Take an Emotional Step Back. Legal issues often involve heavy duty emotions. This can be true even when negotiating an otherwise dry contract, let alone dealing with a tax dispute or an infringement on your hard-earned intellectual property. I cannot tell you how often I have heard the phrase I have come to dread: “but it’s the principle of the thing.”
Well, yes and no… Of course principles matter, and when we feel we are wronged, we want to see justice done. The author of “everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten” had it
right.
However, as a business lawyer, my job is to help my client make a good business decision that he or she she can live with months and years into the future. Often, this involves stepping back from the emotional need for justice or vindication. For example, it may make sense to settle a dispute even if you are in the right so that you do not have to incur the incredible financial, emotional, and time-consuming toll litigation demands.
It takes guts to stand back and weigh the costs and benefits of a resolution that may make business sense but feels grossly unfair. 9 times out of 10, you’ll be glad you did.
This is just a basic overview and is not legal advice specific to your situation. If you would like to speak with Jonathan about your situation, please email him at jcw@eastbaybusinesslawyer.com or call him at 925-217-3255.
