When Florida Contract Disputes Require Legal Action
When the implementation of contracted business transactions meets resistance, a wronged party may seek to resolve the dispute through negotiations, mediation or demand letters. When amicable and moderate attempts such as these do not bring about a resolution, litigation is usually the next step.
The Law Office of Michael A. France helps individuals and businesses pursue the outcomes they need from positions of strength. Founder Michael A. France carefully investigates and strategizes in support of his clients’ interests in business-to-business and business-versus-consumer contract disputes. He has earned a strong reputation among past clients, judges and fellow attorneys, who often send us referrals. He has resolved more than 1,000 business disputes.
Contract Disputes Michael Handles For Businesses And Owners
Michael does not draft or routinely review contracts. Rather, he immediately addresses complex disputes aggressively after they have been identified and presented to him for litigation. Conflicts that threaten his clients’ rights and fortunes include:
- Breach of contract (payment, delivery and performance): Michael quickly analyzes the terms to determine if the other party failed their duty under the signed agreement.
- Noncompete and nonsolicit enforcement/defense: He defends your business interests when a former employee violates restrictive covenants or crafts a candid defense against overreaching claims.
- Vendor/supplier and distribution agreements: He resolves conflicts over the quality, timeliness or exclusivity outlined in your supply chain relationships.
- Purchase orders and master service agreements: Tackling disputes arising from the scope, billing or termination clauses within ongoing contractual relationships.
- Commercial lease disputes (build-outs, CAM and defaults): He efficiently handles disagreements concerning tenant improvements, common area maintenance fees or early termination of a commercial property lease.
- Construction and subcontractor disputes: Clear advocacy in conflicts involving work delays, payment holdbacks or alleged defects between contractors and subs.
- Licensing and IP-related use agreements: He addresses unauthorized use or failure to pay royalties according to the terms for intellectual property and software access.
- Partnership/member disputes tied to operating agreements: Stepping in to resolve deadlocks or breaches of fiduciary duty among business owners as defined by their governing documents.
- Insurance coverage denials connected to contract claims: He works to compel insurers to provide the coverage they owe when a contract dispute triggers a claim under your policy.
A favorable outcome for a client may bring payment, force action, erase claims of liability or negate a contract that was defective from the start. Whatever side of a dispute his client is on, Michael meticulously prepares. When the resolution is slow to come about, he is prepared to take cases to court as needed. His clients know this, and opposing counsel soon recognizes this fact as well. Thanks to his reputation, he is able to settle some cases before trial, but only when the terms are right for his clients.
To Settle Or To Try A Case?
Some law firms – even those that call themselves commercial litigation firms for businesses – tend to steer cases toward pretrial resolutions deliberately. Michael never goes into a case assuming this will be the way to justice. He knows from experience that the best chance at a fair outcome often lies in the hands of a judge and jury.
He assumes he will go before a jury and/or a judge and conducts himself accordingly from the start.
The Mediation-First, Trial-Ready Method
When you face a breach of contract, Michael’s first question is always, “What’s the quickest way to get this over with?” His method ensures efficiency. First, he calls the opposing counsel to find common ground. This step identifies friction points early. He aims to provide you with an issue list in plain English and a decision tree to clarify your options immediately.
Michael strongly favors mediation for contract disputes because it is often the fastest path to resolution. However, he is a trial-ready commercial litigator. He prepares every file for litigation from day one. This thorough preparation is not just for fighting; it is what drives stronger settlements.
Consider Your Options: Contact A Contract Disputes Lawyer In Sarasota
Discuss your contractual disputes with the trial lawyer at The Law Office of Michael A. France. Michael is ready. Call him at 941-212-2282 or complete the online inquiry form to request a consultation and a preliminary case review with a breach of contract attorney in Sarasota, Florida.