It’s not uncommon for business owners and managers to face legal disputes at some point in their career. Suppliers or buyers may claim a breach of contract, employees may feel they were treated unfairly or fired unfairly, or shareholders and executives may disagree on how a company should be run. Parties to the disagreement in these situations have a number of options for attempting to settle their differences, including litigation, mediation, and arbitration.
What is Litigation?
Litigation is the process of resolving a legal disagreement. In the litigation process, both parties are required to appear in court, either with legal counsel or unrepresented (in pro per). The judge will hear both sides of the case on any issue that neither party can agree upon and will then deliver a judgment regarding how the issues will be resolved. This option can be costly and time-consuming, particularly if two attorneys are needed. This process typically takes a year or more to complete, compounding the costs and fees.
Litigation can be further drawn-out by witness testimony, uncovering evidence, and depositions. Due to how drawn-out and expensive the procedure may end up being, litigation is frequently not the method of choice for resolving disputes.
What is Mediation?
On the other hand, mediation is an alternative method that can be applied to resolve conflicts outside of a court of law. The goal of mediation is to assist both sides in reaching a compromise. Mediation can potentially appease both parties, which is essential for keeping professional relationships, unlike litigation, which leaves a clear winner and loser. When neither side is suing the other, their relationship is more likely to remain positive. Mediation is significantly less costly and time-consuming than going to court, making it a popular alternative to litigation.
Legal Representation for Businesses in Los Angeles
It’s important to find legal representation when facing a potential business dispute. Partnering with a business attorney who specializes in business law and litigation can provide you with the opportunities to understand your options for handling disputes and provide cost-effective alternatives to going to court.
To speak with a business attorney of Law Advocate Group, call us at (310) 651-3065 or fill out the form below so that we may get in touch with you as soon as possible.