Neil O’Callaghan
Dispute Resolution, Commercial Litigation, Debt Collection
Luton Office
Dispute Resolution
Legal disputes can be a distraction and often need quick commercial advice that won’t cost you a fortune. Our team is highly regarded for being dynamic, responsive and easy to work with. We are proud to provide an efficient service to clients and are commended for our pragmatic and commercial approach.
From breach of contract, professional negligence to disputes with wills, property or neighbours, our overall aim is to work with clients to resolve complex disputes in the quickest, most efficient and pragmatic and cost-effective way possible.
Talk to one of our friendly and experienced team on 01582 514000
Legal disputes can be an unpleasant distraction and you often need straightforward advice to achieve a resolution as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Working with our dispute resolution solicitors
Our primary objective is to understand and achieve your desired outcome in the quickest and most cost-effective way possible. From breach of contract, professional negligence to disputes with inheritance, property or neighbours, our goal is to be on hand to assist our individual clients to resolve complex and distressing disputes in the most efficient and pragmatic way possible.
We understand that often legal fees are your biggest concern. We are transparent when it comes to costs, and will be open and up-front with you throughout. We offer traditional hourly rates and fixed fees, depending on the type of dispute we are dealing with.
Pragmatic and efficient dispute resolution
Our legal specialists are highly regarded for being dynamic, responsive and easy to work with. We are commended for our pragmatic and efficient approach to a wide range of disputes.
We appreciate that litigation is not always an attractive option, and can work with you to explore negotiation, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to ensure you reach the desired outcome.
Don't take our word for itI’ve worked with three teams in the firm and found them always to be very professional, co-ordinated and supportiveLegal 500 2024Professionalism, effectiveness, accuracy, and clear communication. I have used Machins Solicitors LLP since 2020 and have been provided with an excellent and friendly serviceLegal 500 2024Patience and persistence by Machins eventually resulted in the case being resolved to our satisfaction. During the whole time we were given good advice and direction throughout the nearly 5-year period.Legal 500 2024Thank you to Machins, especially Holly & Emma, for helping us achieve a successful outcome. Machins have been continuously helpful and professional throughout and we would highly recommend them for any legal issues you haveGoogle 5* ReviewWe recently needed advice on a Dispute Resolution matter. Very grateful for the advice given and the support during that stressful situation. Would happily use Machins again if needed.Google 5* ReviewMy experience is that their communication with client (myself) is extremely good, not only are they able to clearly in lay mans term explain complicated matters in law promptly when needed, they are also always available to take calls and routinely return calls too. This is extremely important to me as I am someone who suffers anxiety and waiting for clarity and direction is very stressful for me and in this regard Machins LLP have been very good to meLegal 500 2023In my view Machins Solicitors LLP’s contentious trust and probate practice is particularly client-focussed. Its members treat lay clients with the degree of empathy which is necessary in the often emotional arena of probate proceedings. Equally, however, they are not afraid to make difficult judgment calls and always provide pragmatic, clear and effective legal advice.Legal 500 2023Both Holly Baker and Janice Young are very competent and client focused.Legal 500 2023Over the years I have had dealings with three different partners/associates due to the complexity and length my dispute has taken. I have found them all most efficient in their workLegal 500 2023They are very professional, quick to respond to questions and concerns, they explain the process clearly. All the staff I have worked with at Machins have been of the highest quality.Your commitment and dedication to your clients is unerring and your prompt and efficient way of dealing with matters is unrivalledHolly Bsker & Emma Norman extremely helpful kind & sorted the problems for us. They both always had time to discuss issue that worried us.I recently used Machins solicitors for eviction purposes. I found both Holly and her secretary Emma both friendly and highly professional. They were able to guide my husband and I through the legal process whilst also offering the personal touch, especially regarding our unique circumstances.
I would highly recommend this team of solicitors and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again, if needed!
I’ve worked with three teams in the firm and found them always to be very professional, co-ordinated and supportive
Legal 500 2024
Professionalism, effectiveness, accuracy, and clear communication. I have used Machins Solicitors LLP since 2020 and have been provided with an excellent and friendly service
Legal 500 2024
Patience and persistence by Machins eventually resulted in the case being resolved to our satisfaction. During the whole time we were given good advice and direction throughout the nearly 5-year period.
Legal 500 2024
Thank you to Machins, especially Holly & Emma, for helping us achieve a successful outcome. Machins have been continuously helpful and professional throughout and we would highly recommend them for any legal issues you have
Google 5* Review
We recently needed advice on a Dispute Resolution matter. Very grateful for the advice given and the support during that stressful situation. Would happily use Machins again if needed.
Google 5* Review
My experience is that their communication with client (myself) is extremely good, not only are they able to clearly in lay mans term explain complicated matters in law promptly when needed, they are also always available to take calls and routinely return calls too. This is extremely important to me as I am someone who suffers anxiety and waiting for clarity and direction is very stressful for me and in this regard Machins LLP have been very good to me
Legal 500 2023
In my view Machins Solicitors LLP’s contentious trust and probate practice is particularly client-focussed. Its members treat lay clients with the degree of empathy which is necessary in the often emotional arena of probate proceedings. Equally, however, they are not afraid to make difficult judgment calls and always provide pragmatic, clear and effective legal advice.
Legal 500 2023
Both Holly Baker and Janice Young are very competent and client focused.
Legal 500 2023
Over the years I have had dealings with three different partners/associates due to the complexity and length my dispute has taken. I have found them all most efficient in their work
Legal 500 2023
They are very professional, quick to respond to questions and concerns, they explain the process clearly. All the staff I have worked with at Machins have been of the highest quality.
Your commitment and dedication to your clients is unerring and your prompt and efficient way of dealing with matters is unrivalled
Holly Bsker & Emma Norman extremely helpful kind & sorted the problems for us. They both always had time to discuss issue that worried us.
I recently used Machins solicitors for eviction purposes. I found both Holly and her secretary Emma both friendly and highly professional. They were able to guide my husband and I through the legal process whilst also offering the personal touch, especially regarding our unique circumstances.
I would highly recommend this team of solicitors and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again, if needed!
Our Dispute Resolution Services
Contract Disputes
Contracts are a necessary part of life and are formed by businesses and individuals on a daily basis, whether known about or not. Contracts can be formed online, in writing, verbally or over the phone. It usually involves an agreement to buy, hire, or sell a product or service in exchange for something (usually money).
Consumer Disputes
A “consumer” is defined under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 as being “an individual acting for purposes that are wholly or mainly outside that individual’s trade, business, craft or profession”. Essentially, a person is a consumer if they are not acting in the course of business.
Landlord & Tenant Disputes
We advise both landlords and tenants on a range of landlord/tenant disputes. We provide early, cost-effective advice and try to find solutions through negotiation, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution when problems arise.
Property & Neighbour Disputes
The property we own or occupy is often one of the most important aspects of our lives both financially and personally. When the stakes are high, the right professional advice is crucial.
Co-ownership Disputes
Co-ownership disputes arise where two or more co-owners of a property cannot agree on either (a) when a property should be sold, or (b) who is entitled to what share of the proceeds of sale. In some circumstances, co-owners are unable to agree on either of these issues!
Contentious Probate, Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes
Dealing with conflicts relating to a loved one or family member’s estate can be an emotional and stressful process. We have a wealth of experience advising claimants, executors and trustees on claims relating to estates, guiding them through a sometimes complex area of law.
Disputing a Will
Claims to challenge the validity of a will can be brought for a variety of reasons. From disputes regarding the formal process of drafting and executing a will, to more serious challenges on the basis of fraud, disputes of this nature require thorough investigation and expert input in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Inheritance Claims Against an Estate
An individual’s estate will be dealt with either according to their will or, if no will has been written, according to the rules of intestacy. However, where someone feels that either the will or the intestacy rules fail to provide them with reasonable financial provision, they may make a claim against the estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Professional Negligence
Professionals hold a position of trust, and are there to advise businesses and individuals in their respective professional fields.
Get in touch with us
Our experienced solicitors are on hand to give you advice and assistance.
Call our team on 01582 514000 or Contact Us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Related news & events
Court settles dispute between three brothers over inheritance
The High Court has settled a dispute between three brothers over the inheritance of the family farm. The court heard that the brothers had all worked on the farm for most of their lives having been given assurances by their father, Albert, and mother, Brenda, that they would inherit equal shares. Richard Winter and Adrian
