Publication date: 30.04.2025
Inga Verdes is a UK-based lawyer with extensive experience in corporate, immigration, and international law. She specializes in company formation, residence permit support, business plans, and legal services for international entrepreneurs doing business in the United Kingdom.
International Contract and Pre-Litigation Settlement: How We Protected Our Client’s Interests in a Cross-Border Dispute
Legal support for international contracts requires not only deep legal knowledge but also the ability to act strategically when disputes arise. In this case, we represented a Ukrainian logistics company operating in the European market. A supply agreement was signed with a foreign partner, but the counterparty failed to meet delivery deadlines, creating financial and reputational risks for our client. Our goal was to resolve the dispute without litigation while preserving the commercial relationship.
We conducted a thorough legal analysis of the contract, identified leverage points, gathered supporting documents, and prepared a negotiation strategy. We engaged directly with the foreign partner, participated in formal correspondence and virtual meetings. Through this strategic approach, we secured compensation for the client and renegotiated the cooperation terms — all without escalating the situation to court.
Key Challenges in the Case
- Different jurisdictions and legal systems involved
- Lack of a clearly defined dispute resolution mechanism in the contract
- Initial denial of liability by the counterparty
- Risk of losing a key commercial partner
- Need to maintain confidentiality and control over the situation
Stages of Legal Support
- Analyzing the contract and identifying legal grounds for claims
- Gathering evidence: correspondence, agreements, delivery notes, payment records
- Developing a negotiation strategy with alternative outcomes
- Conducting pre-litigation negotiations via email and virtual meetings
- Reaching a settlement agreement and modifying the contract terms
- Drafting and signing legal documentation confirming the outcome
What Was Achieved
- Dispute resolved without litigation
- Financial compensation obtained for the client
- Contractual cooperation was preserved and improved
- Reputation and business relations maintained
- Future risks mitigated through revised contract terms
Benefits of Our Approach
- Out-of-court resolution with favorable terms
- Cross-border legal protection based on international law
- Strategic negotiation with a focus on client’s interests
International contract legal support
Dispute resolution without litigation
Strategic pre-litigation negotiations
Question
Can disputes with foreign partners be resolved without going to court?
Answer
Yes, if both parties are willing to negotiate and there is professional legal support, disputes can often be resolved in a beneficial and efficient manner.
Question
What is the best way to prepare for international contract negotiations?
Answer
It’s important to analyze the contract thoroughly, gather all related documents, understand your legal position, and define possible settlement scenarios before entering negotiations.
This case shows that even in cross-border conflicts, a strategic legal approach can lead to successful outcomes without court involvement. Legal expertise in international contract law, combined with negotiation skills and tactical planning, enables businesses to protect their interests and maintain valuable partnerships.
