Baton Rouge Business Litigation Lawyer

Baton Rouge Business & Corporate Attorney

Business disputes can negatively impact a business, interrupting day-to-day activities and putting future revenue at risk. However, seeking a resolution to issues that arise can be handled by an experienced, effective litigation law firm. By working closely with a Baton Rouge business litigation lawyer, you can protect your business interests and obtain a favorable outcome when resolving disputes.

Business Litigation Representation in Baton Rouge, LA

If your business is damaged or another business or person is claiming that they suffered an injury caused by your business, The Cross Law Firm can help your business protect itself. Based in the Baton Rouge metro area, my firm helps businesses and professionals throughout Louisiana who find themselves involved in an accident or dispute in the line of their business. I take a unique, value-based approach to cases, providing business clients with an upfront assessment of their case’s costs, which can help minimize the financial impact of the case on your business.

While I am experienced at articulating claims and persuasively arguing points in court, some disputes are better suited to be resolved through mediation or arbitration. I can assess your business’s situation and determine if an in-court litigation or out-of-court negotiation is the best course of action.

What Is the Difference Between Business Law And Business Litigation?

Though related, business law and business litigation serve two different functions. In short, business law establishes the regulations managing how businesses function, whereas business litigation resolves disputes that arise from the enforcement of these regulations.

While business law focuses on the regulatory and transactional work of businesses, business litigation, more specifically, focuses on the disputes and legal challenges that arise between businesses and other parties. A business litigation attorney focuses on these disputes, their resolution, and defending businesses against enforcement. When conflicts emerge from a business transaction or relationship, business litigation can utilize the legal system to resolve them. This includes:

• Breach of contracts
• Partner disputes
• Employment disputes
• Claims made against your business by a third party
• Other business-related legal conflicts

These areas of law can get immensely complicated, and this is why many individuals and their businesses can benefit from a business litigator who is skilled and savvy in and out of court.

What Is a Business Litigator?

A business litigator, sometimes called a trial lawyer, represents businesses in court. They handle each step of a case, from the investigation to trial proceedings. Business litigation attorneys generally handle disputes arising from business transactions and commercial law issues through mediation and arbitration.

Why Is Business Litigation Important?

Disputes are inevitable in the business world and naturally come with growth. By offering a legal framework for fair dispute resolutions, all parties pursuing business litigation can have the chance to present their side of the story. This plays a crucial role in the commercial litigation sector by:

• Enforcing contractual obligations
• Ensuring legal compliance
• Deterring future misconduct and disputes
• Setting precedents for ethical business conduct
• Maintaining stability and integrity in business operations
• Protecting interests, rights, and reputations

More than merely resolving disagreements, business litigation is an essential component in a company’s overall business strategy for maintaining integrity, safeguarding interests, and navigating disputes.

Comprehensive Litigation Representation

The Cross Law Firm provides experienced legal representation. Some examples of matters I handle are:

• Contract disputes involving your business
• Breach of contract claims involving your business
• Negligence or accident claims involving business owners, professionals or their businesses
• Alleged violations of noncompete agreements
• Unfair competition claims
• Coverage denials and bad faith handling of claims by insurance companies
• Claims made against your business, even before a suit is filed

My effective legal services help you resolve disputes so you can get back to business.

What Is the Difference Between a Litigator and a Lawyer?

While the two terms can often be used interchangeably, it is important to understand the difference between a lawyer and a litigator. In short, all litigators are lawyers, but not all lawyers are litigators. Lawyers are trained in the law and are licensed to practice law in one or more jurisdictions. They perform various tasks and legal activities. Generally, lawyers offer the following:

• Legal advice
• Corporate counsel
• Prosecution
• Defense
• Negotiation
• Representation

To litigate, however, specifically refers to taking legal action against an offending party or resolving a dispute through the legal system. Litigation is the legal mechanism by which parties argue their case and reach a settlement. A litigator, therefore, represents an individual or entity that wishes to pursue a claim or defend against one in court. Litigators represent their clients through the following litigation phases:

• Consultation
• Pre-filing
• Pleading and motions
• Discovery
• Negotiation
• Trial
• Post-trial motions and appeals

The litigation process can be challenging and complex, involving time-consuming and detail-oriented legal acumen. It is important when facing potential business litigation to find a lawyer with specific experience and background in litigation.

What Can a Business Litigator Do for You?

A qualified and skilled business litigator can:

• Evaluate your case. I can assess the details of your case to determine your legal position in a dispute from the outset. I can provide initial advice on your strengths and weaknesses in your case, recommending the most appropriate and effective course of action.
• File complaints. I can help prepare and file complaints or responses in a case, make pre-trial motions to set the boundaries for the trial, and work to resolve case disputes prior to going to court.
• Manage the discovery phase. The discovery phase is the legal step in which both parties exchange relevant documents and case-related information. I can help manage this phase, ensuring the proper handling of documents, including the production and preservation of important documents.
• Negotiate settlements. Reaching a settlement out of court is generally recommended, as it can avoid the costs and uncertainty of trial. I understand that it is not always preferable for small and midsize business clients to deal with the time and potential publicity of court. I have mediated settlements and negotiated favorable outcomes on behalf of my clients. Disputes are going to happen in business law and operation. Business litigation provides each party involved in the dispute the opportunity to find an equitable resolution without encroaching on either party’s rights.
• Represent you in court. It is important for businesses to have proper legal representation in order to ensure they have the strongest chance of reaching their goals and upholding their rights. If it is necessary to take the case to court to effectively protect your business’s rights, you need an attorney with significant litigation experience. I have represented businesses in court, presenting evidence and making arguments to the judge that support my client’s interests.
• Appeal decisions. When necessary, a business litigator can appeal outcomes, handling all post-trial motions to higher courts. I have successfully challenged trial outcomes on behalf of my clients, fighting for the most favorable settlements.

Lawyers who assume the role of a business litigator can protect the interests of their clients, helping to resolve disputes in a manner that is in keeping with a business’ rights and objectives.

Why You Need An Experienced Litigator

You can minimize the risk to your business with the help of an attorney who has a wealth of experience handling all aspects of the litigation process. I have more than 20 years of experience protecting small to midsize businesses in and out of the courtroom. When you work with a litigator with years of experience, you gain benefits during negotiation and during litigation. In disputes with individuals or businesses, a skilled litigator is unafraid to go to trial, and this can make the negotiations more effective.

An experienced litigator will also be able to navigate the in-court proceedings more effectively and successfully. Having worked for years as a litigator in business law, I understand how proceedings begin, the important steps to building a case, and creative solutions in and out of court.

Legal Fees

Cross Law Firm offers a range of fee structures for our business clients so that they can make business decisions based not only on the risks of a dollar amount owed in judgment or settlement but also to include an understanding of the cost of representation.

Cross Law Firm offers its services on a flat fee, hourly fee or contingency fee basis. I will sit down with you and your business in advance of accepting representation so that we can determine which structure makes the most economic sense for your case. We can even review whether some or all of your legal expenses may be covered by existing insurance.

There are enough surprises in litigation and business disputes. The last thing your business needs to worry about is a surprise bill!

Co-counsel services are also available to other law firms who are looking to add a savvy, skilled litigator to their team for a case.

Co-Counsel Services

My contract co-counsel services when working with other law firms in Baton Rouge include:

• Motion practice
• Court appearances
• Appeal briefs
• Deposition attendance
• Discovery assistance
• First and second chair trial attendance
• Local counsel services

I can provide experienced, skilled and reputable legal representation if you need a little extra help on a specific case but don’t need to take on another partner or associate long-term.

Discuss Your Case With The Firm Today

It is important to have a dedicated business litigator working with you in your case to help you navigate the complexities involved in resolving business disputes of any kind. Attorney Heather Cross at The Cross Law Firm has the qualifications and experience necessary to help you resolve your case.

Whether you are facing contract disputes, a breach of contract claim, or negligence claims, I can help you get your business back to normal operations as soon as possible. To learn more about how your business litigation case may be resolved, talk to me today. Call the firm at 225-325-0266 or contact the office online.