Clear advice when an Italian dispute needs a practical strategy
Civil and commercial disputes in Italy often involve more than the legal merits alone. Questions of jurisdiction, language, evidence, enforcement and commercial risk can all affect the right strategy from the outset.
We advise clients dealing with disputes before the Italian courts and help them assess whether formal proceedings are the right route, or whether the matter may be resolved more effectively through negotiation, mediation or arbitration. Our focus is not only on the legal position, but on the practical and commercial outcome.
We regularly assist clients who need clear advice in English on disputes connected to Italy, whether they are based in the UK, elsewhere in Europe, or in another jurisdiction entirely.
We were unsure where to start after our business dispute in Italy, especially with everything happening in another language and across different countries. The team made the process feel manageable from the beginning. They explained each step clearly, kept us updated, and gave us confidence that we were making the right decisions at every stage.
Legal support for businesses, investors and private clients with disputes in Italy
We act for clients facing disputes with an Italian connection, including:
The types of Italian litigation we handle
Our litigation work covers a broad range of civil and commercial disputes connected to Italy. Where appropriate, we work alongside other specialists within the firm so that the dispute strategy reflects the wider commercial or personal context.
Choose the right route before the dispute becomes more expensive
Not every dispute should go straight to court. In some cases, a negotiated settlement or mediation process may offer a quicker and more proportionate outcome. In others, especially where liability is strongly contested or urgent relief is needed, formal litigation may be the right route.
We advise clients on the strengths and limits of each option, including court proceedings, alternative dispute resolution and arbitration. The right strategy depends on the legal merits, the evidence available, the value of the dispute, the commercial relationship between the parties and the result the client is trying to achieve.
Where ADR is appropriate, we aim to use it as a tool for efficient resolution rather than as a formulaic step. Where litigation is unavoidable, we prepare the case with a clear view of procedure, evidence and enforcement.
A clear process, with no surprises.
For international clients, one of the main difficulties is not knowing how the Italian process works in practice. While every matter depends on the facts, most disputes follow a series of strategic stages.
1
The first step is to assess the legal position, the available evidence, the likely forum and the practical options for resolving the dispute. This includes identifying risk, urgency, likely costs and any immediate protective steps that may be needed.
2
Cross-border disputes often turn on the quality of the documents, correspondence and supporting evidence available. Contracts, corporate records, property documents, tax material and communications may all need to be reviewed carefully at an early stage.
3
Before proceedings are issued, it may be appropriate to send formal correspondence, open settlement discussions, or consider whether a mediation route is required or commercially sensible. The right pre-action strategy depends on the nature of the dispute and the leverage available.
4
Where litigation becomes necessary, representation before the Italian courts must be handled within the relevant procedural framework. International clients often need support not only with the substance of the dispute, but also with language, local procedure and the management of the case from abroad.
5
A dispute strategy should always consider enforceability, not just liability. Whether the aim is recovery, protection of assets or resolution of an ongoing business conflict, the legal route should be aligned with what can realistically be achieved at the end of the process.
Meet the lawyers behind the dispute strategy
Our litigation work is also supported by the firm’s wider cross-border structure, allowing us to assist clients who need practical coordination between Italy, the UK and other jurisdictions
Antonio Benvegna is an Italian lawyer based in Palermo with experience in civil litigation, succession, wills and probate, conveyancing and real estate matters. He works in both Italian and English and supports clients dealing with contentious and cross-border legal issues connected to Italy.
Raffaele Lauretta is an Italian lawyer based in Rome with experience in civil, banking and tax law litigation. His background also includes compliance, privacy and corporate governance matters, which can be particularly relevant in business disputes with a regulatory or corporate element.
New in 2026: Italy’s dispute resolution rules have changed
The Cartabia Reform, the 2025 mediation corrective, and EU-mandated performance targets have reshaped how cross-border disputes are handled in Italy. Courts now demand full evidence upfront. Mediation carries real procedural weight. Urgent relief tools are tighter and faster. For foreign businesses, the old assumptions about Italian litigation no longer hold—and relying on them can cost time, money, and strategic options.
Common questions about disputes in Italy
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, or simply want to understand what is involved before making contact, these answers should help.
Can a UK business bring a claim in Italy?
That depends on the contract, the parties involved and the jurisdictional position, but many disputes with an Italian element do need to be assessed under Italian procedural rules. Early advice is important where forum, evidence and enforcement are likely to affect strategy.
What is the difference between litigation and ADR in Italy?
Litigation involves formal court proceedings, while ADR covers routes such as mediation and negotiated settlement. The right option depends on the facts of the dispute, the urgency of the matter and the commercial outcome the client is seeking.
Do I need an Italian lawyer for a dispute in Italy?
Where proceedings or legal action are connected to Italy, local legal advice is usually essential. International clients often also need support in English to understand the process, documents and strategic options clearly.
Can you help with commercial property disputes in Italy?
Yes. Property and real estate disputes in Italy can involve ownership issues, transactional disputes, co-ownership problems, inheritance aspects and other contentious matters requiring structured legal advice.
Can you help with tax or regulatory disputes in Italy?
Yes, where the dispute has a contentious legal dimension and requires formal advice or representation. These cases often need careful assessment from the outset because they may affect wider business or asset structures
Find the right route forward
If you are involved in a civil or commercial dispute in Italy, we can help you assess the legal position and the most effective route forward. Whether the matter calls for litigation, mediation, arbitration or a broader cross-border strategy, our team can provide clear advice in English and Italian.
Prefer to call directly?
Send us a brief overview of the issue, and we’ll review your situation carefully and get back to you with clear next steps. We work with clients in English and Italian, and we can help you understand the most practical route forward.
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