Disputes the firm handles
The firm brings claims and defends them. Clients include companies, owners, and individuals who have been sued or threatened with suit, as well as those who need to enforce their rights.
- Contract disputes: non-payment, non-performance, and disputes over what an agreement means.
- Partnership, LLC, and shareholder disputes: deadlock, fiduciary duty claims, accountings, buyouts, and dissolution.
- Commercial lease disputes: defaults, CAM reconciliations, holdover, and personal guaranties.
- Construction and mechanics' lien disputes: payment claims, liens, stop payment notices, and defect claims between owners and contractors.
- Arbitration and mediation: AAA and JAMS proceedings and court-ordered or private mediation.
- Judgments and creditor-side bankruptcy matters: collecting judgments, proofs of claim, and adversary proceedings.
- Business litigation defense: defending businesses against third-party liability, wage and hour, and employment practices claims.
- Business tort claims: prosecuting and defending claims such as fraud, interference with contract or prospective business relations, and unfair competition.
How a business dispute usually proceeds
- Review. The contract, correspondence, invoices, and timeline are reviewed to identify claims, defenses, deadlines, fee clauses, and any arbitration or forum-selection provision.
- Demand and negotiation. Many disputes resolve after a clear demand letter or response that lays out the legal position.
- Mediation. Many contracts require mediation first. A mediator helps the parties reach an agreement neither side is forced to accept.
- Arbitration or litigation. If the contract requires arbitration, the case goes to AAA, JAMS, or another provider. Otherwise it is filed in California superior court or, where jurisdiction exists, federal court.
- Trial, award, and enforcement. A judgment or confirmed award is enforced through liens, levies, and other collection remedies.
What to have ready for a consultation
- The signed contract and any amendments, change orders, or side letters
- Key emails and texts, invoices, and payment records
- Any demand letters, notices of default, or court papers you have received
- The names of all parties involved, so the firm can run a conflict check
Please wait to send documents until the firm has completed a conflict check and confirmed it can help.
Common questions
Do I have to go to court to resolve a business dispute?
Not always. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation, and many contracts require private arbitration instead of a court trial. The right path depends on the contract and the facts.
Can I recover attorney's fees?
In California, each side usually pays its own fees unless a contract or statute provides otherwise. Many business contracts include a prevailing-party fee clause, and Civil Code section 1717 makes contractual fee clauses reciprocal.
General information about California law, not legal advice for your situation. Deadlines and outcomes depend on the facts and the documents. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.