Contract Disputes

Our society depends on contracts to enable corporations and individuals to transact business and pursue their goals. Most business litigation handled by the Firm involves at least one contract dispute. The resolution of such disagreements can be a high-stakes matter for all involved. Business litigator Lee Berlik has successfully represented business of all sizes in countless contract disputes. While the nature of the practice will sometimes call for appearances in state and federal courts around the United States, most disputes handled by the firm are concentrated in the Northern Virginia technology corridor and involve businesses located in Reston, Herndon, Dulles, Fairfax, Leesburg, and other areas in and around the District of Columbia.

At BerlikLaw, we have in-depth experience in a wide range of breach of contract disputes, including:

• Commercial contracts and general business contracts
• Buy/Sell agreements
• Shareholder controversies
• Operating agreements and partnership agreements
• Sales contracts
• Employment contracts
• Contracts for the sale of real estate
• Non-compete agreements
• Confidentiality agreements
• Service agreements
• Warranties and guaranties
• Insurance contracts
• Construction contracts
• Consumer contracts
• Government contracts
  

Unlike many firms, the philosophy at BerlikLaw is to approach each case as though it will be tried, not settled. While most cases should, in fact, be settled, early trial preparation tends to lead to better results whether at the settlement table or in court, and sends a message to the other side that the outcome of the case will be guided by sound business considerations, not by the fear of trial that other litigation firms have. Despite this approach, most cases do settle out of court, and most of our clients find that such settlements provide a less expensive and more discreet resolution than taking the case to trial.

Another option we offer our business clients, when available, is to submit their contract dispute to mediation, arbitration, or other alternative dispute resolution procedure. Oftentimes a confidential, inexpensive, and agreeable resolution can be reached through ADR, allowing the parties to continue transacting business with each other on favorable terms.

If you are looking to enforce a contract or defend yourself against a breach of contract claim, you need aggressive representation by an experienced lawyer. Lee Berlik regularly represents businesses of all sizes on breach-of-contract and related claims, offering valuable assistance to both plaintiffs and defendants.