Using a Business Attorney to Resolve a Business Dispute

At the crossroads of litigation and resolution sits the highly qualified business attorney and professional neutral. But unlike Robert Johnson, it is not necessary to sell your soul in order to achieve success.

A business dispute, by definition, involves a dispute that arises out of the running and/or operation of a business. They can involve internal issues or external issues. One of the most common internal disputes are issues between co-owners. For instance, John D. Rockefeller got into a business dispute with his early business partners. They had an auction (think “I Can Name That Tune in __ Notes” from the old Name That Tune game show) and Rockefeller bought out his co-owners for $72,500. His co-owners received a nice payday and Rockefeller turned the business into Standard Oil.

But back on topic, because business disputes involve business law, having a business attorney — someone who has a significant depth of knowledge in the area — serve as a neutral ensures that parties can rely upon that neutral’s expertise. By the same token, it is imperative that you make sure the business attorney neutral is also trained and skilled in the art of dispute resolution. Just because someone is good at drafting contracts or litigating disputes does not necessarily mean that person is good at mediating. Vice versa, just because someone is a skilled mediator does not necessarily make them adept at business disputes. You wouldn’t have your plumber do your colonoscopy, nor would you have your gastroenterologist fix your toilet.

When you have a business dispute, use a business attorney who is also a professional neutral. Your business will thank you for it.

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