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Dispute Resolution & Litigation Lawyers Sydney

If you or your business find yourself involved in a legal dispute, our experienced dispute resolution and litigation lawyers provide timely, cost effective and practical advice. While we strive to attain amicable resolutions that are commercially viable, such outcomes may not always be attainable and contentious litigation is necessary in certain times.

Our lawyers assist in a wide range of disputes, including:

General Commercial Disputes

  • Contract disputes
  • Shareholder and partnership disputes, including oppression proceedings under Part 2F of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
  • Property and leasing disputes, including retail tenancy matters under the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW)
  • Insurance disputes
  • Building and construction disputes
  • Debt recovery and insolvency matters
    • Defence of licensees and hospitality workers for alleged infringements under the Liquor Act 1994 (NSW) and Gaming Machines Act 2001 (NSW)
    • Acting for licensed premises in complaint proceedings
    • Alleged breaches of the Liquor Act 1994 (NSW)
    • Gaming machine ownership disputes

    Our team is experienced in preparing for and appearing in Courts and Tribunals regularly. We have appeared in the Supreme Court of NSW (including the Court of Appeal), the District Court of NSW, the Local Court of NSW and the NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal.

    Alternative Dispute Resolution

    Going to court is not the only way to resolve a legal matter – there are several substitutes for litigation which are grouped together as alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

    When considering litigation, the facts must be carefully analysed, and a reasonable assessment made of possible outcomes, so a potential litigant can make an informed decision. Thorough preparation and strong advocacy is essential.

    Being involved in a legal dispute can have serious implications. Understanding your options and whether you should pursue or defend a matter in court is critical to ensure the best possible chance of achieving a viable resolution. Our dispute resolution team will ensure that your legal interests are protected and outline your options so you can make informed decisions with a clear pathway forward.

    If you need assistance, contact one of our lawyers at or call 02 9221 1088 for expert legal advice.

    What Our Clients Say About Us

    Lionel Asseraf, St James Cafe

    “Ryan’s commitment to us has been unrivalled!

    In the last decade, SlaterWatts Lawyers has helped us through Supreme Court litigation, leasing arrangements and disputes, NCAT mediation, licensing applications and personal matters. Ryan’s knowledge and poise during stressful times has allowed us to act with confidence and obtain the best possible outcome. His sharp commercial acumen and his always amiable but effective communication skills have made our litigious and transactional matters much easier. I would not hesitate to recommend him.”

    Lionel Asseraf, St James Cafe

    Loretta & Craig Coote – Coote Hotels Pty Ltd – Gladstone Hotel, Dulwich Hill

    “We have used SlaterWatts Lawyers for over 30 years and we have always received personal and professional legal advice. Ryan has acted on a range of our matters personal and commercial matters ranging from Supreme Court Litigation to transactional and Liquor licensing & Gaming matters including development approvals. We have found Ryan’s knowledge to be in depth, his integrity to be flawless and passion for his clients to be unrelenting. We highly regard our relationship with SlaterWatts Lawyers and intend to continue to foster and maintain it. We without reservation recommend Ryan and his practice.”

    Loretta & Craig Coote – Coote Hotels Pty Ltd – Gladstone Hotel, Dulwich Hill

    Justin Small – Small Pubs – Balmain Hotel & Botany View Hotel

    “SlaterWatts Lawyers has provided us with invaluable property and specialist liquor licensing & gaming advice. Ryan differentiates himself by his personal, pragmatic and outcome focused advice. Ryan is our trusted legal advisor when it comes to property and liquor licensing & gaming matters, and I would not hesitate to recommend SlaterWatts Lawyers.”

    Justin Small – Small Pubs – Balmain Hotel & Botany View Hotel

    Sandra Kelly – S & A Kelly FT Pty Ltd

    “SlaterWatts Lawyers has extensive experience in commercial and property litigation. Ryan Watts’ experience and personal service was invaluable in our litigation matter, he instilled us with confidence to trust his advice which resulted in an excellent outcome for us. Ryan is commercially orientated, outcome driven, responsive to clients’ sensitivities and able to identify and pursue the most appropriate strategy to achieve clients’ objectives.  SlaterWatts Lawyers provides the level of service and expertise one typically expects from a large commercial firm but in a boutique firm with a more personalised, flexible and practical manner.”

    Sandra Kelly – S & A Kelly FT Pty Ltd

    Ben Dunn – The Dunn Group

    “Ryan has been providing The Dunn Group with personal, professional, and practical advice for over 10 years now and we highly respect his commercial advice and personal service.  Ryan has provided professional advice on a variety of our matters ranging from litigation to transactional and service stations acquisitions including franchising negotiations.  SlaterWatts Lawyers is a boutique firm with a commercial focus on reaching desirable outcomes for their clients and we highly recommend them.”

    Ben Dunn – The Dunn Group

    Greg Pilon & Brett Harvey – Amaroo Hotel & Pastoral Hotel Dubbo

    “The team at SlaterWatts Lawyers are without doubt the most knowledgeable commercial and Liquor Licensing & Gaming lawyers we have dealt with. Ryan’s understanding of this area of law is exceptional and he is a pleasure to work with. Ryan’s astute commercial mindset and advice over the years has allowed us to resolve contentious property matters and transactions. Ryan and his staff have always managed to make the process easy to understand and more manageable. We would not hesitate to recommend Ryan and SlaterWatts Lawyers.”

    Greg Pilon & Brett Harvey – Amaroo Hotel & Pastoral Hotel Dubbo

    Phil, Moonacres

    “SlaterWatts Lawyers, and in particular, their Solicitor Director, Mr Ryan Watts has been advising the Moonacres Group since 2016. During this time, the firm has covered a wide variety of issues including leasing, licencing, DA applications, tenant disputes, outraged customers and so on. Across this varied spectrum of legal issues Ryan consistently gave both wise and commercially relevant advice. His experience shines through in the very practical nature of the recommendations that he has made over the years.

    His turn-around in contract drafting, particularly when time is short, has often left our counterparty embarrassed at how long they take to reply. This sort of professional readiness ensured that we were in a strong position from which to negotiate.

    I have also appreciated Ryan’s willingness to advise when he is unable to advise on certain issues. While disappointing, he is well connected in the legal community, and has been able to put me in contact with extremely senior lawyers who are experts in their respective fields.

    As a final note, it is well worth mentioning that despite the sometimes tense discussions we have had over the years, I have admired the way in which Ryan is able to keep the conversations enjoyable, verily, at times quite witty and amusing.

    I heartily recommend this firm.”

    Phil, Moonacres

    John Morrison, Hotel Accountants

    “We have worked closely with the Legal Practice ‘SlaterWatts’ for a period of over 20-years. The specialist Legal Practice has assisted many of our clients from a Sydney Hotel Transaction of $90.0mil to a Country client of $22.0mil and many in between. Over that period of time, I can attest to all of our very happy and successful clients not only on their sale expertise process but also the day to day Liquor Licensing issues. They have clear communication instructions, think outside the box, and are always available in the client’s hour of need. I would rate the firm as one of the best Legal Specialist Hotel practices available to Corporate and Mum & Dad Hotel clients. I am happy to attest to this in person and I would have no hesitation in recommending their services.”

    John Morrison, Hotel Accountants

    Ross and Beverley Wood

    “Ryan Watts has been our legal adviser for the past 8 years. During this time he has given advice and managed a variety of matters on our behalf from the purchase and sale of residential and investment property to the drafting of Family Wills.

    Ryan and Susana are an exceptionally professional team and have executed all our legal requirements in a prompt and pleasant manner.  We highly value their expertise.”

    Ross and Beverley Wood

    Con & Sofia Bousgas – Bar Cleveland, Redfern

    “SlaterWatts Lawyers has been advising us for over 20 years and they have always provided us with prompt and professional legal advice. Ryan’s hands on approach to our matters, has always instilled us with confidence and  we highly respect his knowledge and expertise in property and liquor licensing and gaming matters. SlaterWatts Lawyers has assisted us with commercial and personal matters, and we have always found Ryan to be honest and a trustworthy advisor.  As our trusted advisor, we highly recommend Ryan and SlaterWatts Lawyers services to anyone in need of commercial minded and client focused lawyers.”

    Con & Sofia Bousgas – Bar Cleveland, Redfern

    Brian & Louise Di Francesco

    “We were very fortunate our pub broker introduced us to Ryan Watts at the time of the sale of our country hotel. I am absolutely certain that my husband’s first words – “it’s just a simple sale” – will be inscribed on a plaque on his wall. 

    The “simple sale” turned into a 20-month nightmare when there was a major fire at the hotel, completely destroying the beer garden and outdoor entertainment area – just three weeks before settlement.

    Ryan’s constant communication, calm demeanour, very thorough knowledge of the law, friendly manner, wise counsel and attention to detail was exemplary. He was nothing short of brilliant as he helped us navigate an extremely difficult process with the constant, never-ending issues that arose for the next 20 months.

    I cannot recommend Ryan highly enough. I would not hesitate to work with him again. For better or worse, he will be our go-to lawyer forever!”

    Brian & Louise Di Francesco

    “We are thrilled to share our fantastic experience with the legal services provided by Ryan Watts from SlaterWatts Lawyers. As a first-time homebuyer, we were initially overwhelmed by the complexities of the real estate process. However, Ryan guided us every step of the way, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience, on multiple occasions until the final purchase.

    From the moment we engaged his services, we were impressed by his professionalism, expertise, and attention to details that calmed our nerves during these exciting times, knowing that our interests were protected throughout the entire home-buying journey.

    Ryan was always accessible and responsive, promptly addressing any questions or concerns that arose and took the time to explain legal jargon in a way that was easy to understand, empowering us to make informed decisions.

    We are now proud homeowners and highly recommend his legal services to anyone looking to buy a home. With Ryan’s help, the process was not only efficient but also enjoyable. Thank you very much Ryan from our whole family!”

    Dispute Resolution & Litigation FAQs

    What types of disputes do you handle?

    We assist with a wide range of disputes including contract breaches, shareholder and partnership disputes, property and lease conflicts, building and construction issues, insurance claims, debt recovery, and matters under the Liquor and Gaming Acts.

    Do I need to go to court to resolve a legal dispute?

    Not always. We explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration before pursuing litigation. Our goal is to resolve matters efficiently and cost-effectively.

    What is alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?

    ADR refers to out-of-court processes like mediation or arbitration that can help parties reach a settlement without formal litigation. It is often quicker and more cost-effective than going to court.

    When is litigation necessary?

    Litigation may be necessary when parties cannot agree on a resolution, or when legal rights must be enforced through the court proceedings. We’ll assess your situation and guide you on the best course of action.

    Can you represent me in court?

     Yes. Our team regularly appears in the Supreme Court, District Court, Local Court, and NCAT. We are skilled in both preparing and advocating on behalf of clients in litigation matters.

    What are my options if a business partner is acting unfairly?

     You may be able to bring an oppression claim under the Corporations Act. We can advise you on your rights and help protect your interests in partnership or shareholder disputes.

    What should I do if a tenant or landlord breaches a lease?

    We can help you resolve lease disputes, including those under the Retail Leases Act, whether you’re a landlord or tenant. This may involve negotiation, mediation, or formal legal action.

    Can you help with debt recovery?

    Yes. We assist with issuing letters of demand, negotiating payment arrangements, and court proceedings to recover outstanding debts. We also provide insolvency advice when appropriate.

    What if I’ve been served with a legal claim?

    Don’t ignore it. Contact us immediately so we can assess the claim and advise you on how to respond. Prompt legal advice is critical to protecting your position and there are strict timeframes to respond to claims.

    Do you offer legal advice for licensing and gaming disputes?

     Yes. We regularly defend clients in Liquor Act and Gaming Machines Act matters, including complaints, compliance issues, and licensing breaches.

    Explore Our Services

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    Commercial &
    Business Law

    Commercial and business law governs the rights, relationships, and transactions of businesses and commercial entities

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    Liquor License &
    Gaming Law

    Liquor licensing and gaming laws in New South Wales govern the regulation and control of the sale and consumption of alcohol and the operation of gaming machines.

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    Building and Construction

    Our firm provides clients with advice on building and construction contracts and disputes. For contracts, we review and providing advice including on scope and risk allocation…

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    Retail Leases

    Retail leasing law covers the legal rights, responsibilities, and agreements between landlords and tenants in retail spaces.

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    Conveyancing &
    Property Law

    Property law and conveyancing are key areas of our practice and we will assist you in dealing with all types of interests in property.

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    Wills &
    Estates

    Making plans to provide for your family after you pass away and to manage your affairs as you age or if you are incapacitated, is a sensible way to protect your assets and loved ones.

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