It is in moments of crisis that professional advisers get the chance to show their true value to their clients, and a complex dispute is a crisis. When the stakes are high, the timetable compressed, and internal resource stretched, clients most value advisers who combine legal excellence with commercial awareness, clarity of thought and expression, and calm execution. The best litigation and investigations teams operate as an extension of the business, aligning strategy to effective outcomes: protecting enterprise value, preserving relationships, minimising risk, and maintaining operational resilience.

When a dispute arises, the immediate question is often whether to settle or fight. In practice, the better question is: which route best protects the business, having regard to risk, cost, timing, commercial relationships and the likelihood of recovery?

When commercial relationships break down, the critical question for leadership is often the same: do we settle — or do we fight? In 2025, this decision carries more complexity than ever before. Courts expect early engagement. Litigation costs are rising. And the scrutiny from investors, regulators and the media is more intense.