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When Business Partners Turn Adversaries: Preventing and Resolving Internal Conflicts
Disputes between co-founders, shareholders, or LLC members are among the most disruptive legal problems a business can face. They can stall growth, divide teams, destroy trust, and even lead to dissolution or litigation.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 313 min read


What to Do When a Vendor or Client Breaches Your Contract or Agreement
Contracts are supposed to give business relationships clarity and structure—but when a vendor misses deadlines or a client refuses to pay, things can get messy fast. Whether it’s a supplier delivering defective goods or a customer ghosting you on a big invoice, a breach of contract can hit your operations and your bottom line hard. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in that position—and how to handle it without escalating into an expensive lawsuit too quickly.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 312 min read


10 Smart Questions to Ask During a Legal Consultation
Hiring an attorney is a major decision—one that can shape the outcome of your case or business issue. Whether you're facing litigation,...
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 282 min read


Enforcing Your Copyright: What Creators and Businesses Need to Know
Copyright protects original works of authorship—from songs and software to photos and marketing copy. Whether you're a solo creator or a growing business, knowing how to enforce your copyright is essential to preserving the value of your work and protecting your competitive edge.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 282 min read


Understanding “Pain and Suffering” Damages
Understanding “Pain and Suffering” Damages - What they mean, how they're calculated, and why they matter in personal injury cases.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 232 min read


How Can My Business Collect on Payment?
A practical guide to recovering what you’re owed—without burning bridges.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 223 min read


Common Lawsuits Small Businesses Face—And How to Avoid Them
Introduction Running a small business comes with risk. You wear many hats—founder, operator, manager—and often legal protector. But one...
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jul 143 min read


What If I'm the One Getting Sued?
eing served with a lawsuit is one of the most stressful moments a person or business can experience. Whether you expected it or it comes as a total surprise, that knock on the door or envelope from a process server can feel overwhelming. The legal system is complex, and the idea of defending yourself in court might raise all kinds of questions and fears.But here’s the good news: lawsuits follow a process, and there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself, your busine
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jun 23 min read


Can I Recover Attorneys' Fees If I Win My Case?
Can I recover my attorneys’ fees if I win? The answer, unfortunately, is not always straightforward. While American courts generally follow the 'American Rule'—each side pays their own legal costs—there are several important exceptions. If you understand how fee recovery works early in your case, you can make more informed decisions about strategy, settlement, and risk.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jun 23 min read


I Won! Now What?
Winning a lawsuit is no small feat. After months—or even years—of preparing, arguing, and navigating the court system, hearing the judge or jury rule in your favor can feel like a long-awaited breath of relief. But for many, the end of the trial is not the end of the story. In fact, it may just be the beginning of a new chapter: collecting what you’ve been awarded.Whether your judgment is monetary or involves some other form of relief, the court does not automatically enforce
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jun 23 min read


What Actually Happens at Trial?
Trial is often portrayed as the dramatic conclusion of a legal battle—the moment when the truth is revealed, justice is served, and one side walks away vindicated. But for those unfamiliar with the courtroom, it’s easy to underestimate how structured, strategic, and high-stakes a trial really is. This post breaks down the key phases of a trial and illustrates each with famous cases to give you a vivid sense of what really goes on once a case reaches the courtroom.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
Jun 23 min read


What Is Discovery?
Once a lawsuit has begun, both sides enter the discovery phase. Discovery is the process by which parties exchange information relevant to the case. It ensures that both sides have access to the facts and can prepare for trial effectively.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
May 272 min read


What Happens When You File a Complaint?
Filing a complaint is the formal beginning of a lawsuit. It signals that informal efforts to resolve a dispute have been exhausted or deemed insufficient, and it sets the legal process in motion within the court system. Here is a quick breakdown of what a complaint is and what happens when you file one.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
May 272 min read


What Happens in the Pre-Litigation Stage of Disputes?
Before any lawsuit is filed, there's a phase known as pre-litigation. This stage is often overlooked but plays a critical role in shaping the direction and outcome of a dispute. It involves investigation, strategy planning, and negotiation—all with the goal of either resolving the issue without court involvement or preparing for a strong legal case if necessary.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
May 272 min read


What Are the Biggest Mistakes Companies Make During Litigation?
Litigation is often high-stakes and high-pressure—and how a company manages it can make a major difference in the outcome. While no business intends to make mistakes during a lawsuit, certain missteps are all too common. Identifying these pitfalls in advance can help companies navigate litigation more strategically and protect their long-term interests.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
May 272 min read


How Do I Preserve Evidence If I Anticipate Litigation?
When there’s even a hint that a legal dispute might be coming, one of the first things to focus on is preserving evidence. Failing to secure key documents, emails, texts, or other data can damage a case before it even starts—and may even lead to court sanctions.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
May 222 min read


What Are My Settlement Options—And When Should I Consider Them?
When a legal dispute arises, heading to court might feel like the obvious move—but it’s not the only one. Many disputes can be resolved more efficiently, cost-effectively, and privately through settlement. But understanding how settlement works, what options are available, and when to consider them is key to making a smart decision.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
May 213 min read


What’s the Difference Between Mediation, Arbitration, and Litigation?
When a legal dispute comes up, figuring out how to handle it can feel overwhelming. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but understanding your options is a great place to start. The three most common ways to resolve a dispute are mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Each has its own approach, benefits, and trade-offs. Here’s a breakdown of what each process looks like—and how to know which might be right for your situation.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
May 202 min read


Do I Have A Good Case?
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I assess whether a case has legal merit and what factors you should weigh when deciding whether to move forward.
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
May 193 min read


How Much Does Litigation Cost—and What Can I Do to Control Those Costs?
In my recent blog, “To Sue or Not to Sue?” , I explored the fundamental question that individuals and businesses often face: whether to...
Dennis Sapien-Pangindian
May 153 min read
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