Commercial Litigation Lawyers in Spokane, WA
Spokane has a vibrant and thriving small business community. Unfortunately, not every business interaction is positive. Many companies face challenges and experience disputes with customers, vendors, third parties, and business partners. Conflicts can ruin reputations, have significant financial impacts on a company, and be draining.
A Spokane corporate litigation lawyer can mitigate potential commercial disputes, defend your business, and advocate on your behalf to protect your company’s interests. Smith + Malek’s Spokane business litigation attorneys are well-versed in a wide range of commercial dispute resolution methods. They will help you navigate complex legal disputes and fight zealously to protect your business interests.
Common Commercial Disputes
As businesses interact with various other entities, vendors, partners, shareholders, and customers, many disputes stem from those relationships. The types of disputes vary widely in nature and scope. Some of the most common types of conflicts in the Spokane commercial sector include:
- Breach of contract;
- Business torts;
- Business dissolutions;
- Construction disputes;
- Corporate fraud;
- Employment and labor disputes;
- Insurance coverage disputes;
- Intellectual property issues;
- Non-compete and non-solicitation violation issues;
- Partnership and shareholder disputes;
- Real estate, land use, and lease disputes;
- Securities litigation;
- Tax issues; and
- Unfair competition.
This is only a sample of some commercial conflicts that occur frequently. Many other issues may arise during a business’s life. An experienced Spokane corporate litigation attorney can help a business owner identify the best method to address and resolve the issue.
What Are the Main Ways of Resolving Commercial Disputes?
There are several ways of resolving disputes depending on the nature and complexity of the conflict.
Mediation
Mediation can often be a more civil or amicable way to resolve a dispute. The process focuses on the disputing parties working collaboratively to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. An impartial third-party mediator facilitates the process, helping the parties to hear one another and come to a resolution that respects the interests of everyone involved.
The process is beneficial for maintaining and improving business relationships because it encourages cooperation and open, honest communication. It is also confidential. Sensitive information remains protected, preserving the parties’ reputations and competitive advantages.
Mediation also allows for more flexibility than traditional litigation because the parties can devise more creative, outside-the-box solutions based on their needs and compromise.
In mediation, a Spokane commercial litigation lawyer can play a vital role in helping clients prepare, explaining the process, and protecting their interests. An attorney can serve as a strategist, analyst, educator, and emotional supporter by:
- Helping to facilitate clear and respectful conversation;
- Offering the client legal advice throughout the discussions;
- Identifying and explaining the potential consequences of agreements; and
- Steering clients through final settlement discussions.
Mediation can also be a shorter and less costly method for resolving a commercial dispute.
Arbitration
Another form of alternative dispute resolution is arbitration. The process is confidential and consensual; the parties must agree to enter arbitration. The parties submit their dispute to one or more neutral arbitrators who make a binding decision.
An arbitration decision is binding on the parties and has limited routes for appeal. Parties generally agree to enter arbitration to avoid the time, expense, and complexity of traditional litigation. The process’s confidential nature also appeals to parties when handling disputes involving sensitive information or trade secrets.
Business litigation attorneys are pivotal in representing clients throughout the arbitration process. They prepare and present the case to the arbitrator(s), cross-examine witnesses, and advocate on behalf of the client. An attorney can advise on the case’s strength and identify potential holes. They can also help negotiate and enforce settlements.
Litigation
Traditional litigation is often the method of last resort or reserved for the most complex commercial disputes. Litigation involves presenting your case in court through evidence and legal arguments. A case going to court generally results in a win-lose outcome, compared to generally more mutually beneficial results of mediation or arbitration. This is a key factor for a business to consider.
Spokane business litigation attorneys represent their clients by gathering and analyzing evidence, developing legal strategies, preparing the case, and advocating zealously for their clients in court. The process can be long and expensive, as well as more adversarial. Having a trusted attorney to represent you in court is essential.
Contact the Commercial Litigation Attorneys at Smith + Malek
Unfortunately, nearly every business will face some type of business dispute. But working with a Spokane commercial litigation lawyer can help mitigate risks proactively and address issues efficiently and effectively. Smith + Malek can provide your business with experienced legal representation for risk management and dispute resolution. Our team of business litigation attorneys has decades of experience helping clients find win-win solutions and protecting business interests. Contact Smith + Malek today to learn how we can address your corporate litigation needs.