Ciaran Dearden
Partner | Sheffield
“The work carried out by you really was first class. I cannot recall a case I have been instructed in being better handled by solicitors at every step.”
Adam F. Griffiths, Barrister at Queens Square Chambers
Call: 0114 263 9438 Mobile: 0797 275 3347
About Ciaran
Ciaran specialises in Commercial Dispute Resolution and has a wealth of experience supporting clients across sectors in a wide range of matters including shareholder, director and partnership disputes, breach of contract and product liability claims, intellectual property, complex debt disputes and professional liability/negligence, as well as advising on matters of reputation management.
Ciaran has litigated extensively in the High Court and Court of Appeal, up to the Supreme Court, and regularly supports clients through Mediation and other Alternative Dispute Resolution processes. As a commercially-minded and pragmatic lawyer, Ciaran’s practice also includes regularly advising clients on dispute avoidance and risk management strategies.
Clients say they are “beyond impressed” by Ciaran, noting that “he was meticulous in the detail and provided a calm reassurance in what was a very difficult period for the shareholders” and that they “will definitely turn to him if we need legal advice in the future”. Barristers say that “the work carried out by Ciaran really was first class”, that they “cannot recall a case I have been instructed in being better handled by solicitors at every step”. Ciaran is noted as being “able to provide robust and well based advice which gets to the heart of the matter”, “deliberate and methodical when building a case” and is trusted by his clients to “implicitly to look out for us and our interests”.
Ciaran is listed as a Next Generation Partner in Legal 500 (2026 edition) and Up and Coming in Chambers & Partners (2026 edition). He won Legal 500’s Dispute Resolution Rising Star of the Year at the Northern Powerhouse Awards in 2024.
Memberships
Former President of Sheffield & District Junior Lawyers Division
Contact Ciaran
Call: 0114 263 9438
Mobile: 0797 275 3347
Notable work & expertise
Ciaran advises on high-value international arbitration, including ICC proceedings, with a focus on complex cross-border commercial disputes. He delivers clear strategy and commercially driven outcomes.
Recent work
Acting for a Saudi construction conglomerate in a c.£125 million ICC arbitration involving jurisdictional challenges and claims for breach of contract, prolongation, delay and disruption arising from a major gas field installation project in the Middle East
Acting for an international boxing promoter in the successful defence of a c.£8 million High Court claim and parallel ICC arbitration, involving allegations of breach of contract by a world title-level boxer and unlawful procurement of that breach by our client. Secured a highly favourable settlement
Ciaran advises on complex contractual disputes across sectors, including cross-border matters, combining strong High Court experience with a focus on early, commercially effective resolution.
Recent Work
Acting for the fund managers of an offshore investment fund with multi-billion-pound UK assets in a dispute under management agreements relating to its nationwide student accommodation portfolio. Achieved a multi-million-pound pre-action settlement, enabling a profitable disposal of the portfolio for over £420 million
Acting for a specialist carbon composites manufacturer defence of a claim relating to production of hydrofoils for a Vendée Globe racing yacht. Succeeded at a multi-week High Court trial, recovering damages and indemnity costs following a successful strategic settlement offer
Acting for a construction business which had been suspended by multiple regulators, placing at risk c.£5 million of business and its ability to continue trading. Secured urgent reinstatement, preserving the business and 75+ jobs without issuing proceedings
Acting for the former shareholders of a global logistics company in a dispute with an Australian purchaser related to a price adjustment under the share purchase agreement. Defended claims exceeding £5 million and settled High Court proceedings on favourable terms
Acting for the former shareholders of a world-leading sports equipment manufacturer in defending breach of warranty and defective goods claims valued at over £1.5 million. Successfully defeated the principal claims and settled the balance pre-action on favourable terms
Acting for the former shareholders of a global logistics company in a dispute with an Australian purchaser related to a price adjustment under the share purchase agreement. Defended claims exceeding £5 million and settled High Court proceedings on favourable terms
Acting for the former shareholders of a world-leading sports equipment manufacturer in defending breach of warranty and defective goods claims valued at over £1.5 million. Successfully defeated the principal claims and settled the balance pre-action on favourable terms
Ciaran regularly advises on restrictive covenant, breach of confidence and confidential information disputes, acting swiftly to protect business-critical relationships and assets.
Recent Work
Acting for a market-leading accountancy practice in multiple claims enforcing restrictive covenants against former employees, protecting the business by preventing unlawful competition
Ciaran uses ADR strategically to resolve disputes efficiently, minimise disruption and cost, and drive early, commercially sensible outcomes.
Recent Work
Acting for a major manufacturer in a c.£12m contractual dispute with an automotive OEM. Secured eight-figure recovery and preserved the important commercial relationship
Acting for a healthcare provider and its Managing Director in defending a multi-million-pound joint venture claim. Achieved settlement at mediation for a fraction of the sum claimed
Acting for a charitable trust in a complex dispute arising from a land and business sale involving valuable chattels and issues under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977. Secured a favourable mediated outcome transferring valuable assets to the client
Ciaran acts on high-value and complex professional negligence claims across a range of professions, delivering early and commercially effective outcomes.
Recent Work
Acting for an insolvency practitioner in a negligence claim against solicitors relating to advice on a statutory charge. Secured an early settlement including a full indemnity for a six-figure liability and recovery of legal costs
Acting for a manufacturer in a claim against solicitors relating to the drafting of a share purchase agreement and option agreement and work on a dispute. Secured an early six-figure recovery at the pre-action stage
Ciaran advises on defamation, crisis response and reputation protection, including in high-profile and sensitive matters involving national media.
Recent Work
Acting for a high-net-worth individual linked to the Paradise Papers, engaging with a national broadcaster ahead of airing of a TV programme, successfully limiting disclosure and agreeing a controlled public statement to be televised
Acting for an international cricket captain in relation to the wrongful exploitation of his name in Dubai, successfully procuring the cessation of its use and successfully defending an ancillary breach of contract claim brought against the cricketer
Acting for a national manufacturer in defending allegations of IP infringement and misleading advertising. Successfully resisted injunctive relief and preserved the client’s ability to continue its marketing campaign
Ciaran specialises in shareholder and director disputes, including unfair prejudice petitions and breach of duty claims, delivering pragmatic outcomes while protecting business continuity.
Recent Work
Acting for a major shareholder in a global hospitality group in a c.€60m cross-border dispute involving allegations of fraud, misfeasance, breach of directors’ duties and diversion of business opportunities
Acting for majority shareholders in a £30 million family business in a complex unfair prejudice dispute involving quasi-partnership issues and allegations of breach of duty. Settled during trial on terms enabling business continuity and shareholder exit
Acting for directors of a retail business in a shareholder deadlock dispute. Successfully defended multiple claims and secured a favourable exit with a significant payout
Acting for shareholders in multiple disputes involving allegations of breach of duty, misfeasance and fraud, consistently achieving favourable settlements including share buyouts and discontinuance of claims
Testimonials
“Going above and beyond the call of duty (and the prescribed office hours!) is something that is often overlooked and I am grateful to you for your...
Client testimonial
“Ciaran is able to provide robust and well based advice which gets to the heart of the matter.”
Client testimonial
“We are so grateful for all the help, advice and support you have provided throughout the year. We could not have made it through without your hel...
Client testimonial
“Meticulous in the detail and provided a calm reassurance in what was a very difficult period for the shareholders.”
Client testimonial
“Combines acumen with a strategic mindset” and is “deliberate and methodical when building a case.”
Client testimonial
“We trust Ciaran implicitly to look out for us and our interests.”
Client testimonial
“He is able to convey often complex legal arguments in a way that is easy for us to understand.”
Client testimonial
"Ciaran Dearden is a very capable and skilled commercial lawyer."
The Legal 500, 2026
"Ciaran Dearden is super bright, efficient and impressive."
The Legal 500, 2026
"My main contact in Ciaran Dearden. He is an excellent lawyer, calm and able to look at each problem with a cool head. He has good client skills too."
The Legal 500, 2026
"Ciaran Dearden exhibits tenacity, fair play and expert legal knowledge, with a good customer interface."
Chambers & Partners, 2026
"Ciaran Deardon has a strong understanding of the law and the commercial realities that present themselves in litigation."
The Legal 500, 2025
"James Berry and Ciaran Dearden pulled off an amazing effort in getting substantial disclosure done at breakneck speed. They are careful, conscient...
The Legal 500, 2025
"Ciaran Dearden is a very strong, competent lawyer and easy to work with."
The Legal 500, 2024
"Very hardworking."
The Legal 500, 2022
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