Bay Area Business Dispute LawyerNegotiation, Arbitration, or Litigation — Whichever Protects the Business
Not every business dispute belongs in a courtroom — but every business dispute needs someone who understands what's really at stake. Dracup & Patterson helps Bay Area companies and their owners resolve disputes through whatever path protects the business best: negotiation, arbitration, or litigation. With more than 40 years of experience across California, we bring the judgment to know which one your situation calls for.
Common business disputes we resolve
Most disputes that reach us involve money, ownership, or a broken agreement.
Partnership & Co-Owner Disputes
Disagreements over control, distributions, buyouts, or a partner who isn't holding up their end.
Shareholder & LLC Member Disputes
Deadlock, oppression, and breach of fiduciary duty.
Contract Disputes
Non-payment, non-performance, and disagreements over what the deal actually required.
Vendor, Supplier & Customer Disputes
Disputes affecting operations or cash flow.
Business "Divorce"
Separating owners who can no longer work together, with the least damage to the company.
Resolution first, litigation when it's needed
A dispute lawyer's first job is to widen your options, not narrow them to a lawsuit. We evaluate every matter for the fastest, least destructive resolution before escalating.
Direct negotiation
Many disputes settle once each side sees a clear-eyed assessment of its position — we prepare as if the case is going to trial, which is often what makes an early settlement possible.
Arbitration or mediation
Where a contract requires it — or where privacy and speed matter — we handle proceedings before JAMS, AAA, and private neutrals.
Litigation
When the other side won't deal fairly, we're prepared to take the matter to court and try it — that readiness is itself leverage. See our business litigation practice for how we handle contested cases.
Protecting ownership and relationships
Disputes between owners are the hardest kind, because the fight and the business are tangled together. We help owners resolve deadlock, enforce or unwind partnership and operating agreements, negotiate buyouts, and — when necessary — pursue claims for breach of fiduciary duty. The goal is to protect your stake and, where possible, keep the enterprise intact.
Serving businesses across the Bay Area
We represent clients in San Francisco, San Mateo, the East Bay, Silicon Valley, and the North Bay, and handle matters throughout California. Early-stage dispute work is largely strategy and document review, so we can move quickly regardless of where your business is based.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I hire a business dispute lawyer instead of handling it myself?
As soon as the dispute involves meaningful money, a written contract, or your ownership stake — and especially before you put anything in writing to the other side. Early strategy often changes the outcome more than anything that happens later.
Can a partnership dispute be resolved without dissolving the business?
Often, yes. Buyouts, renegotiated operating agreements, and mediated settlements can resolve owner disputes while keeping the company running. Dissolution is a last resort, not a starting point.
What if my contract requires arbitration?
Then the dispute generally proceeds through arbitration rather than court. We handle JAMS and AAA arbitration routinely and can explain how your specific clause affects your options.
Our Business Dispute Team
Senior attorneys resolving partnership, ownership, and contract disputes for Bay Area companies
Get a confidential assessment
The earlier you involve a business dispute lawyer, the more options you keep. Contact Dracup & Patterson for a confidential review of your situation and a straight answer on where you stand.
Client Success Stories
Hear from satisfied clients who trusted us with their high-stakes legal matters and achieved exceptional results.
"Dracup & Patterson resolved our $1.2M partnership dispute efficiently and effectively. Their strategic counsel and aggressive litigation approach was worth every penny."
Tech Company CEO
San Diego
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
If your California commercial or business dispute exceeds $300,000, request a confidential case review with our senior legal team. Representation is offered on an hourly or retainer basis by attorneys with at least 20 years' experience.
Call 24/7
(833) 221-2990
Serving
All 58 California Counties
Response Time
Immediately during business hours
After hours: still pretty quickly.
Is Your Matter a Fit?
We represent businesses, owners, and high-net-worth clients on an hourly or retainer basis in California commercial and business disputes. Senior attorneys will review your matter in a confidential 20-minute case review.
Case Requirements:
- • Dispute value of $300,000 or more
- • Dispute based in California
Case reviews are confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.
California disputes only