Paul Considine

My practice covers all aspects of Commercial and Contracts law. My experience in contracts drafting and contract dispute resolution is extensive. I am particularly strong on cases with ancillary technology or IP focused matters such as development agreements and software supply.

Whether you are an individual, a Small Business Owner (or Manager), a Medium or Large Company, a shareholder in a business or a member of a Partnership or Unincorporated Association I can usually help you with advice and representation. My broad ranging experience and business acumen assists me with working with professional and client personnel at all levels of an organisation from skilled workers to small business owners and senior government and corporate managers as well as professional service providers such as consultants and architects.

I will quickly identify whether or not I can help with your problem either on the papers you provide to me or after an initial consultation. I will contact you to discuss your case in a short free consultation to decide how best to proceed.

I have a wealth of experience in a broad range of disputes from simple contract disputes between business and consumers and B2B cases and more complex matters concerning multiple issues and multiple parties. I am especially good in forensic analysis of commercial and technical documentation.

My extensive business and engineering background supports my practice at the Bar and in dispute resolution by Mediation, Arbitration or Adjudication. My legal and ADR practice is underpinned by over 30 years of experience gained in industry and commerce including 17 years as a consultant Chartered Engineer, Company Director of a Consultancy Practice and 9 years as a Commercial Claims Consultant. My real world commercial and contracts experience was obtained across a broad range of industries (oil & gas, nuclear, manufacturing, food & beverage, space, rail and the public sector commerce). My former consultancy work covered the design and delivery of engineering and technology projects including R&D, design, build, commissioning and support activities as well as commercial contracting and complex contract dispute resolution on large scale government projects in the IT and Technology sectors and on civils infrastructure projects.

I take a determined and thorough approach to my client’s cases whilst constantly searching for settlement opportunities. I have extensive advisory and litigation experience gained in a number of Commercial, Intellectual Property, Construction and Company/Partnership matters in the County Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal. I have also appeared and been instructed in cases in the Companies Court, the Bankruptcy Court, the Technology and Construction Court, the Mercantile Court and the UK’s IPO Registry.

After accepting your instructions and completing the engagement paperwork I will advise you on the best approach to take with your opponent and the most suitable forum to resolve your dispute according to your instructions. I will agree and keep you appraised of my costs in order for you to manage your case at all times. I will advise you on cost issues and costs budgets from time to time or as agreed between us. 

In broad terms my practice covers the following matters frequently disputed under commercial and contractual law:

Commercial Work

Contracts, Agency, Franchise Agreements, Joint Venture Agreements, Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure, Sale of Goods and Services, Software purchase and development, International Trade, Guarantees and Security, Commercial Leases, Distribution Agreements, Business Fraud, Professional Negligence, Enforcement of Foreign Awards and Judgements, Arbitration Agreements

Company, Partnership, Sole Trader

Shareholder Agreements, Partnership Agreements, Director Liability, Partnership Liability, Shareholder Minority Interests, Winding Up Petitions, Statutory Demands, Intellectual Property Infringement, Leases and Hire Agreements, Debt Enforcement, Injunctions, Bankruptcy and Insolvency.

I also cover the following related matters frequently involved in contractual and property ownership disputes:

Intellectual Property and Related Rights

Copyright, Broadcast Rights, Data Protection, Database Rights, Defamation, Design Right, Passing Off, Internet Publication, Domain Names, Patent, Publishing Agreements, Trademark, Web and Media

Construction and Technology

Construction Contracts, Adjudications, Arbitrations, Bespoke Development Contracts, Party Wall Agreements, Design Contracts for software and hardware, Design and Build Contracts for civil works and process plant, Service Level Agreements and Performance Contracts, R&D Contracts, Dispute Boards

A more detailed description of the kind of work undertaken in each of these areas can be found in my profile at http://mercantilebarristers.com/people/paul-considine