Contract Disputes

Today, contract disputes arise in many different contexts. We regularly encounter service contracts, construction contracts, employment contracts and the like. To be legally enforceable, a contract does not necessarily have to be in writing. We also routinely see cases involving shareholder or member disputes relating to closely held companies or Limited Liability Companies. If you find yourself in a contract dispute, it is important to seek competent legal counsel early in the process. An effective attorney can often help to avoid litigation. Or, if litigation is unavoidable, your lawyer can help you to negotiate a favorable resolution, minimize exposure or present a strong case to the Arbitrator, Judge or jury. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today if you believe you are currently involved, or may become involved, in any sort of contract dispute.

Contracts can be created that range in scope, complexity, duration, and implication. Most importantly, the duties, rights, and obligations that arise from a contract must be clearly defined and tailored to the contracting parties' needs. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our team of attorneys are experienced in consulting with clients and drafting contracts to meet their precise needs. There is no one-size-fits-all contract. However, an understanding of the underlying principles of contract law are essential to anyone attempting to develop a lasting and enforceable agreement.

Because each contract must be tailored specifically to the needs of the parties, there are infinite possibilities for drafting a contract. That is one reason why a skilled attorney is essential to ensuring that your needs are met. Moreover, a talented lawyer will anticipate future events and issues, even those which may not seem likely, and preemptively address those possibilities during the drafting - preventing uncertainty, saving costs, and avoiding litigation. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to begin discussing your contracting needs with our experienced team of attorneys.

Although contracts vary extensively, here are a few broad areas of contracts that the attorneys of Arnold & Smith, PLLC can create for you or your business:

General Business Agreements: Franchise Agreements; Indemnity Agreements; Advertising Agreements; Covenants Not to Sue; Non-Compete Agreements; Settlement Agreements; Releases of Liabilities; Assignments; Purchasing Agreements; Partnership Agreements; Joint Venture Agreements; Limited Liability Companies; Articles of Incorporation; Corporate Bylaws; Merger Agreements

Employment Contracts: Confidentiality Agreements; Distributor Agreements; Consulting Agreements; Employment Agreements; Independent Contractor Agreements; Sales Representative Agreements; Employment Termination or Separation Agreements

Sales Contracts: Bills of Sale; Sale Agreements; Purchase Orders; Warranties; Limited Warranties; Security Agreements; Agreements to Sell Businesses

Leases: Landlord-Tenant Agreements; Real Property Leases; Equipment Leases

Many existing contracts may be unclear, outdated, unworkable, or subject to multiple interpretations. If you or your business is a party to a contract but unclear what duties or obligations that the contract requires, the lawyers of Arnold & Smith, PLLC can help guide you. As experienced contract attorneys, our team will work for you by focusing on minimizing your liability, negotiating positive outcomes, and using effective solutions to resolve your legal issues.

If litigation arises from a contract dispute, the bottom line is this: the contract requires whatever a court says it requires. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our attorneys apply critical legal analysis to interpret contracts and agreements according to the relevant court precedents and principles. We show you what the contract really means to you, what it means to other parties, and what it would mean in court. This gives you the advantage of knowing the bottom line before you act. From there, our legal team can consult with you regarding your specific circumstances and provide sound legal advice on how to move forward.

Timeliness is often critical to contract disputes, as the failure to act quickly can have serious implications, particularly in regards to offers, acceptances, assurances, repudiations, ratifications, and more. If you have any uncertainty regarding your rights, duties, or obligations arising from a contract, do not hesitate to contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to consult with an experienced attorney.