Articles Posted in Business Litigation

AdobeStock_554356566-300x200Business owners generally prefer to avoid court, but certain legal disputes may require litigation. For such cases, the Texas business litigation attorneys at Structure Law Group are equipped to guide you through all phases of a business lawsuit. This includes handling breach of contract cases, shareholder or partnership disputes, or allegations of unlawful employment practices. Our team will advise you of your legal rights and help develop a litigation strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.

What Happens Before Litigation Begins?

Legal disputes do not typically begin when someone files a lawsuit. Instead, they typically begin when one side sends a “demand letter” outlining how they see the dispute and how to prevent a lawsuit. For example, in a breach of contract dispute, the party alleging the breach may send a demand letter insisting on compliance with the terms of the agreement. If the other side agrees to the demand–or is at least willing to enter negotiations–that is often sufficient to avoid a lawsuit altogether.

AdobeStock_1829326087-300x169No matter how well-run your business is, legal disputes inevitably arise with customers, contractors, and even employees. However, resolving a business dispute does not necessarily mean time-consuming and costly litigation. Texas business owners can take advantage of a number of forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Legal disputes are common in any business, affecting customer, contractor, and employee dealings. However, resolving these disputes doesn’t always require lengthy and expensive litigation. In Texas, business owners can access various alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. Consulting a Texas business litigation lawyer can help determine if ADR is a suitable option for your specific dispute.

What Is ADR?

AdobeStock_483293930-300x209No Texas business wants to end up in court. But the reality of conducting business in any field is that disputes inevitably arise. And sometimes those disputes must be resolved by a judge, jury, or through some alternative means such as mediation or arbitration. The experienced Texas business litigation attorneys at Structure Law Group can provide your company with professional guidance and representation when it comes to handling many common types of business disputes.

Here are just a few examples of the kinds of matters we handle on behalf of our clients:

Breach of Contract

AdobeStock_663401438-300x168A Texas corporation is owned by one or more shareholders. Startups often attract minority shareholders to secure essential funding during the early stages of the business. However, as the number of shareholders increases, so does the risk of shareholder disputes and potential lawsuits. If you find yourself involved in such a dispute, SLG’s Austin, TX business litigation attorneys can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

What Are a Shareholder’s Rights?

Corporations organized under Texas law must respect certain shareholder rights created by statute. But a corporation may also adopt its own bylaws and shareholder agreements that can modify, expand, or even restrict those rights. Litigation can arise when one or more shareholders believes their rights have not been respected by the corporation’s officers, directors, or majority shareholders.

AdobeStock_330977551-300x200One of the first steps a Texas startup should take is to hire a knowledgeable Texas business attorney. Unfortunately, many companies view this as optional and delay until they face a lawsuit or another legal crisis. However, the ideal time to hire a business attorney is before encountering any legal issues.  Structure Law Group can work with you proactively, taking the time to understand your specific needs and providing guidance to help your company avoid future legal issues.

Defining the Legal Needs of Your Business

During the startup phase, businesses must address key tasks such as choosing a business entity, filing the required paperwork with the state, and establishing internal procedures like corporate bylaws or operating agreements for an LLC. Beyond these basics, specific legal needs may arise depending on the industry and market. These can include obtaining necessary licenses, maintaining regulatory compliance, and safeguarding the business’s intellectual property.

AdobeStock_812365342-300x169Every Texas business faces the risk of lawsuits, regardless of its size and scope. Various factors can lead to potential legal challenges, such as a customer claiming a breach of contract or a former employee alleging discrimination. However, businesses can take specific measures to safeguard their owners and assets. The skilled business litigation attorneys at Structure Law Group in Texas can offer detailed legal advice and representation suited to your unique circumstances.

Structure Your Texas Business as an LLC or Corporation

Many Texas businesses start as a sole proprietorship or general partnership. While such structures are simple and inexpensive to set up, they offer no legal liability protection in case of a lawsuit against the business. To put it bluntly, if you are a sole proprietor, any business creditor can come after your personal assets–including your home–to satisfy a business debt.

AdobeStock_1422775834-300x164Nobody enters a business partnership or relationship expecting to end up in litigation, but disputes may arise that can only be resolved through a formal legal process. If you are involved in such a lawsuit, the San Jose partnership lawyers at Structure Law Group can provide you with professional advice, guidance, and representation throughout the process.

Why Partnership Lawsuits Happen

Most business partnerships are governed by some form of written contract, such as a partnership agreement, limited liability company (LLC) operating agreement, or corporate bylaws. These documents spell out the legal rights and responsibilities of the owners of the business. So when a lawsuit does arise, it is often because one party to the agreement has alleged a breach or violation on the part of another party.

AdobeStock_543012960-300x200Running a business in Texas comes with inherent risks, including the potential for litigation. Lawsuits can be expensive and time-consuming, making it essential to take proactive steps to minimize risks and respond effectively when disputes arise. At Structure Law Group, our experienced Texas business litigation attorneys are here to guide you through the litigation process and provide proactive strategies to help you avoid lawsuits whenever possible.

With that in mind, here are a few general tips on how you can strengthen your business against the risk of lawsuits:

Properly Structure Your Business

AdobeStock_1329871997-300x200Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers a great way to settle disputes without stepping into a courtroom. Two of the most popular methods of ADR are mediation and arbitration. Both provide efficient, private alternatives to traditional litigation, but they are quite different when it comes to the process and the results. Understanding these differences is key when deciding which option works best for your situation.

Benefits of ADR

Both mediation and arbitration share some key advantages over going to court:

AdobeStock_38444038-300x201Business Partnership Lawsuits — Disputed Between LLC Members, Shareholders, General Partners, or Limited Partners

Nobody enters a business partnership or relationship expecting to end up in litigation, but disputes may arise that can only be resolved through a formal legal process. If you are involved in such a lawsuit, the San Jose partnership lawyers at Structure Law Group can provide you with professional advice, guidance, and representation throughout the process.

Why Partnership Lawsuits Happen