Irvine Business Litigation Lawyer

Irvine Business Litigation Attorney

Legal disputes may have serious ramifications for your business. Making the wrong move could potentially tarnish your reputation, disrupt your operations, or incur significant costs. A skilled Irvine business litigation lawyer can help protect your business during these high-stakes situations.

Experienced Irvine Business Litigation Lawyer

The attorneys at Engels-Janzen work to understand your goals and bring resolution to your legal issues. Our team has years of business litigation experience and a vast knowledge of California business law. In addition, they can provide compassionate service, always working in your interests.

Breach of Partnership

A business partnership is often formed with a partnership agreement in place. The agreement details the responsibilities of each partner and establishes what will happen if the agreement is breached.

The partnership agreement is a legal document. If a partner violates the agreement, they are liable to the other partners in the contract. There will be various remedies to pursue:

• Negotiate a settlement agreement
• Remove the breaching individual from the partnership
• Request damages

Common Types of Business Disputes

Business disputes can cover many legal issues, such as breach of partnership. In California, some of the most common types of business disputes include:

• Shareholder disputes
• Partnership disputes
• Business torts
• Real estate disputes
• Construction disputes
• Employment-related disputes
• Intellectual property disputes
• Payment and vendor disputes

Statute of Limitations in California

The statute of limitations for filing a claim in California will depend on the type of case. There is a strict legal deadline that must be met to pursue a claim. For cases involving a breach of written contract, the statute of limitations is four years from the date the contract was broken.

The Litigation Process in California

In civil cases, even a minor mistake can lead to the dismissal of your case, a loss, or even being responsible for the legal fees and costs of the other party. The court does not provide forms to ensure you have all the information you need when filing a case.

These cases should be handled by an experienced business litigation lawyer who understands the complexities of the court’s rules, the Code of Civil Procedure, and California Rules of Court.

In California, the litigation process begins with the filing of a complaint. The complaint outlines the factual details of the case and states the relief the plaintiff is seeking. In Orange County, a complaint in a civil case will be filed at the Civil Complex Center, 751 West Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana. In California, each of the 58 counties has a Superior Court.

The defendant will be served with the complaint and have 30 days to file a response. If the defendant fails to respond within the 30-day timeframe, the plaintiff can ask the court to enter a default judgment. If the defendant does respond, then the case moves into the litigation stage.

Discovery, Motions, and Trial

During the discovery portion of the case, both sides will share information about the case. This may include requests for documents, depositions, or written questions. During this phase, the attorneys in the case may file pre-trial motions to seek relief prior to the trial.

Following discovery, the attorneys in the case may file post-discovery motions. These motions may include requesting that the case be dismissed. If the case is not dismissed, the trial will proceed.

During the trial, the plaintiff will have the responsibility of meeting the burden of proof. Both attorneys will need to provide compelling evidence along with convincing arguments to win the case.

Why Work With Us?

Choosing the right business litigation lawyer in Irvine, CA, is essential to navigating the complexities of business disputes. Our firm offers experience in business law, a proven record of success, and open and frequent communication. Engels-Janzen can aggressively pursue all legal options to bring you a favorable result.

FAQs

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to Sue My Business Partner?

A business law attorney can help handle litigation that involves a business partner. The most common disputes between business partners that result in a claim are a breach of partnership agreement, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, and abandonment. Often, partners will work with their attorneys to avoid costly and time-consuming court proceedings through mediation, arbitration, or out-of-court settlements.

Do Business Lawyers Make $500,000 a Year?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for lawyers in 2024 was $151,160. Lawyers are typically required to have a law degree, pass the bar examination, and secure a license. The growth of jobs for lawyers is expected to be 5% between 2023 and 2033. Over the decade, there will be an anticipated 35,600 new jobs per year. There were 859,000 lawyers in the US in 2023.

What Is the Difference Between a Business Litigator and a Business Attorney?

The term attorney is used for an individual who has extensive education and is licensed to practice law. A litigator is a specific type of attorney who works in dispute resolution and the litigation process in a courtroom environment. A litigator has skills such as negotiating settlements, arguing motions, building cases, presenting arguments, and representing clients in court. Litigators typically focus on trial preparation and courtroom procedures. Business attorneys may perform different activities, such as providing legal advice, conducting research, and representing clients in non-litigation matters.

What Is the Difference Between Business Litigation and Civil Litigation?

The main difference between business litigation and civil litigation is that civil litigation occurs between individuals, and business litigation involves companies or businesses. Business litigation may include fraud, intellectual property disputes, breach of contract, and partnership disputes. Civil litigation focuses on cases such as property conflicts, personal injury, landlord-tenant issues, and family law. Understanding if your dispute is a business litigation or civil litigation matter can help you prepare.

Contact a Skilled Irvine Business Litigation Lawyer

When your business needs legal advice or representation, the attorneys at Engels-Janzen can provide outstanding communication and personalized attention. Our firm is committed to keeping clients informed through every step of the process. If you are facing a business dispute, contact the office to schedule a free consultation.