Litigation is a costly distraction

Business lawsuits consume more than legal fees. They tie up owners and managers for months or years, expose financial details in public filings, and often end business relationships that took years to build.

Mediation puts the decision back in the hands of the people who understand the business best. With a neutral guiding the discussion, the parties can shape solutions that fit, from revised payment terms to a restructured partnership, rather than accepting the win-or-lose outcome of a trial.

By the numbers

33.7 months
median time from filing to trial for a civil case in federal court.
U.S. Courts, Federal Court Management Statistics, June 2026
4%
of state-court civil cases in a national study were decided by trial, summary judgment or binding arbitration. The rest ended some other way.
National Center for State Courts, The Landscape of Civil Litigation in State Courts, 2015

Disputes we help resolve

Contract disputes
Financial disagreements between owners
Partnership and LLC member conflicts
Family-business disputes
Disputes with vendors or customers
Disagreements over business succession

What resolution can look like

Two owners, one exit

The dispute. Co-owners of a small company can’t agree on what one partner’s share is worth.

The resolution. A valuation by an expert both select, a buyout paid over three years, and a transition plan for key customers.

The final invoice

The dispute. A contractor and a client disagree about the last payment after a project ran late.

The resolution. A reduced final payment, a firm date to finish the punch list, and mutual releases so neither side files suit.

The next generation

The dispute. A founder and two adult children disagree about who should run the family business.

The resolution. Defined roles, a two-year leadership transition, and buy-sell terms everyone understands.

Illustrative examples only, not actual clients. Every outcome depends on the facts and the parties’ agreement.

Why Elizabeth

Elizabeth has spent her career structuring and documenting businesses: forming corporations, family limited partnerships and limited liability companies, drafting organizational minutes and filings, and preparing and negotiating contracts. She has also taken part in mediation, arbitration and litigation over contractual relationships, so she understands both the documents at the heart of a dispute and the practical pressures on the people behind it.

Questions businesses ask

Our contract requires mediation before suit. Can Elizabeth serve as mediator?

Yes, as long as there’s no conflict of interest. Call to check availability; Elizabeth will confirm the parties and any requirements in your contract’s dispute clause.

Is what we disclose kept confidential?

Mediation discussions are confidential and generally can’t be used later in court. Information shared with Elizabeth privately stays private unless you authorize her to share it.

Business & contract mediation