Strong, strategic court representation across every Victorian and Federal jurisdiction.
When a dispute cannot be resolved by agreement, you need a litigation team that is experienced, level-headed and genuinely on your side. At Hendersons Legal, our Melbourne litigation lawyers have appeared in disputes of every size, from straightforward debt recovery to complex, multi-party commercial proceedings, across all Victorian and Federal courts and tribunals. Based in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, we are just minutes from the Supreme Court, County Court, Magistrates’ Court, Federal Court and VCAT.
For nearly 40 years, we have helped businesses, families and individuals protect their interests through clear advice and effective advocacy. Whether you are bringing a claim or defending one, we take the time to understand your position, assess the strengths and risks of your case early, and develop a practical strategy aimed at the best possible outcome in the shortest sensible time.
We believe litigation should be approached as a means to an end, not an end in itself. Our role is to advise you honestly on your prospects, keep you fully informed at every stage, and pursue your goals efficiently, always with an eye on the commercial reality and the cost of the dispute.
Court Representation in Every Victorian and Federal Jurisdiction
Each court and tribunal has its own rules, forms, procedures and expectations. Our litigation lawyers appear regularly across all of them, so we know how to move your matter forward correctly and without unnecessary delay. We provide representation in:
- the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
- the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria
- the County Court of Victoria
- the Supreme Court of Victoria, including the Court of Appeal
- the Federal Court of Australia
- the High Court of Australia
We can act for you from the first letter of demand through to final hearing and, where necessary, appeal. We also regularly brief and instruct counsel for hearings, while remaining closely involved so that your matter is always properly managed and your costs are kept under control. We also act as a Melbourne agent for interstate and regional law firms, providing interstate legal agency services such as court filing and appearances in Victoria.
Our Litigation and Dispute Services
Litigation can arise in almost any area of law. Hendersons Legal brings courtroom experience together with deep knowledge across our practice areas, so your dispute is handled by lawyers who understand both the law and the commercial context. We regularly act in:
- Commercial litigation and disputes, contract disputes, consumer law claims, partnership and shareholder disputes, franchising and business sale disputes.
- Debt collection and insolvency, letters of demand, court proceedings, judgments, winding up applications and bankruptcy.
- Building and construction disputes, defects, payment claims, contract disputes and domestic building work claims.
- Wills, estates and will disputes, challenging or defending a will, Testator’s Family Maintenance claims and estate and trust disputes.
- Owners corporation disputes, disputes involving committees, managers and lot owners over rules, defects and levies.
If your dispute falls outside these areas, we are still very happy to hear from you. Our litigation experience is broad, and if a matter is better handled by a specialist, we will tell you honestly.
Resolving Disputes Without Going to Court
Going to court is not always the best or most cost-effective way to resolve a dispute, and the courts themselves expect parties to take genuine steps to settle wherever possible. Many of our matters are resolved well before a final hearing through negotiation, mediation, compulsory conferences or arbitration.
We are experienced and effective in these forums. We will always look for a sensible, commercially acceptable resolution that protects your interests and avoids the time, expense and uncertainty of a trial, while remaining fully prepared to run your case in court if a fair outcome cannot be reached.
How We Run Your Matter
We make it a priority to take detailed instructions and gather all the relevant documents as early as possible. This lets us give you clear, practical advice about your prospects and the likely cost and timeframe from the outset.
We then work with you to define your goals and agree on a strategy to achieve them. Because circumstances and evidence can change as a matter progresses, we review that strategy regularly and keep you informed of all important developments, so you are always in a position to make good decisions about your case.
Strict time limits apply to many legal claims, and missing a limitation period can mean losing the right to bring your claim altogether. If you think you may have a dispute, we strongly encourage you to contact us early so your options can be properly protected.
Why Choose Hendersons Legal
Melbourne CBD Location
Our office is steps from all major Victorian courts and tribunals. For matters that require in-person attendance, such as directions hearings, mediations or compulsory conferences, we are only a short distance away. We are easily accessible for most clients and are happy to arrange Zoom meetings or telephone conferences where that is more convenient.
Experienced and Street-Smart Advocacy
With nearly 40 years of litigation experience across all Victorian and Federal jurisdictions, our team brings practical courtroom knowledge to every matter. We appear regularly in the winding up and bankruptcy courts ourselves, which can help you avoid the additional cost of briefing counsel for routine appearances.
Transparent Pricing
We are legally obliged to provide a cost estimate before we commence work, which is confirmed in a Disclosure Statement and Costs Agreement setting out our terms and conditions. You will know where you stand on costs from the beginning, and we will keep you updated as your matter progresses.
A Strategic, Commercial Approach
We work to get results efficiently. We work closely with you so we understand exactly what you want, and we use our legal expertise to build a sensible strategy to get there, while keeping the cost and commercial realities in view so that the cost of a dispute never outweighs the benefit.
Clear, Reliable Communication
We give priority to urgent work to protect your legal interests. You will have peace of mind knowing your matter is being properly handled, court deadlines are being met, and you are being kept fully informed in plain language at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a court and a tribunal?
A court is part of the formal judicial system and follows strict rules of evidence and procedure, with decisions made by a judge or magistrate. A tribunal, such as VCAT, is generally less formal, faster and cheaper, and is set up to resolve particular types of disputes. We represent clients in both, and we can advise on which forum your matter belongs in and what to expect.
Which courts and tribunals do you appear in?
We appear across all Victorian and Federal jurisdictions, including VCAT, the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts of Victoria, the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia.
Do I have to go to court to resolve my dispute?
No. Many disputes settle through negotiation, mediation or compulsory conferences, and the courts expect parties to attempt resolution. We pursue a sensible, commercial outcome while remaining ready to run your case if needed.
Is there a time limit on bringing a claim?
Yes. Strict limitation periods apply to most claims, and missing one can mean losing your right to bring the claim altogether. We recommend obtaining advice early.
What does litigation cost?
We provide a cost estimate before starting, confirmed in a Disclosure Statement and Costs Agreement, and we keep you updated on costs as your matter progresses.
How It Works
To get started, contact us by phone or fill out our online enquiry form with the details of your dispute. We will discuss your situation, confirm the scope of work and provide a fee estimate before we begin. From there, you will receive regular updates and clear advice throughout, so you always understand where your matter stands and what happens next.
Speak to a Melbourne Litigation Lawyer Today
If you are facing a dispute or court proceedings, the sooner you obtain good advice, the better placed you will be to protect your position. We would welcome the opportunity to help.
Call Hendersons Legal on (03) 9629 2211 or fill out our online enquiry form, and one of our experienced litigation lawyers will be in touch.
