The lifecycle of a business can have highs and lows, but it also carries an occasional risk of disputes with customers, vendors, suppliers, and employees. In any situation, trust in qualified legal representation is critical to recovering from potential setbacks.

At Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, we can help you plan for, prevent, and overcome litigation with the help of a skilled and reputable Tacoma business dispute lawyer. From our first consultation with you, we can put your fears to rest with an honest evaluation of your circumstances. We begin planning a customized approach to achieve the best possible outcome.
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Business Disputes Can Arise in Any Industry

No matter how carefully you operate or plan your company’s path, the odds are above average that someone will experience an issue they feel is worthy of litigation. Government agencies may investigate regulatory issues, or your company may face litigation regarding a product or service. Employees may initiate a claim for unfair treatment.

Many of these problems can be prevented with thorough planning and documentation of your business’s policies and protocols. Regular quality assurance checks can ensure products and services are safe for the general public. Nonetheless, you should not be caught off-guard when the inevitable lawsuit comes your way.

An experienced business attorney can help you prepare your articles of incorporation at the start of your business’s lifespan. They can continue to advise you as your company grows and meets new challenges. When a suit is filed, they will thoroughly understand your company’s needs to aggressively defend your interests.

Why You Should Use Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess for Your Business Dispute?

Even if you have spent years in your industry and worked with a trusted Tacoma business lawyer, you may be unprepared for the complexity of a lawsuit regarding a business dispute. It goes beyond normal attempts to satisfy an unhappy customer or employee. Although many cases can be resolved using alternative means, you need an attorney ready for the courtroom from the first day.

We understand you have a business to run and must focus on ensuring its continued prosperity. We can tackle the legal issues for you through a variety of measures, such as:

• We verify that your company complies with applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• We draw up all agreements in writing to ensure their legal validity.
• We evaluate your operational procedures to improve efficiency and overall financial success.
• We ensure your places of business comply with health, safety, and employment laws.
• We examine your compliance with all relevant tax requirements to protect against issues with the IRS.
• We address any potential disputes right away to reduce their chances of becoming more problematic.

Your business dispute lawyer from Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess will be tenacious and meticulous in their preparation. We rigorously evaluate and investigate every aspect of a claim to determine its weaknesses. If you bring a suit against another party, we put that same attention to detail to build the strongest case possible so that you are successful.

Resolving Business Disputes in Tacoma, WA

Clearing up a business dispute does not always involve going to court. Sometimes, you can use alternative methods to resolve a disagreement. Once again, even if you are very skilled in your business, methods like these are best left to an attorney with significant legal knowledge to ensure the problem does not worsen.

It is likely you know about a dispute before it reaches the litigation stage. This gives you and the other parties a chance to try alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to avoid the time, expense, and invasiveness of a trial. ADR techniques focus on enabling all parties to find acceptable solutions and develop an amicable agreement with speed, confidentiality, and flexibility.

Negotiation

Negotiation is the preferred method of ADR and is often attempted first. With internal conflicts, such as a disagreement between partners, negotiation allows the parties to meet in a neutral setting and clearly outline their goals. They control the process and outcome but can benefit from proficient legal advice for each person involved.

Negotiation is less formal and is not overseen by any court or government agency.

Mediation

Mediation is another informal process where the parties are not bound by the outcome. Instead of leaving the discussion only to the involved parties, a mediator is called in to manage the conversations and arguments. These professionals are trained and neutral, allowing them to suggest solutions that may have been overlooked.

Mediators attempt to bring out the underlying interests and concerns at play for each side, allowing all parties to vent their grievances. The goal is to come to a sustainable and satisfactory resolution for all participants.

Arbitration

Arbitration is a more formal step that often occurs prior to litigation. Many contracts from service providers will include mandatory arbitration clauses that require the parties to attempt dispute resolution with that method first. This includes a neutral third party who serves as a judge for the discussions.

The arbitrator(s) will hear each party’s side, including relevant evidence and arguments. Rules are generally modeled after court proceedings with limited discovery and rules of evidence. After each participant has presented their case, the arbitrator will hand down a binding, confidential decision that cannot be appealed.

When Litigation Is the Best Solution to a Business Dispute

Despite the best efforts of ADR techniques, some situations can only be corrected with the use of civil courts. Plaintiffs and defendants prepare their cases for trial before a judge alone or a judge and jury. If you have been working with a qualified business dispute attorney throughout the conflict, they will easily be prepared for this next step.

When no suitable outcome can be reached, Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess is prepared to boldly represent your business interests. We will perform the following services:

• Correctly prepare and file all necessary paperwork.
• Ensure your filings do not miss any important deadlines.
• Attend all court hearings.
• Gather evidence, depose witnesses, and prepare experts to testify on your behalf.
• Negotiate for an out-of-court settlement, if possible.
• Inform you of our progress throughout the case.

Many issues that start small and end up in litigation include disagreements over contract details, intellectual property matters, and insurance claims. The longer these conflicts continue, the more likely they will become adversarial and require judicial intervention.
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Preparing for Business Litigation in Washington State

Running your business takes a great deal of your time and concentration. When you are not at work, you want to enjoy time on your own or with your family. Preparing for a trial over a business dispute equates to a full-time job, one you likely do not have the time or experience to handle. To keep your company running smoothly and secure the most desirable outcome for your case, you need someone you can trust to take on this burden.

Our Tacoma business dispute attorneys will meet with you to answer all your questions. We will delve deeply into the factors at play and investigate so we thoroughly understand the problem. We will walk you through how we will handle the case and get to work. Your lawyer will advise you on specific steps you should take, including:

Preserve and Gather Relevant Evidence

Verbal agreements can sometimes be defended in court, but nothing beats paper or digital documentation. Contracts, records, invoices, reports, voicemails, emails, and text messages can form the basis of a robust case. Chief among your duties when preparing for a trial will be to preserve and collect any evidence that could support your side.

Your attorney and their team can help you sort through everything you have and determine what material will be most beneficial to your claim. A thorough overview can also give them insight into potential weaknesses that must be minimized or overcome.

Avoid Your Communication with the Other Party

When a dispute moves to the litigation phase, words can be twisted and used to poke holes in your case during the trial. Whenever possible, stop or reduce written and verbal communication with the other party so you do not provide any new evidence to help their case.

If discussions must take place, leave the talks or emails to your business dispute attorney. They are skilled at avoiding pitfalls and will not allow emotions to get the better of them. Remember, your legal team is there to handle all the details of the case so you can focus on your business.

Engage an Experienced Tacoma Business Dispute Lawyer

If you are heading into a trial and have not already engaged the services of an attorney, now is the time. Do not attempt to face down a defense lawyer on your own. Maximizing your chances of securing a fair and favorable decision depends on knowing the law and how to use it to your advantage. A knowledgeable legal representative is your most valuable asset.

Your attorney will be fluent in the customs and laws that govern a courtroom. They can advise you on how to proceed at every step of the trial and provide an honest assessment of your progress. You need only pay attention to their directions and trust in their expertise.

Speak With a Tacoma Business Dispute Lawyer with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess Today

Part of a solid business plan is having contingency alternatives when something goes wrong. Even if you are being unfairly charged in a dispute, you owe it to your company’s success to build a strong relationship with a top-notch business law firm.

At Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, we focus on business, real estate, and construction law to serve companies across the state of Washington. When you need a highly skilled Tacoma business dispute lawyer, we are here to provide superior legal counsel at every stage of a conflict.

Whether you are dealing with your first dispute or have been in business for many years, we should be your business law firm. You will discover that you can make no better choice than to contact our offices and schedule a consultation.
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Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess – Tacoma Office

1200 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
P: (206) 621-1110