Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city, has a thriving small business community of nearly 10,000 small businesses. Most small businesses enter into many different types of contracts. From property leases and initial capital purchases to ongoing employee and customer agreements, contracts govern how we do business in Washington.
Our Spokane contract lawyers look at each word and phrase within a contract, negotiate terms to protect the client’s rights, and ensure all parties involved understand what is expected.
What Services Can Spokane Contract Lawyers Offer?
Spokane contract attorneys handle the legal issues of creating, negotiating, and enforcing contracts. They can help your business with the following types of services.
Negotiating, Reviewing, and Drafting Contracts
A contract is a legally binding document that outlines the rights and obligations involved in the transaction. When parties enter into an agreement, each party wants the terms of the contract to reflect their most favorable rights and obligations.
Language and terminology in a contract are important. A contract should include the parties’ final understanding of what is involved in the transaction. Each word and punctuation can affect the contract’s interpretation. If the parties have different opinions of the meaning of terms, it can lead to misunderstandings and disputes. Having a well-written contract can save you time and money by mitigating disputes. Savvy lawyers that deal with contracts can draft them with close attention to detail to avoid potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations. They also know when language needs to be added to intentionally exclude certain things and to avoid loopholes.
Additionally, if the other party provides their version of a contract first, it will likely contain terms more favorable to their position. A contract attorney can review the terms, make edits, or negotiate changes that can positively impact or protect your rights. They can negotiate favorable terms for their client, as well as for all parties involved.
Working with a lawyer early on and seeking advice about your business decisions can help you operate within the law, adhere to regulatory and legal requirements, and enter legal contracts that reflect your company’s best interests.
Dispute Resolution
While Spokane contract lawyers do their best to mitigate potential disputes by proactively drafting and reviewing contracts, disputes can still arise. Many disputes occur because one party does not meet obligations due to negligence, unforeseen circumstances, deliberate non-compliance, or ambiguous contractual terms. Some common business disputes include:
- Contract disputes, including breach of contract, non-payment, and non-compete agreement disputes;
- Partnership disputes;
- Employment disputes, including discrimination, paid leave, harassment, workers’ compensation, and wage and hour disputes;
- Tax disputes;
- Supplier and third-party disputes;
- Real estate and land use disputes; and
- Claims filed against your business by consumers.
If there is a dispute, a contract attorney can help resolve the matter quickly. They can use more informal channels to resolve disputes, such as sending a demand letter or contacting the opposing party to discuss potential solutions. They can also support the parties undergoing alternative dispute resolution methods such as:
- Mediation—this confidential, cost-effective process uses a neutral third party to help the parties resolve their dispute and preserve working relationships by facilitating the development of mutually agreed-upon solutions; and
- Arbitration—involves an impartial third party with this individual making binding decisions based on information provided by the parties.
If alternative methods fail, your attorney can represent you in formal litigation.
Litigating Contract Disputes
A contract attorney can also represent you and your business in the more formal legal channel of litigation. The attorney will manage the strategy, collect and analyze evidence, build a case that will benefit your position, submit court filings, and advocate on your behalf in court.
Smith + Malek Can Assist with All Your Contract Law Needs
Whether you are drafting initial agreements or litigating a contract dispute, Smith + Malek’s Spokane contract attorneys can be your trusted advisors. Our team can review your business needs and help review, negotiate, or draft necessary agreements. They can also negotiate and advocate on your behalf to resolve complex contractual disputes. Smith + Malek has assisted hundreds of clients with their business contract law needs since 2015. We can provide essential support with a team of experienced lawyers. As a small firm, we offer individualized attention and tailored solutions to protect your business interests. Contact us today to learn how Smith + Malek can serve as your Spokane contract lawyers.