Cross-Border and International Litigation
Helping UK SMEs resolve disputes across borders with confidence and clarity
At Jonathan Lea Network, we support UK businesses with the legal expertise they need to resolve cross-border and international disputes efficiently and effectively. Whether your case involves overseas parties, multiple jurisdictions, or complex enforcement issues, our team delivers strategic guidance and robust representation that helps you stay in control and protect your interests.
Why cross-border litigation requires specialist support
Running a business that deals internationally brings growth, but also risk. If a dispute arises and one or more foreign jurisdictions are involved, the legal process quickly becomes more complicated and costly. Common challenges include:
- Jurisdictional issues, where more than one country may have authority to hear the case, leading to uncertainty over where proceedings should start
- Differences in court procedures, such as discovery rules, time limits, and the use of evidence
- Language and cultural barriers, which can create misunderstanding or delay
- Difficulty enforcing judgments abroad, particularly when treaties don’t apply or local recognition isn’t automatic
- The risk of parallel proceedings, where the same dispute is heard in different countries simultaneously, creating conflicting results
These problems can overwhelm SMEs without the right legal team. Our role is to help you make sense of the landscape and guide you through to the most commercial outcome.
Our structured approach to international litigation
Our team is experienced in guiding clients through international legal disputes, and we’ve developed a methodical approach that reduces stress, cuts unnecessary cost and ensures clarity at every stage:
1. Free initial assessment and legal strategy: Every case starts with a complimentary 20-minute consultation to understand the facts, assess legal merits, and identify applicable jurisdictions. We then propose a tailored strategy, outlining whether to litigate, arbitrate, settle or defer proceedings, always keeping your commercial goals in focus.
2. Jurisdiction analysis and forum planning: We analyse all potentially relevant jurisdictions and advise on where to bring or resist claims. This includes reviewing governing law and jurisdiction clauses, as well as anticipating any possible challenges or defences based on forum selection.
3. Coordinating international representation: Where legal input is needed overseas, we connect with carefully selected local counsel and coordinate strategy between jurisdictions. We also manage translation, local filing, and time zone scheduling, so that your legal team functions as one seamless unit.
4. Supporting alternative dispute resolution: Where possible, we help you avoid lengthy court proceedings by exploring international arbitration or cross-border mediation. These mechanisms can be faster, more flexible and private, especially where existing contracts contain ADR clauses.
5. Managing enforcement across borders: Winning a judgment is not the end unless you can enforce it. We advise on enforceability early on, including using applicable treaties, reciprocal enforcement regimes and pre-litigation planning to make enforcement smoother in foreign courts.
6. Keeping you informed: We provide regular updates in plain English and clear cost projections at every step. Our process is transparent, and we’re always available to explain what’s happening and what it means for your business.
The types of matters we regularly advise on
We support SME clients across a broad range of international disputes, including:
- Cross-border contractual disputes, including supply chain issues, failed joint ventures or breach of commercial terms
- Judgment enforcement, where an order secured in one country must be recognised and executed in another
- International shareholder and partnership disputes, especially where company structures span more than one jurisdiction
- Disputes under foreign law or contracts governed by non-UK jurisdictions
- Claims involving overseas property, debt or assets
- Intellectual property and technology disputes affecting UK and foreign rights
- Actions involving parties in jurisdictions without reciprocal enforcement agreements
- Emergency injunctions or asset-freezing orders linked to assets held abroad
- Challenges involving international employment contracts or relocations
We focus on getting results while protecting your business relationships, brand, and bottom line.
How we offer better value and a smarter service
Jonathan Lea Network is built around the needs of modern businesses, especially SMEs who require sharp, commercial legal support without excessive overheads. Here’s how we’re different:
- Independent and entrepreneurial – We run a lean and agile business model that allows us to offer excellent legal work at competitive rates, without unnecessary hierarchy or admin.
- Team of experts and consultants – We work with a hand-picked team of permanent staff and specialist consultants, many of whom have experience in global firms or in-house roles.
- Responsive and personal service – We limit our caseload to ensure every client receives proper attention and rapid communication.
- Commercially minded – We don’t just give legal advice, we consider your commercial position and suggest cost-conscious, pragmatic solutions.
- Flexible pricing – Whether it’s fixed-fee phases, capped costs or deferred billing structures, we work with you to keep legal costs manageable and clear.
Speak to us today
Facing a legal dispute with an international dimension? Don’t leave your case to chance. With the right strategy and support, even the most complex cross-border matter can be handled effectively.
At Jonathan Lea Network, we bring:
- Specialist cross-border dispute resolution experience
- A commercially pragmatic approach tailored to SMEs
- Transparent pricing and flexible fee structures
Book your free 20-minute consultation now, and let us help you take the first confident step in resolving your international litigation issue.
Jonathan Lea Network: Legal solutions that cross borders and deliver results.
Haywards Heath | Serving clients nationwide and globally
FAQs: Cross-Border and International Litigation
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I’m worried about paying legal fees in multiple countries
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We offer fixed and capped fee arrangements wherever possible, with phased billing to avoid surprises. We also work with overseas counsel in ways that keep costs aligned with your budget.
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What if the foreign court doesn’t enforce the UK judgment?
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We identify enforcement risks from the start and help you structure proceedings in a way that maximises the chance of recognition abroad. This includes using internationally recognised processes like arbitration where appropriate.
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I don’t understand how foreign law affects my contract
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We interpret how foreign legal systems could impact your matter, work with local lawyers where necessary, and give you the commercial picture — not just legal jargon.
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How do I know which court will deal with my case?
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Jurisdictional issues are at the core of what we do. We help you assess whether to bring proceedings in the UK or abroad and act quickly to prevent forum shopping or procedural gamesmanship.
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I need this resolved quickly and discreetly
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We always look for fast and practical dispute resolution options, including settlement negotiation and confidential procedures such as mediation or arbitration.
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Do I need to hire a separate lawyer in each country involved in my dispute?
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Not always. While local representation is sometimes required for court procedures, we handle the main strategy, manage local advisors on your behalf, and aim to limit the work split across jurisdictions. Our role is to simplify, coordinate, and communicate efficiently.
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What’s the difference between international litigation and arbitration?
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Litigation takes place in public courts and is governed by procedural rules of each country. Arbitration, on the other hand, is a private dispute resolution method where the parties agree in advance to appoint independent arbitrators. Arbitration is often faster, confidential, and more easily enforceable internationally.
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What happens if my contract doesn’t specify a jurisdiction or governing law?
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In such cases, the default rules of private international law apply to determine the proper forum and governing law. We will help assess which country’s laws are most likely to apply and whether you can influence the process in your favour.
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Can I stop someone from suing me in a foreign court?
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In some cases, yes. We can explore options such as anti-suit injunctions or jurisdictional challenges to prevent or stop proceedings in inappropriate forums. Acting quickly is crucial in such matters.
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How long do international cases usually take?
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The duration varies significantly depending on the complexity, number of jurisdictions involved, and the route taken (litigation, arbitration, mediation). That said, we always aim to move things along as quickly as possible and explore early settlement where viable.
Our Areas of Experience
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Acquisitions and disposals of freehold and leasehold properties, including agricultural land and buildings
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Construction contracts
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Development projects including planning agreements, options, conditional contracts and joint venture arrangements
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Leasebacks and re-financings
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Leasehold arrangements and landlord and tenant negotiations
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Leasehold enfranchisement;Planning contracts including s.106 agreements
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Residential site assembly and plot sale disposal
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Short term licence to occupy agreements
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Vacant property management, including property guardian contractual documentation
Our Partnership Disputes Team
What Our Clients Say
Request a Free
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20 Minute Call
This introductory call is to discuss your matter so we can provide a well-considered quote.
However, please be aware that the free 20 minute call is at our discretion. If you are more looking for advice and guidance on an initial call, we may instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment instead.
Our fixed fee appointments are between £200 – £300 + 20% VAT (£240 – £360 inclusive of VAT) depending on the seniority of the solicitor taking the call.