Do I Need a Business Litigation Lawyer in Florida?

If you are a Florida business, it’s important to ask yourself, “Do I need a business litigation lawyer in Florida?” Whether you’re getting ready to undergo business litigation or simply seeking legal advice, a Florida business litigation attorney can be a huge asset to you and your business.

Business law is complex, and it’s important to keep your business on the right side of the law. Without a business litigation lawyer, the business owner must rely on guesswork, which can prove costly later. Still, some may choose to forgo an attorney and represent themselves.

Do I Need a Business Litigation Lawyer in Florida?

First, it is not a requirement in Florida for you to have a lawyer. You can represent yourself instead, which is called “pro se.” When you appear in court pro se, you report directly to the deputy clerks of court and the court’s Self-Help Program. While it’s not legally required to have a lawyer represent you in court, it is highly encouraged.

Civil law, and specifically business law, is very complex. It consists of case law, court rules, statutes, and more that you are expected to understand and follow. Pro se litigants are required to comply with orders of the court and the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, which means they must have a sound understanding of the law.

By working with a trained business litigation lawyer, you can focus on running your business and leave the complicated legal processes to a professional.

How Can a Florida Business Litigation Lawyer Help Me?

Working with a business litigation lawyer in Florida can be beneficial in many ways. In addition to representing you during a business litigation case, a business litigation lawyer can provide legal advice to keep you out of court in the first place.

As of 2024, the unemployment rate in Florida was 3.4 percent, which is lower than the national average. Over the last few years, the state has experienced strong job growth, especially in professional and technical services, information, and transportation and warehousing. Moreover, the economy has shown that it can remain fairly stable during economic fluctuations.

Furthermore, there were 3.6 million small business employees in Florida as of 2022, making up 40.5 percent of Florida’s total workforce. These statistics point to one significant fact: businesses are an important part of the Florida economy. Therefore, it’s crucial to have the right resources in place to protect them as well as the employees who work for them.

A Florida business litigation attorney can defend your business, file claims, and navigate complex legal issues.

What Does a Business Litigation Lawyer Do?

A business litigation lawyer can fulfill many tasks while protecting your business. Whether you need assistance resolving a contract dispute or are seeking legal counsel about a business decision, a trained attorney can advise and represent you.

Depending on the situation, a business litigation lawyer can work on any number of issues pertaining to your business, including:

• Advising on legal issues
• Drafting and reviewing contracts
• Handling or preventing disputes
• Investigating claims
• Locating and interviewing witnesses
• Negotiating settlements
• Preparing case paperwork
• Representing businesses in court
• Tracking and adhering to legal deadlines

You may be actively seeking representation for a claim that must go through litigation. Perhaps you have questions about the legal requirements pertaining to you and your business. No matter the situation, a Florida business litigation attorney can guide you and protect your business.

FAQs

Q: Who Typically Starts Business Litigation in Florida?

A: Business litigation is initiated when one party (the plaintiff) files a complaint about a business dispute. Typically, they are seeking some form of compensation from another party (the defendant). The plaintiff in business litigation can be a business owner, company, or employee. The defendant in most cases is a business entity that has been accused of some form of wrongdoing.

Q: Can I File a Business Claim Without a Lawyer in Florida?

A: Yes, representing yourself is known as appearing in court “pro se.” While self-representation in court is possible, it’s highly recommended to seek legal guidance, especially if you’re dealing with a complex business case. Representing yourself is more feasible for simpler cases in small claims court. Even in those cases, you can better position yourself for a positive court outcome with a skilled business litigation lawyer on your side.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Business Litigation and Business Law in Florida?

A: The difference between business litigation and business law is that the former settles disputes in the latter. Litigation refers to the part of the process where a party takes legal action, and a case is tried in court. It’s the act of resolving a business law issue in a court of law. Business law, however, refers to the entire body of law surrounding individuals and organizations that are engaged in business activities.

Q: Should a Small Business Have a Lawyer in Florida?

A: As a small business, it is wise to seek legal counsel from a Florida litigation lawyer. While it is not required to have a lawyer, a skilled professional can keep track of important deadlines and enable your business to remain in compliance with state and federal laws. Moreover, they can use their legal knowledge to represent you in court, should you face a legal challenge at some point.

Reach Out to a Florida Business Litigation Lawyer to Learn More

As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibilities and duties. Don’t make navigating the complex world of business law another one. With a knowledgeable business litigation lawyer on your side, you can focus on your business while they focus on protecting it.

LMK Legal has years of experience in representing all types of business litigation cases, and we’re ready to hear your story. We’re proud to provide strategic planning and services, tailored to our clients’ unique businesses and situations.

Contact us to set up a consultation with a skilled business litigation attorney today, and we can begin work on protecting your business together.