The Phone Call That Changed Everything In the late 1990s, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was facing a problem that no federal agency wanted to admit publicly: its internal dispute resolution system was overwhelmed, adversarial, and producing outcomes that satisfied almost no one — not the employees who filed complaints, and not the agencies and employers named in them. The …
The $2.2 Million Problem Hidden Inside Every Major Construction Contract According to the Arcadis Global Construction Disputes Report, the average value of a construction dispute globally reached $54.3 million in 2022, with U.S. domestic commercial disputes averaging $2.2 million in total costs — including legal fees, expert witnesses, project delays, and opportunity costs. More significantly, the report found that 47% …
When you’re facing a legal dispute, the emotional toll is heavy enough. But the financial toll can be even more devastating. Going to court is often a financial black hole, where costs can spiral out of control with no end in sight. It’s time to stop bleeding cash and consider a smarter, more affordable alternative: mediation. The High Price of …
For a small business, agility is everything. It’s the ability to pivot quickly, seize new opportunities, and outmaneuver larger competitors. But there is one thing that can bring all that agility to a screeching halt: litigation. A lawsuit is like a giant anchor that drags your business down, sapping its resources, focus, and momentum. Here are three ways litigation destroys …
If you suggest mediation to your lawyer and been met with resistance, you’re not alone. It can be confusing. Why would a legal professional advise against a process that is often faster, cheaper, and less stressful than going to court? The answer isn’t always simple, but it’s important to understand the dynamics at play. It’s rarely about malice; it’s often …
Running a family business is both a professional and emotional journey. On one hand, you’re building something lasting with the people you love and trust most. On the other hand, the same ties that unite you can also make conflict more personal and difficult to manage. Family-owned business mediation can be crucial in resolving disputes before they escalate out of …
A well-planned succession planning mediation session is one of the most crucial parts of any business’s future. However, it’s also one of the most emotionally charged. Choosing who leads next, dividing shares, and aligning visions can spark tension even in the closest families or strongest partnerships. At Alternative Law, we guide business owners and families through succession planning mediation—a proactive, collaborative process …
Your Family vs. The Courtroom: Choosing the Right Path for Your Business When a conflict over your family business’s future arises, you face a critical choice: how will you resolve it? This often involves choosing between mediation and litigation, leading to the classic debate of mediation vs litigation, two distinct approaches with profound consequences for your finances, your well-being, and …
Is Your Family’s Legacy at Risk? The Hidden Cost of Succession Disputes. For generations, your family business has been more than just a company—it’s a source of pride, identity, and financial security. But when the time comes for succession, this legacy can become a source of conflict. Disagreements over leadership, ownership, and fairness can escalate, threatening to tear the business—and …
Family businesses form the heart of many economies, often spanning generations and contributing significantly to local communities, state productivity and global markets. However, one of the most critical—and sometimes overlooked—elements of a successful family business is succession planning. Without a clear strategy for passing leadership and ownership to the next generation in family business succession planning, family businesses risk failure, …