Business Litigation Lawyer in Hanford, CA

Disputes are a reality in business, but they do not have to derail your operations or define your future. Whether you’re running a family-owned agricultural business in Kings County or managing a growing enterprise in Hanford, having the proper legal support can make all the difference. At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, our experienced team of business litigation lawyers helps companies throughout the Central Valley resolve conflicts efficiently and strategically.

Business litigation can be costly, stressful, and disruptive. Our goal is to minimize those impacts and safeguard what you’ve built. With deep roots in the Central Valley and over 75 years of service to local businesses, we know how to manage both the courtroom and the community.

What Is Business Litigation?

Business litigation refers to any legal dispute involving a business or commercial entity. These disputes can arise between companies, within companies, or with external stakeholders, such as vendors, customers, or former employees.

Unlike criminal law, business litigation is civil in nature; it’s about monetary damages, contract enforcement, or injunctive relief. Common examples include breach of contract, shareholder disputes, or intellectual property infringement.

Types of Business Litigation We Handle

Every business, large or small, is vulnerable to legal conflicts. Having our knowledgeable litigation attorneys on your side can reduce your exposure, control costs, and ensure you stay focused on what matters: running your business.

Breach of Contract

Contracts form the legal backbone of daily business operations. Whether you are a manufacturer, a service provider, or a commercial landlord in Hanford or throughout the Central Valley, a breach of contract can threaten your bottom line and reputation. These breaches often involve missed payments, failure to deliver goods or services, or a refusal to meet obligations as agreed.

We handle breach of contract disputes involving:

Purchase and supply agreements
Professional service contracts
Non-disclosure, confidentiality, and non-compete clauses
Construction contracts and performance bonds
Commercial lease agreements

Our team of seasoned business litigation lawyers carefully reviews the contract language, preserves key evidence such as emails or invoices, and pursues swift resolution through negotiation, arbitration, or trial when necessary. We’re also experienced in obtaining injunctive relief in time-sensitive cases to prevent further harm to your business.

Partnership and Shareholder Disputes

Disputes between business partners or shareholders can be both emotionally and financially draining, especially in closely held or family-owned companies. When trust breaks down between business owners, we help clients protect their rights and reach fair solutions.

We handle:

Allegations of breach of fiduciary duty
Business valuation and buyout disagreements
Misappropriation of company funds or assets
Deadlock between equal partners
Claims of minority shareholder oppression

Our business litigation attorneys guide clients in Hanford and across Kings County through everything from negotiated exits to litigation and dissolution proceedings. We understand the importance of preserving the value of the business whenever possible, especially in multigenerational and agricultural enterprises common in the Central Valley.

Real Estate and Lease Disputes

Real estate plays a central role in many Central Valley businesses. Whether you’re leasing farmland, operating a retail storefront, or managing a warehouse, disputes over commercial property can escalate quickly.

We represent landlords, tenants, and property owners in:

Lease enforcement and eviction proceedings
Disputes over tenant improvements or repairs
Breach of lease terms, including subletting or non-payment
Zoning and land use conflicts
Construction defect claims and delay disputes

We work closely with municipal and county agencies in Hanford, CA, and the surrounding area to resolve code issues and ensure compliance. Our team has a deep understanding of Central Valley real estate dynamics and can help protect your property investments.

Business Torts

When one company’s wrongful conduct harms another’s business, the resulting legal claims are known as business torts. These cases often involve significant financial losses and reputational damage, necessitating a swift and strategic legal response.

We litigate:

Fraud and negligent misrepresentation in business transactions
Trade libel and defamation harming your reputation
Tortious interference with contracts or business relationships
Unfair competition and deceptive business practices

Our business litigation lawyers know how to build strong factual records, gather digital and documentary evidence, and prove economic damages. Whether the case involves a local competitor in Hanford or an out-of-state bad actor, we are prepared to defend your business’s good name and financial stability.

Employment Litigation (Representing Employers)

Employment-related claims can disrupt your business, demoralize your workforce, and damage your reputation. We exclusively represent employers in defending against these allegations and work proactively to reduce legal exposure.

Our business litigation attorneys handle claims involving:

Alleged wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment
Wage and hour violations under California law
Breach of employment agreements or restrictive covenants
Employee theft or misappropriation of trade secrets
Retaliation and whistleblower complaints

Whether you run a local business in Kings County or a farm operation in the Central Valley, we tailor our litigation and compliance strategies to your industry and goals. We also defend businesses in administrative proceedings before the California Labor Commissioner, the EEOC, and the California Civil Rights Department (formerly the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing).

Collections and Debt Recovery

When clients, tenants, or vendors fail to pay what they owe, your business can suffer. We help companies pursue debts legally and effectively, ensuring enforcement options are exhausted while protecting your reputation.

Our business litigation lawyers in Hanford, CA will assist with:

Demand letters and negotiated payment plans
Small claims and superior court collection actions
Securing and enforcing judgments through liens, garnishments, or bank levies
UCC liens on business assets and personal guarantees
Pre-judgment attachments and discovery.

Our firm understands how to pursue recovery without unnecessarily burning bridges, particularly in close-knit Central Valley business communities.

Intellectual Property Disputes

A company’s brand, creative works, and trade secrets are among its most valuable assets. If someone uses your intellectual property without permission, it can confuse customers and hurt your bottom line.

We represent businesses in:

Trademark and copyright infringement litigation
Misuse of confidential information by former employees or vendors
Domain name and digital content disputes
Licensing disagreements and contract enforcement

Whether you are a small e-commerce business in Hanford or a growing agricultural brand across the Central Valley, we take decisive legal action to protect your innovation, identity, and goodwill.

Pre-Litigation Strategies: Avoiding the Courtroom When Possible

Litigation isn’t always the first, or best, step. At our firm, we explore pre-litigation strategies to avoid court when possible. Our Hanford, CA business litigation attorneys assess the legal and financial risk early, recommend practical steps to resolve the matter, and pursue:

Settlement negotiations
Demand letters outlining your position
Mediation or arbitration under contract terms

We aim to resolve disputes favorably before litigation begins, saving time and resources while still protecting your rights.

Our Business Litigation Approach

Each case is different. That’s why we tailor our litigation strategy to your goals and tolerance for risk. Our approach includes:

In-depth case evaluation and risk analysis
Reviewing contracts and communications for legal strengths and weaknesses
Collaborating with you to understand business operations and desired outcomes
Drafting strategic pleadings and discovery plans
Utilizing procedural tools like demurrers or motions for summary judgment to narrow the issues or resolve the case early

Whether the dispute is high-stakes or more routine, we bring a thoughtful, thorough, and tactical mindset to every matter. Throughout the process, we provide regular updates and honest advice to help you make informed decisions.

What to Expect During the Business Litigation Process

Business litigation is not a one-day event; it’s a structured legal journey that can span months or even years. Understanding each phase helps you manage risk, prepare strategically, and make informed decisions along the way. Here’s a more in-depth look at what to expect:

Initial Consultation and Investigation

The process begins with a confidential consultation. We listen to your side of the story, ask targeted questions, and gather all relevant documents, contracts, communications, financial records, or employment files. This is also the stage where we assess your goals, potential exposure, and whether litigation is truly the best course of action.

Our legal team may also conduct independent investigations to uncover additional facts, identify witnesses, and determine whether early resolution is possible or advisable.

Pleadings

Once we have a clear picture of the case, we draft and file the necessary pleadings. If you are the plaintiff (the party bringing the legal action), this means preparing a detailed complaint that sets out your claims in compliance with California civil procedure rules. If you’re the defendant (the party against whom the legal action is brought), we respond with a formal answer and potentially assert counterclaims or defenses.

This stage shapes the legal parameters of the dispute, including the issues the court will decide and the relief that may be sought.

Discovery

Discovery is often the most time-consuming and technical stage. Both parties are required to share relevant information and documents, which may include emails, accounting records, contracts, and internal communications. We also conduct depositions and formal interviews under oath to test the strength of the opposing party’s version of events. Our job is to uncover the facts, expose weaknesses in the other side’s case, and position you favorably for resolution or trial.

Motions

Legal motions can streamline the case or resolve it entirely before trial. We may file:

Motions to dismiss, if the other party’s claims are legally deficient
Motions to compel, to force compliance with discovery obligations
Motions for summary judgment, asking the court to decide the case based on undisputed facts

Our litigation team crafts these filings to be legally sound and strategically persuasive, often shaping how the court and opposing counsel view the case.

Settlement Negotiation or Mediation

Most business disputes are resolved before trial. Whether through informal negotiation or structured mediation, we work to achieve a favorable outcome while avoiding the cost and disruption of prolonged litigation.

You can count on our business litigation lawyers to negotiate aggressively but thoughtfully, protecting your bottom line while weighing the costs of further proceedings. When mediation is appropriate, we prepare thoroughly, outlining your best-case scenario, acceptable compromises, and absolute red lines.

Trial

When settlement is not achievable, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. This can occur before a judge (bench trial) or jury (jury trial), depending on the issues involved and your strategic preferences.

Trial involves:

Opening and closing arguments
Examination and cross-examination of witnesses
Presentation of physical and documentary evidence

Our business litigation lawyers have years of courtroom experience and understand the procedures, judges, and jury expectations in Kings County and throughout the Central Valley. We deliver clear, compelling arguments designed to win.

Post-Trial

Winning at trial is not always the end. We assist with enforcing judgments, whether by garnishing wages, seizing assets, or placing liens on property. If the opposing party appeals the verdict, we’re equipped to defend the outcome or initiate our own appeal if needed.

Representing Businesses Across the Central Valley

While our office is based in Hanford, CA, our reach spans the entire Central Valley. Our business litigation attorneys represent clients across:

Kings County: including Lemoore, Avenal, and Corcoran
Tulare County: including Visalia and Porterville
Kern County: including Bakersfield and Delano

Our clients include:

Agricultural producers and packers
Construction firms and contractors
Real estate developers and brokers
Retail stores and professional service providers

We understand the local economy and the unique needs of Central Valley business owners.

When to Contact a Business Litigation Attorney

Many business owners delay contacting a business litigation attorney until a dispute has escalated, often after critical deadlines have passed or damaging evidence has been lost. However, early legal intervention can make a significant difference in both the outcome of a case and the overall cost of resolving it, ultimately protecting your business.

You should consider contacting a business litigation attorney from our firm as soon as:

A vendor, client, or business partner breaches a contract – Whether it’s a failure to deliver goods, refusal to pay, or deviation from agreed terms, early legal review helps you determine whether to renegotiate, demand performance, or pursue legal action.
You receive a demand letter or complaint – Legal threats should never be ignored. Even if you believe the claim is baseless, an attorney can respond strategically, assess potential liability, and preserve important defenses.
An employee threatens to sue or files an administrative complaint – If a current or former employee raises allegations of discrimination, wage violations, or retaliation, your attorney can help you document your compliance, prepare for agency investigations, and avoid escalating the situation.
You’re served with a lawsuit – Time is of the essence. In California, you typically have 30 days to respond to a civil complaint. Delays can lead to a default judgment. We help clients respond thoughtfully and efficiently to protect their interests from the start.
You’re considering suing another party – Before filing a lawsuit, it’s essential to evaluate the strength of your case, and explore the cost-benefit balance, and possible alternatives such as mediation or arbitration. Our business litigation lawyers will guide you through this analysis and help develop the right legal strategy.

Early consultation allows us to:

Preserve critical evidence such as contracts, emails, and financial records
Issue litigation holds to prevent spoliation
Identify potential claims or defenses you may not have considered
Advise on public communications or internal messaging
Avoid missteps that can weaken your position later

At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we believe in proactive, preventative legal counsel. By calling us early, you gain an advocate who can minimize risk, resolve disputes more efficiently, and, when needed, stand strong in court.

Why Choose Griswold LaSalle for Business Litigation

Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP has been serving Central Valley businesses of all types and sizes since 1945. Here’s what sets us apart:

Local Insight: Our Hanford, CA business litigation attorneys are well-versed in the judges, clerks, and court systems of Kings, Tulare, and Kern Counties.
Personalized Service: We maintain long-term relationships with our business clients and tailor our approach to meet your specific operational needs.
Broad Legal Strength: In addition to business litigation, we offer support in real estate, estate planning, and municipal law, providing a full-service experience.
Community-Focused Values: We believe in hospitality, mentorship, and giving back through our Griswold LaSalle Community Foundation.

With our team, you’re not just hiring a litigator, you’re gaining a trusted legal ally committed to your success.

Ready to Protect Your Business? Contact Our Hanford, CA Business Litigation Lawyers Today

When your business faces a serious legal dispute, you need more than a lawyer; you need a partner who understands your goals, your industry, and your community. At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we’re proud to stand with Central Valley business owners in moments of uncertainty, providing clear advice and powerful advocacy.

Whether you’re in Hanford, Visalia, Bakersfield, or anywhere in the Central Valley, our team is ready to handle your business litigation with confidence.

Call our office today at (559) 315-3714 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a skilled business litigation attorney from our firm who knows the courts, the contracts, and the community. A business litigation lawyer is standing by.