Litigation is the process of formally resolving disputes, often being resolved privately before needing to go through the courts. It’s the path that individuals or
businesses are often forced to take when a disagreement can’t be settled informally – whether that’s a
contract issue, a personal injury claim, or a business dispute. It’s sometimes called ‘dispute resolution’, but it’s a more structured, legally binding approach, with clear outcomes enforced by the courts.
It can be a lengthy and costly process but, for many, it’s the final step when other forms of negotiation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) haven’t worked, providing a definitive ruling and a sense of legal certainty.
In the legal sector, ‘litigation’ also refers to the broader practice area itself – a specialist field that demands sharp strategic thinking, a deep understanding of legal processes, and strong advocacy skills.