A contract is a legally binding document that spells out agreements between two or more parties. Contracts are typically signed to eliminate future misunderstandings. Because of one reason or another, one party may fail to honor the agreement terms. This is referred to as a breach of contract. When a contract dispute arises that cannot be resolved, a contract attorney can advocate for you — whether you’re an employee or employer.
Roles of a Breach of Contract Attorney
The role of a breach of contract lawyer is to work for you and represent you in court. Whether you have been accused of breaching a business contract or are accusing another party of breaching a contract, a lawyer will sort out the nuances of your claim.
Before you head to court, you should be sure that you have grounds for pursuing the case. The first thing your lawyer will do is review the contract so that they can understand each party’s terms and obligations. They’ll determine whether those obligations have been met.
For a court to hear your breach of contract claim, your lawyer must make the case that:
- The contract is valid
- The contract was breached
- You fulfilled your part of the contract
- The breaching party was informed (ideally in writing) of the breach
If your breach of contract lawyer proves all of the above, the court will either:
- Issue a court order obligating the party that breached the contract to fulfill its obligation, or
- Award general damages, nominal damages, or punitive damages to the aggrieved party depending on the circumstances of the lawsuit.
If you’re the one being accused of breaching an employment contract, there are defenses that your breach of contract lawyer can use. They can either argue that the contract was signed under deception or coercion, or that a mistake occurred during contract signing that makes it invalid.
Contact an Experienced Contracts Lawyer in Washington, D.C.
If you need legal advice from a contracts lawyer in the District of Columbia, you can rely on HKM Employment Attorneys LLP to sort out contract claims. Drawing on years of experience, our law firm will guide you on the best course of action for a smooth resolution. Schedule a Consultation with one of our attorneys and see if legal action is your best option.
