Practice area
Business and contract disputes
When a deal between businesses comes apart, the paperwork usually tells half the story. I find the other half.
I represent owners and small companies on both sides: the supplier chasing a bill and the buyer who refused a bad load, the partner pushing for a buyout and the one being pushed out.
First I want to know what you need when it's over: the money, the business, or simply to stop paying lawyers. That decides whether we push for a quick settlement, a mediation or a trial date.
What these cases look like
Where business deals break
Most of these start with a contract, an invoice or a handshake.
Unpaid invoices and collections
Getting paid for work done or goods delivered, or defending a bill that was never owed.
Broken contracts
Supply, service and equipment agreements, and who pays when one side walks away.
Partners parting ways
Buyouts, deadlocks and disputes among owners of a family company or a small LLC.
Non-competes and customer lists
Enforcing or fighting a non-compete, and former employees who took clients along.
Equipment and leases
Disputes over leased trucks, rigs and machinery, repossession and return conditions.
Sale of a business
Claims after a sale closes: earn-outs, hidden debts and promises in the purchase papers.
Business dispute questions
My partner is locking me out of the books. What can I do?
Your operating or partnership agreement usually gives each owner a right to see the records. I start with a written demand, and go to court if that doesn't work.
The contract says disputes go to arbitration. Is that bad?
Not always. Arbitration can be faster and private, but the fees are higher up front and appeals are narrow. I'll read the clause and tell you what it means for your case.
Is it worth suing over a small unpaid bill?
Sometimes not. If the amount is small, a demand letter or small claims court may make more sense than hiring me, and I'll tell you so.
Tell me about the deal that went wrong
Send the contract and the invoices if you have them. A first call is free.