Phoenix Business Litigation Lawyers
Businesses get involved in litigation for many different reasons. From employment issues and contract disputes to outright embezzlement and fraud, business owners and employees alike must be careful to be on the right side of the law. The one common thread is that when business litigation becomes unavoidable, the stakes are almost always high. In the most extreme cases, billions of dollars can be at stake.
The Phoenix business litigation attorneys at Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC, understand the importance of effective business litigation. With over five decades of combined experience representing both workers and businesses, our firm has developed a reputation for excellence on both sides of litigation practice. We are known for our skill in navigating the most challenging cases and our willingness to litigate issues when necessary. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and fiercely advocate for our clients in the courtroom.
What Is Business Litigation?
Litigation is the process of settling disputes through the court system. Business litigation is a form of litigation that focuses on business and commercial disputes.
Many different types of legal issues can lead to business litigation. Any company in any industry can be a litigant in a business dispute. The broad scope of potential business litigation matters means that a skilled business litigation attorney must have experience working with many different industries.
Further, business litigation almost always involves high stakes. Millions of dollars in damages can be on the line for a plaintiff suing a business. The threat litigation poses to companies can be existential, and an unfavorable judgment can send a business into bankruptcy. If you are involved in business litigation, seeking the aid of an experienced business litigation attorney is a must.
Common Types of Business Litigation
Though business litigation can touch on a broad range of issues, there are some issues that business lawyers regularly encounter. The lawyers at Shields Petitti & Zoldan practice litigating on both sides of these issues. Contact us today for more information.
Contract Disputes and Litigation
Contract disputes are one of the most common reasons for business litigation. No matter how well-worded a contract is, there is always the potential for disagreement over what a contract requires. Most of these issues can be settled out of court while maintaining the working relationship between all parties. However, sometimes the rift is so vast that litigation is the only realistic option.
Usually, contract dispute litigation arises when one party has already committed a breach of contract. The party that suffers damage from the breach must then sue the other party to obtain compensation for the violation. There are several issues that a plaintiff must prove to establish a breach of contract in court. An experienced business litigation attorney can give you the best chance at convincing the courts to resolve these issues in your favor.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Breach of fiduciary duty is another issue that corporations must also litigate. Fiduciary duties are one party’s obligations to act in the best interest of another party based on the relationship between the two. Many different relationships give rise to fiduciary duties in Arizona. Officers and directors owe fiduciary duties to shareholders of a corporation, for example. In Arizona, employees also have fiduciary duties that they owe employers. The consequences of a breach of fiduciary duty can be significant. Executive business litigation lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of litigation involving fiduciary duties.
Business Defamation
False statements and groundless accusations can significantly affect a company’s ability to do business and make profits. Fortunately, businesses in Arizona can take people who make false and misleading statements that hurt profits to court. Unfortunately, these cases can be challenging to prove. If your business is the victim of false statements, an experienced lawyer from Shields Petitti & Zoldan can help.
Misappropriation and Embezzlement
Misappropriation and embezzlement can cost companies a significant amount of time and money. Clawing back the money and holding the perpetrator accountable can be difficult. False accusations of misappropriation and embezzlement can end careers and lead to significant personal consequences. Whether pursuing these claims or defending yourself against them, employing the help of skilled executive business litigation lawyers is the best avenue toward success.
Business Fraud
Fraud is a common source of business litigation. Businesses can be a primary target for fraudsters in Arizona. Businesses also sometimes commit fraud against other businesses and their customers. Pursuing litigation is often the only way to defend yourself or your business against these unscrupulous individuals.
Wrongful Termination
Employment issues such as wrongful termination are also a common theme in the business litigation space. Terminating employees can be one of the most challenging aspects of running a business. Employees can sue for wrongful termination if an employer breaches an employment contract. Further, employers cannot fire workers for illegal reasons, such as discriminating against a protected class.
How Shields Petitti & Zoldan Can Protect Your Rights
The lawyers at Shields Petitti & Zoldan know how to help businesses and individuals through a broad context of issues surrounding business litigation. We can leverage our experience to provide value in several ways.
Craft Best Practices
Sometimes the best strategy regarding business litigation is to avoid it in the first place. In many cases, business litigation is entirely preventable. Our attorneys can consult with you and your business to craft procedures and best practices to minimize potential litigation risk.
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Even after a conflict arises, litigation is not a foregone conclusion. Negotiating a satisfactory outcome for all parties is often the best course of action. These outcomes can be reached through alternative dispute resolution. The dispute resolution lawyers at Shields Petitti & Zoldan have extensive experience solving disputes before they need to be taken to court.
Litigation
When all else fails, litigation can be the only option. At Shields Petitti & Zoldan, we have extensive trial experience and are fearless in taking matters to court when needed. Our competitive and results-oriented approach drives success for our clients.
Speak to the Business Attorneys at Shields Petitti & Zoldan Today
If you are facing the possibility of litigation—or looking for ways to avoid it in the first place—contact us today to schedule a consultation. We are ready to protect your interests, whether that means going to court or reaching a resolution before reaching the courtroom doors. With over 50 years of experience, we are highly skilled and ready to help you with all your business and employment issues.
Our experienced employment law attorneys are also able to assist you with the following cases: