What a dispute resolver does and why you might need one.

“Tenacity and competitiveness” - two of the driving factors in what makes a successful dispute resolver, according to Scotts Hall & Birtles’ consultant solicitor Chris MacCafferty. 

And Chris would know, with more than 23 years’ experience resolving disputes. 

“Clients will come to me in often hugely stressful situations and my job is to have a cool head when considering the issues at hand and try to get the best for them.

“It can be hugely gratifying when you achieve what can be life-changing results for people.”

Chris McCafferty

As well as using the well-known route of court proceedings, Chris has skills and expertise in the alternative forms of dispute resolution such as arbitration, mediation and adjudication. 

The father-of-two has particular expertise in dealing with property, construction, partnership, shareholder and general commercial disputes.

Although it isn’t always possible, Chris says it is generally better for him to engage with a case early, rather than on the eve of a hearing. 

He adds: “It’s always better to get ahead and see off issues before they come to a head, but you do have to be ready to go at short notice if needed.”

Prior to joining Scotts Hall & Birtles, Chris headed up a litigation team of a Legal 200 law firm, delivering financial growth, improved profitably and expanding the team’s expertise.

Chambers UK (2014) described him as a “responsive, thoughtful and commercial” litigator and praised him for being “attentive and very approachable”. 

According to Legal 500 (2015), Chris is a “good tactician and a tenacious litigator”, while clients value his his “thoroughly commercial approach“. 

Chris now brings this experience to Scotts Hall & Birtles in the heart of North Yorkshire. 

But don’t be fooled into thinking the rural location of the practice is a handicap for clients seeking premium dispute resolution. 

Chris says advances in technology has levelled the playing field for those living outside of the large urban centres.

He adds: “Lots of this work can now be done remotely which means people living in places like the Dales can get the same high quality advice and advocacy that years ago they may not have had access to on their doorstep.

"It also means that firms in the Dales with talented lawyers can deliver their services to the large urban centres. I frequently deal with cases in Manchester and London.”

Chris is available for consultation on 0161 826 1266 or christopher.maccafferty@shblegal.co.uk