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FAQs

What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Business Attorney

Q:

What is business litigation?

A:

Business litigation involves business relationship disputes including those with customers, competitors, and/or employees. We bring and defend suits for business clients in the Civil District and Superior Courts of North Carolina, primarily in Mecklenburg and Union County, as well as the Western District of North Carolina Federal Court. We assist with motions and proceedings in trial courts and offer alternative dispute resolution (including arbitrations or mediations). Examples of business litigation cases include causes of action for breach of contract, fraud, negligence, and unfair and deceptive trade practices.

Q:

Why is it crucial to hire an attorney for business litigation early?

A:

After a proper investigation of all facts and contracts involved, a business attorney will assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, advising you on how to best proceed. This includes relevant filing deadlines (such as contractual, administrative, or statutory deadlines and/or statutes of limitation). If negotiation and settlement of your claim at the outset don't work, you'll initiate a lawsuit. Corporations are usually required to be represented by licensed attorneys at the Civil District and Superior Court levels. Companies cannot represent themselves. See Lexis-Nexis, Div. of Reed Elsevier, Inc. v. Travishan Corp, 155 N.C. App. 205, 573 S.E.2d 547 (2002).

Q:

What are some things that I can prepare to bring to an attorney at the initial consultation meeting?

A:

For your initial meeting with a business litigation attorney, please share a copy of any contracts involved in your dispute as well as relevant correspondence such as emails, letters, and text messages. Some clients find it helpful to write a brief summary or timeline of events and attach any relevant documents involved in their dispute.

Q:

What's the difference between Civil Superior and District Court in North Carolina?

A:

In Civil Superior and District Court cases, a judge generally decides your case without a jury, unless you request a jury trial. Filing your case in Superior Court is appropriate when you are seeking monetary damages in the amount of $25,000 or more. If you are seeking monetary damages in an amount less than $25,000, you'll file in District Court (Small Claims Court is a division of District Court and is generally reserved for monetary disputes less than $10,000 and evictions). In North Carolina, Superior Court cases require that the parties attend mediation, whereas District Court cases are scheduled for a court-ordered arbitration

Q:

Do you offer virtual consultations?

A:

We provide virtual consultations by request. Phone consultations are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Our office follows local and state masking guidelines. You can call our office or submit your information on the Contact Us page to schedule your appointment.

Q:

What is estate planning?

A:

Estate planning allows you to manage your affairs in the event of incapacity or death, distribute your assets to your heirs and designate guardians and trusts for your dependents. We can assist you if you're ready to create a will. Our attorney will help with drafting and executing your Last Will and Testament, Durable Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, Durable Financial Power of Attorney, or Living Trust.

Q:

When do I need to make an estate plan?

A:

It's never too early to start estate planning. This continuous process changes as major life events dictate amending or revisiting your estate plan. Changes in the law may also impact your estate plan. Hiring an estate planning attorney can make the process quicker and easier.

Q:

What sets you apart from the competition?

A:

Our mission statement: We're a small law firm dedicated to the practice of law in service to our small business and individual clientele. We're a cost-effective alternative to larger firms and pride ourselves on providing the same quality and level of service as larger firms for all of our clients at a fraction of the cost.

Q:

How do I make an appointment?

A:

Please call our Charlotte or Matthews, NC office to schedule an appointment with a business attorney. You can also go to our Contact Us page on this website and insert your contact information with a brief message concerning your legal dispute. One of our staff members will be in touch with you, generally within 24 hours