FAQ – Business Litigation

Ideally, before things escalate. The earlier you involve a business litigation attorney, the more options you may have and the more likely you can avoid a costly, drawn-out dispute.

You should reach out if:

• A contract dispute arises (even if it’s still informal)
• You receive a demand letter or legal threat
• A business partner or employee violates an agreement
• You’re being sued or thinking about filing suit
• You’re uncertain about your legal exposure

Early legal advice often prevents bigger legal bills later. A quick consultation can give you peace of mind and a game plan.

The right attorney should be a problem-solver who understands business, not just the law. You want someone who:

• Has experience with the kind of dispute you’re facing (contracts, partners, vendors, employment, etc.)
• Communicates clearly and explains legal risks in plain English
• Considers your business goals, not just legal “wins”
• Is proactive and strategic, not just reactive

At Blaska Holm, we tailor our advice to your business reality – because litigation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re protecting what you’ve built or resolving a conflict, we aim to be the legal partner you can rely on.

We understand that legal costs are a big concern for business owners, and we approach every case with that in mind. At Blaska Holm, we typically work on a retainer basis, meaning you deposit funds into an account and we bill against that as we work. The amount depends on the type and complexity of the matter, but we’re always upfront and transparent about cost.

As a boutique firm, we pride ourselves on working efficiently. Our team is experienced, focused, and doesn’t waste time, so you get high-quality legal guidance without inflated overhead.

We also see far too many business owners try to “triage” a legal issue themselves, only to end up with higher costs and fewer options later. The reality is: it’s almost always more affordable to get advice early than to untangle a serious legal problem after it’s developed.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to talk to an attorney, it probably is. And we’re happy to start with a consultation to help you understand your options.

Yes, but the process depends on your lease terms and the legal structure of your property ownership. In Georgia, if the property is owned by an entity (like an LLC or corporation), a licensed attorney must represent that entity in state or superior court.

Before you can file a dispossessory action (the legal process for eviction), you’ll need to satisfy certain conditions in your lease. We recommend reviewing the lease with an experienced attorney first so you understand your rights and options.

Congratulations on the win! If the other party refuses to pay, you’ll need to have the arbitration award confirmed by a court to make it enforceable. Under the Federal Arbitration Act and Georgia Arbitration Code, you typically have one year from the date of the award to file for confirmation. The rules may vary depending on your agreement, so it’s best to consult an attorney quickly to preserve your right to enforce the award.

You might have options, but the window is tight. Under federal and Georgia law, you generally have only three months to ask a court to vacate (cancel) the award.

You’ll need to act quickly, and legal grounds for challenging an arbitration award are limited. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible to assess your options.

Document the issue, avoid escalating the conflict, and consult a business attorney. Often, a strongly worded demand letter or negotiated resolution can avoid litigation.

Maintain solid contracts, follow HR and regulatory best practices, and proactively consult legal counsel when making major decisions. A little prevention goes a long way.

Yes – especially for vendor agreements, partnerships, IP licensing, or employment matters. Standard forms don’t cover every risk unique to your business.

Absolutely. Mediation, arbitration, and informal settlement negotiations are often faster, cheaper, and less stressful than going to trial.

Depending on the case, you may recover compensatory damages (like lost profits), interest, attorney’s fees, and in rare cases, punitive damages.

You can pursue garnishment, liens, or asset seizure – but you’ll likely need a lawyer to identify options and file enforcement actions.

Review your operating agreement or partnership agreement. In many cases, mediation, buyouts, or formal dissolutions can resolve disputes efficiently.

Yes! Jeff Holm is a trained mediator registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution and is available for general civil mediations. If your matter is in a different area, like family law, we can refer you to a trusted mediator who specializes in that field.

An arbitration clause means that certain disputes must be resolved outside of court, typically in a private process governed by specific rules (like the AAA or JAMS).

However, not all clauses are enforceable, and not every dispute may fall under the clause. If you’re facing a dispute, consult with an attorney before assuming you must arbitrate.

Don’t ignore it! Arbitration demands often come with tight deadlines, sometimes just two weeks to respond. Contact a business litigation attorney immediately to review your contract and prepare a timely, strategic response.

Possibly. In most Georgia civil cases, you can appeal a final judgment, but you usually have only 30 days to file a notice of appeal. Appeals are time-sensitive and involve complex legal standards, so don’t delay in speaking with an appellate attorney.

Most appeals take about 12 months, but timelines vary based on the court’s docket, whether the case is expedited, and how quickly the trial court transmits the record.

Usually, appeals go first to the Georgia Court of Appeals. If you lose there, you may petition the Georgia Supreme Court for review, but they only take cases of significant public importance. Navigating appeals requires precision, so speak with a qualified appellate attorney to understand your options.