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Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be board certified in civil trial law?

To be a board-certified trial lawyer, an attorney must have prepared and tried significant civil cases, including jury trials. Additionally, they must have extensive knowledge of trial law and procedure, including gathering and presenting evidence, selecting the jury, examining and cross-examining witnesses, preparing appropriate jury instructions and making closing arguments.

Specifically, board-certified trial lawyers must:

  • Have tried a minimum number of civil trials with juries
  • Be able to provide a minimum number of references that include other attorneys and judges
  • Show their caseload to be at least a minimum percentage of trial law
  • Pass an exam regarding various areas of civil trial law

How do I choose a qualified corporate litigation lawyer?

Corporate litigation attorneys work with clients with legal issues related to business enterprises. This might include business partnerships, international corporations and other types of companies.

If you are in search of a qualified corporate litigation lawyer, it’s important to find someone with experience, especially in your particular industry. You should also work with someone who has extensive trial proficiency, meets your basic needs and is willing to discuss your case in detail with you before moving forward. It can help to schedule consultations with several lawyers and narrow down your selection based on the outcomes of these meetings.

What are common types of business litigation?

Unfortunately, legal disputes are a given for most businesses. It is important to know what to expect. Business litigation most often occurs because of:

  • Breaches of contract: If a contractually bound party doesn’t uphold its promise, the resulting consequence is often a lawsuit.
  • Breaches of fiduciary duty: Violations of fiduciary relationships cause substantial financial harm to those involved.
  • Fraud: This includes acts of intentional misrepresentation, deceit or concealment of a material fact.
  • Interference with a contract: This occurs when a third party intentionally tries to disturb a contractual relationship.
  • Partnership disputes: Disputes between business partners can escalate into lawsuits and/or dissolutions of partnerships.

Another company has harmed us. Should we sue?

Knowing when to pursue legal action is one of the most difficult decisions faced by business owners. It is tempting to want to utilize the legal system to right wrongs that occur, but there are pros and cons to suing.

For instance, filing a lawsuit against another company can be expensive and time-consuming. It can also pull resources away from other ventures. It is important to exhaust all your options before suing. If you believe your company was harmed by the action or inaction of another company, you should speak to an experienced corporate litigation attorney before making any decisions to move forward with a lawsuit.

What is complex business litigation?

Any lawsuit can be complicated. Complex litigation refers to a specific type of large civil case that occurs in the business world. It describes any legal battle with multiple parties in multiple jurisdictions. Large amounts of money are at stake, there is usually a lengthy trial and the legal issues in question are complex. These cases might affect the general public and are more likely to attract attention from the media.

Some of the most common types of complex business litigation include:

  • Class action lawsuits
  • Contract disputes involving subcontractors
  • International arbitration
  • Violations of sale of goods agreements across state lines

What should I do if I am involved in a business dispute or litigation?

The most important thing you can do if you are involved in a business dispute or litigation is find an experienced trial lawyer who can help you. Business disputes can escalate and drain money and other resources.

It is important to remember that nearly every business will be pulled into a legal issue at one time or another. It is not the end of the world, but it is serious. If you are involved in legal action:

  • Do not ignore the problem
  • Attempt to resolve the issue peacefully
  • Document everything
  • Do not admit guilt or liability
  • Consult with a business litigation attorney