If you have been in almost any type of business here in San Diego and Southern California you know how quickly a dispute can arise. The key to resolving business litigation in San Diego is never to let it reach a Court unless that is where you want it to go.
Types of Business Disputes in Southern California
There are as many types of business disputes in Southern California as there businesses. A dispute can arise between companies, sometimes between your company and a supplier or customer. Breach of contract is one of the most common business disputes. Employee-related disputes continue to rapidly escalate and any SoCal employer knows the vast complexity of the laws and regulations facing a California employer.
Another common source of business disputes occurs between the people involved in a business itself. There me be arguments between co-owners such as partners or members in an LLC. Shareholder disputes are unfortunately quite common. Shareholders have specific rights under federal and California commercial law and the Watkins Firm has decades of experience resolving business litigation in San Diego between shareholders or co-owners.
Another substantial source of business disputes involves theft and deception. Commingling funds and assets or misrepresenting facts or information to manipulate an outcome are common challenges. Business fraud extends into everything from external business transactions to matters involving officers or shareholders in the same company. Unfair business practices involving fraud and deception are common factors in resolving business litigation in San Diego and Southern California.
A Unique Approach to Resolving Business Litigation in San Diego and Southern California
The Watkins Firm has developed a unique approach to resolving business litigation in San Diego and Southern California in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
One important fact to keep in mind is this: The Watkins Firm is able to resolve the vast majority of our client’s business disputes and lawsuits through effective, leveraged negotiation. This is the fastest and least expensive way to resolve any business dispute or litigation.
The earlier in the process this can be accomplished, the better for all parties involved. Costs are contained, and the underlying business has a much better opportunity to survive and thrive. Our attorneys work to understand our client’s objectives for the dispute at hand. We master the chronology of events and associated damages and evaluate all associated documentation, communications and financial records.
When negotiations are not able to resolve every aspect of the dispute the next step in the process is usually mediation. If a lawsuit is filed our Courts require a “settlement conference” (read: mediation) prior to trial. The fact is very few cases reach a trial. If your matter requires taking the case to trial, the Watkins Firm has attorneys with more than 40 years of actual trial experience and a strong track record of proven success. Our track record and reputation add strength to your side of the equation.
Mediation is a confidential, private legal venue where an independent third party mediator with extensive knowledge and experience in these types of dispute and associated law works between the parties to clarify positions and expectations and the realities of the law and how these cases are usually resolved. The goal is to help the parties through “the dance” to an agreed upon settlement.
Many contracts specify arbitration as an alternative to going to trial. You need effective, proven legal representation in arbitration. The process is much like a Court without many of the superfluous motions and a little more latitude on what can be considered admissible evidence or testimony. The neutral arbitrator hears the matter and renders a decision which is usually binding and final. The ruling of an arbitrator in binding arbitration cannot be appealed except in very rare circumstances involving collusion.
If you are looking for experienced, proven business dispute resolution attorneys who employ a unique approach to resolving business litigation in San Diego and Southern California we invite you to review our podcast, Episode 11 – Resolving Business Disputes, the strong recommendations of our clients and contact the Watkins Firm or call 858-535-1511 for a complimentary consultation today.
