Contract Dispute
Lawyers in Vancouver

Has someone failed to meet their obligations under a contract? Whether you are a business or an individual, a broken agreement can have serious financial and operational consequences. McKechnie & Company represents clients across British Columbia in contract disputes and breach of contract claims, helping you understand your legal position and take the right steps forward.

Are You Dealing With Any of These Situations?

  • A vendor, supplier, or contractor has failed to deliver
  • You have not been paid for goods or services provided
  • The other party is disputing the terms of your agreement
  • An independent contractor has not performed as agreed
  • You have been wrongfully accused of breaching a contract
  • A business deal has fallen apart and you need to know your options
  • You are unsure whether you have a valid claim or how quickly you need to act

If any of these sound familiar, our contract dispute lawyers can help.

We advise on

  • Whether a binding contract exists and whether a breach has occurred
  • How a court is likely to view the dispute
  • Financial recovery and damages
  • Specific performance, compelling the other party to fulfill their obligations
  • Injunctive relief to prevent further harm while the dispute is resolved
  • Steps to limit your losses during the dispute
  • Strategic steps before starting a formal claim

Breach of Contract Lawyers in Vancouver

As experienced breach of contract lawyers, sometimes referred to as breach of contract attorneys by our US-based clients, we help clients determine whether a breach has occurred, what remedies are available, and the most practical path to resolution. A breach occurs when one party fails to meet their obligations under a legally binding agreement. This includes written contracts, and in many cases oral agreements as well. Courts in BC can enforce verbal contracts where the evidence is sufficient, so the absence of a written agreement does not necessarily mean you have no claim.

Business Contract Lawyers for Commercial Disputes

We act for both plaintiffs and defendants across a range of commercial disputes, including:

  • Contracts for goods and services
  • Vendor and supplier disputes
  • Independent contractor agreements
  • Disputes involving unclear, ambiguous, or poorly drafted terms
  • Non-performance, missed deadlines, and repudiation of agreements

our cases

For commercial lease disputes, construction contract issues, and real property matters, we have dedicated practice areas. Our commercial tenancy, construction disputes, and real property pages cover those in detail.

Independent Contractor Disputes in Vancouver

We represent both independent contractors and the businesses that engage them in disputes involving non-payment, wrongful termination of contractor agreements, and disagreements over scope of work. If you are an independent contractor who has not been paid, or a business dealing with a contractor who has failed to perform, we can help you assess your position and options.

Small Business Contract Lawyers in BC

Small business owners face particular challenges in contract disputes, including limited resources and the pressure of preserving ongoing business relationships. We advise small business clients across British Columbia on practical, cost-conscious approaches to contract enforcement and dispute resolution, and give them a clear picture of whether the cost of pursuing a claim makes sense for their situation.

OUR process

Contract Review for Dispute Assessment

A dispute often begins with uncertainty about what a contract actually requires. Our contract review work gives clients a clear picture of their rights and obligations under the agreement. We identify risks, interpret unclear terms, and outline practical options before a dispute escalates. Understanding exactly what your agreement requires, and where the other party has fallen short, shapes every decision that follows.

How Contract Disputes Get Resolved

Not every contract dispute needs to go to court. Our approach is to assess your position honestly, identify the most efficient path to resolution, and pursue it with focus.

Many disputes are resolved through negotiation or structured settlement discussions. When those avenues are exhausted or impractical, our contract litigation lawyers are prepared to advance your claim in BC Supreme Court or through arbitration.

For smaller disputes, the Civil Resolution Tribunal or BC Small Claims Court may provide a faster and more cost-effective forum. We advise clients on the right process for their situation and represent them effectively at every stage.

negotiation

mediation

arbitration

litigation

Case Study

Commercial Property Sale

1

Situation

A vendor of commercial property was obligated under the purchase contract to use best efforts to discharge a charge on title before closing.

2

what went wrong

The vendor failed to meet that obligation. Our client, the purchaser, believed the vendor was deliberately avoiding its obligations in order to pursue a better offer elsewhere.

3


Our Approach

We reviewed the contract, agreed with our client’s interpretation, and commenced proceedings in BC Supreme Court seeking specific performance, an order requiring the vendor to complete the sale as agreed.

4

result

The sale was completed through a consent order for specific performance. Our client got what they were promised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Document everything as soon as possible: communications, missed deadlines, payments made or withheld, and any steps the other party has or has not taken. Get legal advice before responding or taking action, including before terminating the contract yourself. How you respond early in a dispute can significantly affect your legal position later.

In most cases, the BC Limitation Act sets a two-year limitation period from the date you knew or ought to have known that a breach occurred. Some contracts contain shorter notice requirements. If you are concerned about timing, seek legal advice promptly, as waiting can affect your ability to bring a claim.

Many disputes are resolved through negotiation or settlement before reaching court. We will always advise you on the most practical and cost-effective path, but our contract litigation lawyers are fully prepared to litigate when that is what your situation requires.

Yes. Disagreements over interpretation are one of the most common reasons contract disputes arise. We review the agreement, assess how a court is likely to interpret the disputed terms, and advise you on your options.

Yes. We regularly advise small business clients on practical, cost-conscious approaches to contract disputes. We understand that for smaller businesses, the cost of pursuing a dispute has to make sense relative to what is at stake.

Yes. Attorney is the term commonly used in the United States. In BC and across Canada the correct term is lawyer. Our contract dispute lawyers provide the same services you would expect from a contract attorney: assessing your position, advising on remedies, and representing you in negotiations or court proceedings.

It depends on the complexity of the dispute and whether it is amenable to settlement or whether a decision of a court is required for resolution. We give clients a realistic picture of the timeline and costs at the outset so there are no surprises.

Contact Our Contract Dispute Lawyers

If you are facing a contract dispute, payment issue, or contract disagreement, contact McKechnie & Company. We represent clients in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.

Call us at 604-669-7705 or fill out our contact form to arrange a free 30-minute consultation.

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