California law firm litigates on behalf of your business

If you engage in commerce, sooner or later you are almost certain to encounter a dispute with a client or contractor that you'll need outside help to resolve. The Law Offices of James W. Bates has been assisting businesses for 25 years through alternative dispute resolution and civil trials in state and federal courts.
The firm has the knowledge and experience to help your business in cases related to:
-Antitrust, unfair practices and trade regulation violations
-Banking and creditor issues, including lender liability
-Breach of contract
-Breach of warranty
-Business torts
-Construction law
-Environmental law
-Insurance
-Products liability
-Professional liability
-Real estate
-Intellectual property, including copyright and trademark infringement
-Partnership and shareholder disputes

Recovery from breach of contract:
When a party to a contract fails to perform, it damages the other business. This damage often goes beyond the immediate inconvenience of getting less than promised by the contract. The breach can also cost you future profits if you are unable to serve your clients as a result. James W. Bates can help you achieve the best legal remedy for a breach of contract, such as:
-Compensatory damages reimbursement for immediate monetary loss
-Consequential and incidental damages compensation for additional foreseeable losses caused by the breach
-Attorney fees and costs amounts available only if the contract expressly states they are recoverable
-Liquidated damages amounts specified in the contract that are payable for particular breaches, such as late or substandard performance
-Specific performance court order requiring the breaching party to fulfill the terms of the contract
-Punitive damages penalty for a party's objectionable behavior, meant to punish the breaching party and discourage other parties from acting in a similar manner
-Rescission cancellation of the contract, with both sides excused from further performance and payments made under the contract returned
-Reformation change in the terms of the contract when the court believes there was an honest misunderstanding by the parties about what was to be performed

Affordable alternatives to a civil suit:
The cost of traditional litigation can easily exceed the amount of the contract. Fortunately, there are various means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation and arbitration, that are less costly and quicker than civil lawsuits, but can deliver the same remedies. The Law Offices of James W. Bates has successfully represented clients in arbitration and mediation hearings, and has settled lawsuits prior to trial, saving our clients expenses and getting their businesses back on track.