Business Disputes and Litigation

Most small businesses do not have a legal department or in-house counsel at their disposal, and are unlikely to have significant reserves set aside to fight protracted legal battles in the courts should a dispute arise.  Financial pressures may incline the small business owner to settle a dispute rather than to fight it, or to let a wrong go unaddressed rather than take it to court.  In addition, when a business is forced into litigation, it can consume the time and attention of the owner and employees, draining precious human and financial resources.  For this reason, business disputes need to be dealt with and handled effectively and efficiently, so that the company can return to normal operations as soon as possible.

At McCarthy & Kroes, our attorneys understand the impact that litigation can have on small businesses along California's south and central coast.  We represent a wide variety of local businesses in disputes with vendors, suppliers, customers, partners, and competitors.

Contracts are the primary vehicle for conducting business, and touch upon every aspect of a company's operations.  For this reason, disputes often center on the negotiation or interpretation of a contract.  Breach of contract and other disputes can arise in the course of:

• Purchase, sale, or lease of property or equipment
• Employment agreements
• Trade secrets and covenants not to compete
• Partnership and joint venture disputes
• Business dissolutions

Disputes are not always contract-based but can involve an entire class of business torts, such as fraud, embezzlement, and deceptive or unfair business practices.

At McCarthy & Kroes, we focus on providing counsel, guidance, and advice to small business owners.  Our experienced business lawyers work to resolve your dispute quickly and efficiently wherever possible, but will never hesitate to take a case all the way through trial and appeal if that is what it takes to protect your interests.  For professional legal assistance with your business dispute, contact McCarthy & Kroes today.