Contract Lawyers Glasgow

Contracts underpin almost every business deal and many personal ones. Our contract lawyers in Glasgow help businesses and individuals put clear agreements in place, and act quickly when a contract is broken, with practical advice on Scots contract law and your options.

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Contract solicitors in Glasgow

A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties. In Scotland, most contracts do not need to be in writing, so a verbal agreement or an exchange of emails can be enough to create legal obligations. That flexibility is useful, but it also means disputes often turn on what was actually agreed, which is why it pays to get legal advice early on how Scottish law treats your agreement.

As a law firm with a litigation and dispute resolution team based at our Glasgow office, we advise businesses, sole traders and individuals throughout Scotland on both contentious and non contentious commercial law matters. We draft and review contracts before you sign, and when something goes wrong, a solicitor will help you resolve the contract dispute through negotiation, alternative dispute resolution or, if necessary, the courts.

Contract law in Scotland at a glance

  • No writing needed for most contracts, although contracts about land must be in writing.
  • Promises can be binding: Scots law does not require something in return for a promise to be enforceable.
  • Remedies for breach include damages, an order to perform the contract, and withholding your own performance.
  • Time limits: most contract claims must be pursued within five years.
  • Court route: claims up to £5,000 use simple procedure, and larger claims use ordinary procedure.

Contract advice before you sign

The best way to avoid a contract dispute is a clear, well drafted contract. A contract solicitor can advise you on the terms before you are bound by them. We draft, review and negotiate:

  • terms and conditions of business
  • supplier and customer agreements
  • service and consultancy agreements
  • contractor and subcontractor agreements
  • confidentiality agreements
  • loan agreements and personal guarantees
  • agreements between individuals, such as for the sale of a car or a private loan

We explain what each clause means in plain English, point out the risks, such as limitation of liability, payment terms and termination rights, and negotiate changes on your behalf. In business to business contracts, clauses that exclude or limit liability must be fair and reasonable under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977.

Contract disputes and breach of contract

If the other side has broken the contract

  • we check the contract and your evidence
  • we work out what you can claim
  • we send a formal letter of claim
  • we negotiate a settlement
  • we raise court proceedings if needed

If you are accused of breaching a contract

  • we assess whether there was a breach
  • we check any limitation clauses
  • we respond to the claim in writing
  • we look for an early resolution
  • we defend court proceedings if needed

A breach of contract happens when one party fails to do what they agreed, does it late, or does it badly. Common examples include unpaid invoices, goods that are not as described, poor workmanship, a failure to deliver, and a party walking away from a deal. If you have received court papers, read our guide to defending a court action.

Has a contract gone wrong?

Call 0141 433 2626 or book a free consultation. We will review the contract and explain your options.

Remedies for breach of contract in Scotland

The remedy depends on how serious the breach is and what you want to achieve. Under Scots law, the main remedies are:

  • Damages: money to put you in the position you would have been in if the contract had been performed.
  • Specific implement: a court order requiring the other party to do what they promised.
  • Retention: withholding your own performance, such as payment, until the other side performs.
  • Rescission: treating the contract as ended, where the breach is serious enough.
  • Interdict: a court order stopping someone from doing something, such as breaching a confidentiality clause.
  • Payment of a debt, with interest, where the contract price has not been paid.

To recover damages, the loss must be a reasonably foreseeable result of the breach, and you must take reasonable steps to keep your loss to a minimum. We will help you work out what is realistically recoverable before you start.

How we resolve a contract dispute, step by step

A free consultation

A solicitor listens to what has happened, looks at the contract and gives you an initial view of where you stand.

Reviewing the evidence

We examine the contract, emails, invoices and other documents to establish the terms and what went wrong.

A formal letter

We set out your position to the other side, with a deadline to respond. Many disputes are resolved at this stage.

Negotiation or mediation

We negotiate on your behalf, or use mediation where it could save time and cost.

Court action if needed

If the dispute cannot be settled, our civil litigation team will represent you in the sheriff court or the Court of Session.

Taking a contract dispute to court

Claims of up to £5,000 are dealt with through simple procedure, the small claims process in the sheriff court. Larger claims use ordinary procedure, and some business disputes can use the closely managed commercial action procedure. Read more about our commercial litigation service.

Time limits apply. Most claims for breach of contract are lost if they are not pursued within five years. Read more about time limits for legal disputes in Scotland.

Consumer and business contracts

Consumers have extra protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, for example where goods are faulty or a service is not carried out with reasonable care and skill. If you are a consumer with a problem, read about our help with consumer disputes. If a customer has not paid, find out about debt recovery.

Why choose Simplicity Legal for contract advice?

  • Advice before and after you sign, from drafting to dispute resolution
  • We act for businesses and individuals across Scotland, including in commercial disputes
  • Settlement first, with court as a last resort
  • Plain English advice and clear costs
  • Regulated by the Law Society of Scotland

Contact our contract lawyers in Glasgow

Whether you need a contract drafted, checked or enforced, early advice can save you time and money. Call 0141 433 2626 or request a callback, and one of our contract solicitors will be in touch to discuss your legal issues. We also have offices in Edinburgh and Dumfries. Please note that we do not offer legal aid. Clarity Simplicity Ltd is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland. This advice does not apply to England and Wales.

Find out about our wider dispute resolution services.

Your contract law questions answered

Not usually. Most contracts can be made verbally or by email. Contracts about land, such as buying property or a lease of more than one year, must be in writing. A written contract is always easier to prove.

You may be able to claim damages, ask the court to order the other party to perform, withhold your own performance or, for a serious breach, treat the contract as ended. The best option depends on the contract and your goals.

Most claims must be pursued within five years. The rules on when the time starts can be complicated, so it is best to take advice early from a solicitor in Scotland.

It depends on the terms. Many contracts include termination rights, and a serious breach by the other side can allow you to end it. Ending a contract without a proper basis can make you liable for damages.

It is not a legal requirement, but a solicitor can spot risks such as unfair liability or payment terms before you are bound by them. It is often far cheaper than resolving a dispute later.

It depends on the value and complexity of the claim. Many disputes are resolved with a letter and negotiation. We will explain the likely costs at the start, and the winning party in court usually recovers some of its costs.

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What our clients say

  • “Thank you for all of your time, hard work and constant dedication you put into my case. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you to achieve the same goal which was to protect and secure the childhoods of my two girls.”
  • “Fantastic service from Emma and the team. Them together with sensible charges make it difficult not to recommend them. Many thanks again to all for your assistance.”
  • “Thank you so much for taking on and handling the contact and divorce cases in the way that you did. I am very grateful for all the work you put in. It was such a relief to have finally found an excellent solicitor.”

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What we do

Other Legal Services We Offer

Our team of specialist solicitors offer a broad range of services. Choose the area you need, and we will guide you step by step.

Family law

Support that is practical and calm, especially when things feel overwhelming.

Property

A smoother purchase or sale, with clear milestones and proactive updates.

Litigation

Focused, structured help when a dispute needs action and progress.

Wills and powers of attorney

Simple planning that protects your wishes and reduces stress later.

Education law

Help for parents and carers when you need clarity and direction.

Not sure what you need?

Describe the situation in one minute. We will point you to the right service and next steps.

Get a callback

Simple process

How we help you

We focus on practical outcomes, clear communication, and a service that feels calm and organised.

1

Tell us what happened

Submit the form or call us. A brief summary and any key dates is enough to get started.

2

We match the right solicitor

We confirm the best solicitor for your matter and arrange a call at a time that suits you.

3

Clear next steps & pricing

You receive a clear plan, fixed fee where possible, and no surprises along the way.

Quick Contact

Speak to a solicitor today or request a callback.

Phone

0141 433 2626

Address

34 Woodlands Road
Glasgow
G3 6UR

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

We focus on practical outcomes, clear communication, and a service that feels calm and organised.

In many cases we can provide fixed fees or clear estimates. We will confirm pricing once we understand your situation fully, so there are no unexpected charges.

Submit the form or call the office directly on 0141 433 2626. We aim to respond as soon as possible during opening hours, Monday to Friday.

A brief summary of what happened, key dates, and any documents you have. If you are unsure, just start with the basics and we will guide you from there.

We do not currently offer legal aid. We provide fixed fee and transparent pricing options. Please contact us to discuss the most cost-effective approach for your situation.

Client feedback

What our clients say

5.0 ★

Google Reviews

  • “Thank you for all of your time, hard work and constant dedication you put into my case. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you.”
    Verified client
  • “Thank you for all of your time, hard work and constant dedication you put into my case. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you.”
    Verified client
  • “Fantastic service from Emma and the team. Sensible charges make it difficult not to recommend them. Many thanks again to all for your assistance.”
    Verified client

Ready to speak to a solicitor?

We will listen first, then guide you with clear next steps and honest pricing.

  • Free initial consultation
  • Experienced contract and litigation solicitors in Glasgow
  • Regulated by the Law Society of Scotland
Book a free consultation

or call us on 0141 433 2626

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