Settlement: an overview

by Practical Law Dispute Resolution

Maintained | England, Wales

A practice note that provides an overview of settling disputes by negotiation in England and Wales. This practice note examines all aspects of the settlement process, from the rationale for pursuing a compromise to the methods for finalising an agreement. It addresses the effect of a settlement on legal proceedings, the importance of the "without prejudice" rule in negotiations, and the different ways to document the terms, including through consent orders or formal settlement agreements. The guidance also outlines the procedures for enforcing a settlement and the grounds for setting one aside. Furthermore, this practice note explores key strategic considerations, such as making Part 36 or Calderbank offers, the implications of joint and several liability in multi-party litigation, and the crucial issues of confidentiality and legal costs. It provides practical insights for parties considering alternative dispute resolution (ADR) or navigating the complexities of court-encouraged settlements.

Get access to this document with Practical Law

The value of Practical Law

Deliver results and stay ahead with the help of Practical Law's built-in network of legal experts

As a legal professional, your time is a precious resource. Whether you need insights on a market-leading precedent, help navigating a new topic, how-to guidance on the law with an integrated drafting note, or a checklist to help mitigate risk, you can rely on Practical Law.

Practical Law is the only legal know-how solution supported by a team of over 650 full-time global editors who obsessively monitor the law and create resources to help you navigate the unknown and practise more efficiently.

Make the most of your time and resources

Jumpstart your work 

Easy-to-use tools deliver a great starting point, so you spend less time searching for templates, building presentations, or delving into unfamiliar areas.

Get how-to guidance 

Practical resources provide you with in-depth expert knowledge and insights to help you work more efficiently and make informed decisions confidently.

Rely on worldwide expertise 

We offer global and comparative content with thousands of assets covering critical legal topics in more than 100 countries, including weekly updates and daily alerts for EU Law.

Experience Practical Law