Injunctions & Emergency Remedies

Urgent legal protection when time is critical

When facing an immediate legal threat, there is often no time to wait. Whether you’re concerned about assets being moved, defamatory content being published, or a contract being breached, an injunction may be the only way to stop the damage before it becomes irreversible.

At The Jonathan Lea Network, we understand the need for speed, clarity and action. Our dispute resolution team is highly experienced in seeking and defending emergency court orders, including a wide range of injunctions. We act quickly and decisively to protect your rights, preserve assets, and prevent harm—often within 24 hours.

What Is an Injunction?

An injunction is a powerful remedy issued by the court. It compels a party to either:

• Stop doing something – known as a prohibitory injunction, such as halting a defamatory campaign or unauthorised use of confidential information, or
  
• Take a specific action – known as a mandatory injunction, such as restoring access to a system or removing unlawful material online.

Injunctions are typically used in urgent situations, often before a full trial takes place. Courts only grant them where monetary compensation would not be an adequate remedy.

Common Scenarios Where Injunctions Are Needed

Clients approach us for urgent legal action in a variety of high-stakes scenarios. These often include:

• Preventing breach of contract, particularly restrictive covenants in employment or shareholder agreements.
  If a departing employee or business partner is about to poach clients or misuse confidential data, an injunction can halt this activity before serious damage occurs.
  
• Freezing orders to stop asset dissipation, especially in fraud or enforcement matters.
  This is essential where there is a real risk that the other party will move, hide or sell off assets to avoid paying a future judgment.
  
• Stopping defamation or harmful online publications.
  Whether on social media, review platforms or blogs, harmful content can be removed swiftly if court intervention is justified.
  
• Halting harassment, stalking or threatening conduct.
  In both civil and domestic contexts, this can include unwanted contact, intimidation or malicious communication.
  
• Protecting intellectual property or confidential information.
  When business-critical data is at risk of being shared, copied or exploited unlawfully.
  
• Preventing trespass, property interference or boundary encroachment.
  Particularly useful in landlord and tenant or landowner disputes.
  
• Stopping proceedings in foreign courts.
  Known as anti-suit injunctions, these protect your interests where overseas litigation may breach an agreement to arbitrate or resolve disputes in the UK.
  
• Child protection and family law emergencies.
  Including abduction concerns or domestic abuse requiring occupation or non-molestation orders. 

Types of Injunctions We Commonly Handle

Our team has a strong track record in applying for and defending against the following forms of urgent court relief:

– Interim Injunctions

Temporary measures granted to preserve the status quo until a final hearing. These are time-sensitive and often sought without notice.

– Freezing Orders (Mareva Injunctions)

Prevent the transfer, dissipation or concealment of assets—ideal where a defendant is likely to move assets beyond reach.

– Search Orders (Anton Piller Orders)

Allow a claimant to enter the defendant’s premises to search for, preserve and secure evidence that might otherwise be destroyed.

– Mandatory Injunctions / Orders for Specific Performance

Compel a party to act—for example, to fulfil contractual obligations or remove infringing materials.

– Restraining Orders and Civil Harassment Injunctions

Designed to prevent threatening, violent or persistent unwanted behaviour from individuals or organisations.

– Domestic Abuse Protection Orders

Including Non-Molestation Orders (to prevent contact or harassment) and Occupation Orders (to regulate who lives in the family home).

– Norwich Pharmacal & Disclosure Orders

Force third parties, such as banks or internet service providers, to disclose information that helps identify a wrongdoer.

Acting With Speed and Precision

Emergency relief is, by nature, urgent. We have the capability to prepare and file applications on the same day where necessary, including:

• Drafting witness statements and court applications
  We’ll work closely with you to prepare evidence in a compelling, legally robust way.
  
• Attending out-of-hours court hearings
  We regularly appear before duty judges on an urgent basis.
  
• Advising on cross-undertakings in damages
  A legal promise to pay compensation if the injunction was wrongly granted—often required in commercial cases.
  
• Following up with enforcement and compliance support
  Including working with court officers or third parties to give effect to the court’s order.
  

Whether you are seeking to protect your business or defend against an injunction already served on you, our team can step in at short notice.

What the Court Will Consider

The court doesn’t grant injunctions lightly. Key factors include:

• Is there a serious issue to be tried?
  The court needs to be satisfied the legal claim is not trivial or frivolous.
  
• Would financial compensation be an inadequate remedy?
  For example, loss of reputation or trade secrets may cause irreparable harm.
  
• Does the balance of convenience favour granting the injunction?
  The court weighs up the likely consequences for both sides.
  
• Has the application been made promptly?
  Delay can weaken your case and suggest the urgency is not genuine.
  
• Can the applicant offer a cross-undertaking in damages?
  This is especially important in commercial cases and often forms a key part of the court’s decision-making. 

Costs, Timelines and Funding Options

We provide honest and transparent advice from the outset. Clients are understandably concerned about:

• The cost of legal proceedings
  We explain likely costs at every stage and offer fixed-fee options where appropriate, including for urgent injunction applications.
  
• Timing
  Injunctions can often be obtained within hours or days. The overall proceedings may take longer, but a well-prepared injunction can bring swift resolution.
  
• Risks and benefits
  Injunctions come with obligations—such as providing a cross-undertaking or attending a follow-up hearing—and we help you assess these against the likely outcomes. 

Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network?

• Proven expertise – Our dispute resolution solicitors have secured injunctions in commercial, civil and family law contexts, including highly sensitive and complex matters.
  
• Rapid response – We act fast when it matters most, often preparing urgent applications the same day.
  
• Clear communication – We explain what’s happening, what to expect, and what your options are in plain, straightforward terms.
  
• Team-based approach – With a collaborative ethos, we pool our expertise across practice areas to deliver cohesive and strategic advice
• Client-focused service – We prioritise your objectives, budget and timeline—and always act with discretion and professionalism.

Need Emergency Legal Support?

If you believe an injunction may be necessary—or if you’ve been served with one—it’s essential to act quickly.

📞 Call us immediately on 01444 708 640
📧 Or email:  wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net

We’ll assess your situation and take decisive steps to protect your rights.