Civil & Criminal Litigation Solicitors in Reading

Looking for an experienced civil litigation solicitor in Reading? Alexander James Solicitors act for clients across Reading and the wider Berkshire area on the full range of civil & criminal litigation matters. Our litigation team acts for businesses and individuals in commercial, civil and criminal disputes — from early-stage negotiation through to trial and enforcement.

About our civil & criminal litigation service

On the civil side, we advise on contract and business disputes, debt recovery, shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence, and injunction proceedings. Every matter starts with a clear merits and costs assessment so you can make an informed commercial decision.

On the criminal side, we work alongside specialist counsel on regulatory and fraud-related criminal matters, business crime, and proceedings arising from regulator investigations.

We aim to resolve disputes commercially wherever possible — through negotiation, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution — and we are equally prepared to litigate hard when settlement is not achievable.

• Commercial & contract disputes
• Debt recovery & insolvency-related claims
• Shareholder & partnership disputes
• Professional negligence claims
• Injunctions & urgent applications
• Mediation & ADR
• Business & regulatory crime
• Fraud-related litigation

Why choose Alexander James Solicitors in Reading

Reading, in Berkshire, is home to a vibrant economy spanning technology, professional services, insurance. We act for clients across Town Centre, Caversham, Tilehurst, Earley and the surrounding wards. Our office is thirty minutes by GWR to London Paddington and on the Elizabeth line, with Elizabeth line and direct rail services across the Thames Valley, so attending in person is straightforward when needed.

• Partner-led civil & criminal litigation advice with direct access to a qualified solicitor — no call centres, no juniors handling your file unsupervised.
• Established Manchester practice covering Reading and the wider Berkshire area, with a deep understanding of the local courts, regulators and business community.
• Transparent, fixed-fee pricing wherever the scope allows, with a written cost estimate provided before you commit to instructing us.
• Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number 637901) — the assurance of a fully insured, regulated UK law firm.
• Practical, commercial outcomes — we focus on the result you need, whether that is a settlement, a successful application or a court order.

Common civil & criminal litigation issues in Reading

Common matters we are instructed on by Reading clients include: • high-value technology employment disputes • Skilled Worker sponsorship for tech employers • complex residential conveyancing along the M4 corridor • commercial leasing for Thames Valley business parks While each case turns on its own facts, we routinely deal with these patterns of work and know how the local courts and regulators approach them.

Our process

1. 1

   Initial consultation

   Confidential discussion of your matter, the documents available and any time-critical deadlines that apply.

2. 2

   Strategy & costs

   A clear written assessment of your options, realistic prospects and a stage-by-stage costs estimate so you can decide how to proceed.

3. 3

   Active progression

   We carry out the agreed work — drafting, correspondence, negotiation or court proceedings — keeping you fully informed at each stage.

4. 4

   Resolution

   We secure the best available outcome and advise on any next steps, enforcement or follow-on work required.

Benefits of instructing a local civil litigation solicitor for Reading

Civil & Criminal Litigation solicitors in Reading — frequently asked questions

Do you offer civil & criminal litigation consultations to clients in Reading?

Yes. We offer in-person, telephone and video consultations for Reading clients. Our office at 59 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester is Elizabeth line and direct rail services across the Thames Valley, and we are happy to arrange a meeting at a time that suits you.

How much do civil litigation solicitor services cost in Reading?

Our civil & criminal litigation fees in Reading are quoted up-front, with fixed-fee options available for defined stages. We will give you a clear written estimate after the initial consultation so you can decide how to proceed.

Which courts do you attend for Reading matters?

We regularly appear at Reading County Court & Family Court and Reading Magistrates' Court. and instruct specialist counsel where the matter requires it.

How long does litigation take?

Most civil claims take 9–18 months from issue to trial, but many resolve through settlement well before trial. We give a realistic timetable at the outset and review it as the matter develops.

How are your fees structured?

We offer fixed fees for defined stages, hourly rates for ongoing work and, in suitable cases, third-party funding. You will always receive a clear written estimate before instructing us.

Can I recover my legal costs?

Successful parties usually recover a proportion of their legal costs from the losing side, although recovery is rarely 100%. We explain the costs risks fully before you commit to proceedings.