Minimising Supply Chain Disputes: Co-ordination, Supplier Vetting, Early Legal Involvement and Key Contract Clauses (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Commercial expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note is originally authored by Timothy Murray, Murray, Hogue & Lannis for publication on Lexis+ US, and is published with adaptations for the UK.

This Practice Note sets out practical steps commercial practitioners can take to lessen the likelihood of disputes within the supply chain. It addresses co-ordination across the chain, diligence on suppliers, engaging legal advisers, and the contractual provisions that can be included to safeguard the client.

The most effective way to deal with disputes is to make sure, so far as possible, that they do not arise at all. That requires drafting your client’s agreement so that it will:

deter challenge when disputes appear imminent
protect your client’s interests when challenges proceed

These propositions may seem plain, yet they present distinctive difficulties in a supply chain setting. The solution to supply chain disputes is not in litigation tactics after a quarrel has begun. Rather, it lies in making careful decisions when the chain is created and when the contracts that bind it are drafted. This Practice Note explores measures that commercial practitioners can adopt to help reduce the risks of disputes, within the context of the supply chain, also to protect the client, arising in...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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