Most business disputes involve a difference of opinion regarding the interpretation or application of a contract between the parties. The best way to prevent these disputes from arising is to carefully draft clear and concise contracts in the first place. Of course, the contract should also be written in a way that protects the party in the event a dispute does arise, such as by making sure that important rights are not waived or that disadvantageous means of dispute resolution are not written into the contract. Covering all of these bases requires skill in negotiation and a careful attention to detail when drafting or reviewing documents.
Sometimes business disputes are unavoidable. Besides breach of contract disputes, there is a whole class of business torts, where parties may allege unfair business practices, fraud, deceptive trade practices, etc. Litigation can often be avoided through alternative means of dispute resolution, such as negotiations, mediation, and arbitration. When these options fall short of satisfactory resolution, it is important to have a strong and effective courtroom advocate on your side. In any situation, it is important to be represented by qualified, competent legal counsel who can work to achieve an effective solution that meets your needs and protects your rights and interests.