Many small businesses and companies that are facing a business dispute for the first time want to understand more about the business litigation process. If your business has never filed a lawsuit in the past or defended against a claim, it can be difficult to know precisely what you should expect if you need to go through business litigation. To be clear, all businesses and corporations must face litigation in the course of doing business, and business disputes arise with some frequency. If you recently started a company or purchased an existing business, the process may be new to you.
It is critical to understand that every business dispute will come with its own set of facts and circumstances, so the process will not look exactly alike from case to case. However, our Santa Fe business litigation attorneys can give you a general sense of the business litigation process.
Hire a Business Litigation Lawyer and Move Forward With the Lawsuit
The first step in any business dispute matter is to hire a business litigation attorney in New Mexico to assist you with your case. Whether you are seeking more information about your eligibility to file a claim in a business dispute, or you are facing a claim from another party, you need to have an experienced business lawyer on your side to assist you in this process. You will need to move quickly since you will need to attend to filing and response deadlines, among other urgent matters.
Once you have an experienced business lawyer on your side, you can file your claim or respond to any claim you are facing from another party.
Discovery Process
The next step in the business litigation process is discovery. The discovery phase of a business lawsuit includes depositions (in which parties will provide oral testimony in response to questions from attorneys outside the courtroom), requests for production of documents (which will involve both sides requesting materials related to the case), and written discovery (in which parties will respond to specific questions posed by the other side). In short, the discovery phase is a time in which the parties seek information about the case from the other side.
During discovery, it can be possible to engage in negotiations with the other side—with assistance from your attorney—to avoid a trial and to reach an agreement concerning the dispute
Going to Trial
After the discovery phase, your case will go to trial. Both sides will present their cases before a judge, who will rule on the dispute at issue. Depending upon the specific facts of the case, there may be a possibility of appeal after the court issues its judgment. You can discuss the specific elements of the post-trial phase with your Santa Fe business dispute attorney.
Contact a Santa Fe Business Litigation Lawyer
If you have questions or concerns about handling a business litigation matter in New Mexico, one of our experienced Santa Fe business litigation lawyers can assist your company today. Do not hesitate to contact our firm for help. Contact Slate Stern Law to learn more about the services we provide to businesses in New Mexico.