have included advising on:

Shareholder dispute involving breakdown in control of a trading company and competing ownership interests.
Recovery of substantial commercial debt through structured enforcement and settlement strategy.
Defence of commercial contract claim involving supply obligations.
Negotiated resolution of senior employee dispute with covenant protection.
Partnership dispute involving exit and financial settlement.
Contentious probate matter involving competing beneficiary claims.

Many clients instruct us as their trusted advisers when disputes arise, drawing on our understanding of their businesses, investments and personal circumstances. This broader perspective allows us to provide advice that is strategic, commercially informed and aligned with their long-term objectives.

Why choose us

Partner-led service – Direct access to senior lawyers throughout.

Strategic insight – Clear strategic advice focused on protecting position, managing risk and achieving the best available outcome.

Practical execution – Efficient and proportionate handling with close attention to cost, risk and outcome.

Integrated advice – Disputes considered alongside corporate, employment and regulatory issues.

Regional roots, national reach – Based in Sutton Coldfield, we advise businesses and individuals across the Midlands and throughout England and Wales.

Dispute Resolution Services

Alternative Dispute Resolution Commercial and Contract Disputes Debt Recovery and Enforcement Employment Disputes Insurance & Coverage Disputes Partnership Disputes Professional Negligence Property, Construction and Other Disputes Shareholder and Business Owner Disputes Trust, Inheritance Act Claims and Probate Disputes

What clients value about working with us

David provides a hands on professional service a very reasonable cost.

Mike Rudd, FOTAS Limited

I am most impressed with Kate, she kept us informed in every step of the way and she certainly took the stress out of buying and selling a house. Thank you again Kate and team.

Martin Stevenson,

I have been using Saima and Cotterhill Hitchman for all my conveyancing for nearly 10 years. Their service is fast, friendly, efficient and extremely professional. I would fully recommend their services every time.

Matt Rowlands, Property Investor and Landlord

This practice has acted for my companies and me personally for nearly 20 years. Following the incorporation they have dealt with company matters, acquisitions, property purchases and advised extensively on contractual arrangements, culminating in a multi-million pound merger with an American group. Not only are they good lawyers but they have an abundance of commonsense and practicality. I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Andy Young, DSI Group

Expectations were exceeded, with a full hands on approach. Cotterhill Hitchman were always there to assist and be present at any meetings. Adequate support was definitely there for the school, knowing they had the same contact throughout, who was always on hand to contact and react quickly. To finalise the conversion a concise file was provided to all the relevant people which included a really useful summary of the legals. Cotterhill Hitchman were very approachable and always had direct contact with Saima. They were extremely professional at all stages of conversion. We are more than happy to share our excellent experiences with Cotterhill Hitchman, with other schools, as their legal support assisted to ensure smooth conversion.

Claire Snow, DRB Management

I have been using Saima and Cotterhill Hitchman for a number of years and they have provided me with clear and helpful guidance on a wide range of issues, including residential conveyancing, commercial property and Wills. Matters are always dealt with in an efficient and timely manner and I have continuously found them to be friendly and approachable. I would have no hesitation in recommending their services to others.

David Fitzgerald, Property Investor

Used Cotterhill Hitchman for my Dad's affairs. After a negative experience with another firm they were a delight to deal with. Manjinder and Kavita understood what we needed and were responsive and respectful throughout. All work was completed to a high standard and delivered quickly. Great firm.

Helen Wallace,

David has helped us, in many occasions, when we needed fundamental help on legal aspects for the business. I consistently get clear, no nonsense approach / solutions from David. I can highly recommend his services.

Paul Barenton, UBI Systems Limited

We were recommended to Cotterhill Hitchman by a good friend for a house purchase. Things were slightly more complex as we were leaving the UK to travel and needed to set up a Power of Attorney to act on our behalf. It was really important that we had a firm we could trust and call upon when needed as we were the other side of the world. The service from Aimee and Kate has been first class and I would highly recommend them to anyone needing a local firm that will go the extra mile.

Andrew Pettingill,

We chose this firm of solicitors as they came highly recommended. Having concluded our current activities with Cotterhill Hitchman, they did not disappoint. The Intestacy matter and related complications made this a very stressful time. With the expert help of David, Brinder, Saima, Satnaam and Manjinder, we were able to leave the matter in very capable hands. We were regularly kept up to date by telephone, email communication and where necessary in-person meetings. Delivering an extremely professional and efficient service, the entire Cotterhill Hitchman team performed flawlessly throughout and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending their services.

Krzysztof Feurtado,

I found the advice given by Cotterhill Hitchman/Saima to be clear, reliable and extremely helpful at all times. Cotterhill Hitchman exceeded all my expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to any school Business Manager. It was so reassuring to know that expert advice and support was only a phone call away. I was impressed not only with Saima's professionalism and attention to detail but with her friendly and approachable nature.

Paul Slack, Twickenham Primary School

Excellent solicitors highly recommended.

Sandra Roche,

Very highly recommended! Saima and her team are on the ball.

Mohammed Hussain,

I have had the pleasure of dealing with David for a number of years and have always found him to offer an exemplary service. I would have no hesitation in recommending David.

Grant Cumbley,

David is a well-informed and reliable solicitor who has to date delivered everything that he has promised.

Brinton Helliwell,

We have used Cotterhill Hitchman several times in the past couple of years for property related issues from conveyancing to negotiating leases and putting licensed in place and have always found them to be helpful and approachable and advice is always proved to be sound. In particular they gave clear guidance and helped us through the issue of negotiating a retail lease which we had never done before and certainly protected us from problems in the future. You will always use them in the future would not hesitate to recommend them to others.

Jane and Tom Dwyer,