We represent Tulsa businesses and owners in contract disputes, partnership and shareholder fights, business torts, and other commercial litigation across Tulsa County and northeast Oklahoma. Most firms will not talk about fees. We will, in plain English, before you commit.
Book a free consultation: Contact us online or call (918) 585-8600. Our office is at 2727 E 21st St #600, Tulsa, OK 74114.
Business disputes we handle in Tulsa
Business litigation covers a lot of ground. These are the matters we handle most:
- Breach of contract and contract disputes
- Partnership and shareholder disputes
- Business torts and fraud
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Non-compete and non-disclosure disputes
- Commercial and vendor disputes
- Real estate and lease disputes
- Collection of business debts
If you are not sure whether your dispute is worth pursuing or defending, the free consultation will give you a straight answer.
Breach of contract disputes in Oklahoma
Most business litigation starts with a broken promise. Whether a vendor failed to deliver, a customer refused to pay, or a partner ignored the agreement, a breach of contract claim is about holding the other side to the deal. In Oklahoma, the type of contract matters: written contracts generally carry a five-year limitations period and oral contracts three years, so the clock may be shorter than you think. We move quickly to protect your claim and your leverage.
Partnership and shareholder disputes
Few business fights are as bitter, or as high-stakes, as a falling-out between owners. Disagreements over money, control, buyouts, and breaches of duty can threaten the whole company. We represent owners on both sides of these disputes, working to protect your stake, enforce the agreement, and, when possible, resolve the conflict without destroying the business you built.
The Oklahoma business litigation process, step by step
Knowing the path makes a lawsuit far less daunting. Here is the typical route of a Tulsa business case.
Step 1: Free consultation and case assessment. We review your contracts and facts and tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing or defending, and what it may cost.
Step 2: Demand and negotiation. Many disputes resolve with a strong demand before suit. We start here when it serves your interests.
Step 3: Petition. If suit is needed, we file in the Tulsa County District Court setting out your claims.
Step 4: Answer. The other side responds, typically within about twenty days of service.
Step 5: Discovery. Both sides exchange documents, answer written questions, and take depositions. In business cases, the paper trail is everything.
Step 6: Motions. We pursue and defend motions, including summary judgment that can resolve claims before trial.
Step 7: Mediation and settlement. Most business cases settle. We negotiate from strength because we are prepared to try the case.
Step 8: Trial and appeal. When a fair resolution is not on the table, we try the case and preserve your right to appeal.
For court information, Tulsa County records are available through the Oklahoma State Courts Network.
How long business litigation takes and what it costs
Two questions come first for every business owner.
Business litigation is usually billed hourly against a retainer, because the work scales with how hard the other side fights. We explain the likely cost and structure at the consultation, so you can make a business decision with real numbers. Often the smartest move is a strong early resolution, and we will tell you when that is the case.
Statutes of limitation on Oklahoma business disputes
Deadlines decide cases before they start. In Oklahoma, the limitations period depends on the claim: written contracts generally have five years, oral contracts three years, and some business torts and fraud claims have shorter windows. If you think you may have a claim, do not wait, because once the deadline passes, even a strong case is gone. We confirm your deadline immediately.
Settle or go to trial
Most business disputes settle, and a clean settlement is often the best business outcome. But settlements are only as strong as your willingness to try the case. Opponents and their lawyers know which firms actually go to trial. Our former-prosecutor founders and lead litigator give your company genuine trial credibility, and that credibility pays off at the negotiating table.
Trial-tested representation
This is the difference. Lead litigator James C. Asbill focuses on civil and business litigation. Founders Catherine Z. Welsh, a former Assistant District Attorney, and Jim C. McGough, a former Tulsa County prosecutor, bring real courtroom experience. When your litigators have tried cases in front of juries, the other side has to take you seriously.
Meet your Tulsa business litigation team
Your case is handled by attorneys you can name. James C. Asbill leads business and civil litigation, backed by founders Catherine Z. Welsh and Jim C. McGough. When a dispute touches contracts, a closely held business, or an estate, the same firm covers it. Browse all of our legal services.
Tulsa business litigation FAQ
How long does business litigation take in Tulsa?
Many disputes settle in weeks with a strong demand. A filed case typically runs six to eighteen months to settlement or trial, depending on complexity and how hard the parties fight. We give you a realistic timeline after reviewing your facts.
How much does a business litigation attorney cost?
Business cases are usually billed hourly against a retainer, because the work scales with the dispute. We explain the likely cost and structure at the free consultation so you can make a sound business decision.
What is the statute of limitations on a breach of contract claim in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, written contracts generally have a five-year limitations period and oral contracts three years. Some business torts and fraud claims have shorter deadlines. Confirm yours with an attorney quickly, because missing it can end your claim.
Do I have a case?
That is what the free consultation answers. We review your contracts and facts and tell you honestly whether your dispute is worth pursuing or defending, and what it may cost.
What is discovery in a business lawsuit?
Discovery is the exchange of documents, written questions, and depositions between the parties. In business disputes, the documents and the paper trail usually decide the case.
Should I settle my business dispute or take it to trial?
Most business cases settle, and that is often the best outcome. But a strong settlement requires being ready to try the case, which is exactly how we prepare every matter.
Can my business dispute be resolved without going to court?
Often yes. Many disputes resolve through a strong demand, negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. We pursue the most efficient path that still protects your interests.
What is the difference between a breach of contract and a business tort?
A breach of contract is the failure to honor an agreement. A business tort is a wrongful act like fraud, interference with a contract, or breach of fiduciary duty. Many business cases involve both.
Where are business lawsuits filed in Tulsa?
Most are filed in the Tulsa County District Court, though some belong in federal court depending on the parties and claims. We file in the right court the first time.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. Your initial consultation is free. Bring the contract and any key documents, and we will give you an honest assessment of your options.