The first part of dispute resolution is to explore ways to settle out of court, known as ADR – Alternative Dispute Resolution. ADR can save you money, save you time and in the case of commercial litigation, can help preserve your business relationships. It’s usually confidential, which means a business can preserve some of its reputation amongst wider clientele. One common example of ADR is to attend mediation, where both parties are invited to discuss the case in a legally controlled environment, with the view to reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. If ADR has been thoroughly explored and no resolution is forthcoming, there may be no option but to go to court. Your commercial litigation lawyer will gather all the relevant documentation, including correspondence, witness statements and records of attempts at resolution. It’s in your best interests to take your case to the lowest level of court possible to minimise costs and time, but your lawyer will advise you on this.