Commercial Litigation
Lawyers in Vancouver

When a business dispute arises, the consequences extend well beyond the legal question. Operations slow, relationships strain, and cash flow takes pressure. McKechnie & Company provides direct, practical representation for businesses and individuals facing commercial disputes in British Columbia. We act for both plaintiffs and defendants and focus on cost-effective resolution at every stage.

OUR CASES

Business and Commercial Dispute Lawyers Serving BC

Our commercial litigators have appeared before the BC Supreme Court and Court of Appeal for decades. We bring that depth of experience to every file, whether the matter resolves through negotiation or proceeds to trial.

As a boutique litigation firm, we provide focused, partner-level attention on every file. Clients work directly with their lawyer, not a roster of associates, from the first consultation through to resolution.

OUR cases

Types of Commercial Disputes We Handle

Commercial litigation covers a wide range of conflicts between businesses, individuals, and organizations. We act in matters involving:

  • Breach of contract and contract interpretation
  • Supplier and vendor disputes
  • Unpaid invoices and debt recovery
  • Commercial lease disputes
  • Construction-related claims
  • Real property conflicts
  • Business-to-business disagreements

Contract Disputes and Breach of Contract

Many commercial conflicts arise from unclear obligations, non-performance, or breached agreements. We review contract terms, assess available remedies, and take action when negotiation is no longer productive. See our contract disputes page for more detail on how we approach these matters.

Construction and Property Litigation

Commercial projects frequently give rise to disputes involving builders liens, construction deficiencies, subcontractor payment issues, and property-related conflicts. We help clients navigate these matters efficiently. See our construction disputes and construction lien lawyers pages for more on those specific areas.

Our Builders’ Lien Lawyers Assist With:

Debt Recovery and Collections

Unpaid invoices and outstanding debts are among the most common commercial disputes we handle. We advise on recovery options and represent clients in debt collection proceedings when informal efforts have not resolved the matter. See our debt collection page for more detail.

Mediation and Arbitration in Commercial Disputes

Litigation is not always the most efficient path to resolution. Many commercial disputes are resolved more quickly and cost-effectively through mediation or arbitration. We advise clients on which process suits their dispute and represent them through to resolution.

Why Work With McKechnie & Company on Your Commercial Dispute

McKechnie & Company has represented businesses, property owners, contractors, landlords, and individuals in commercial disputes across British Columbia for nearly 30 years. Our advice is direct, our approach is practical, and our focus is always on the most effective path to resolution for your specific situation.

We are a boutique litigation firm. That means the lawyer you meet at your consultation is the lawyer who handles your file. We represent clients in Vancouver, across BC, and from outside the province in matters governed by BC law.

Case Study

Commercial Litigation Case Study

1

Situation

Our client, a sheet metal supplier based in Alberta, hired a trucking company to transport sheet metal products to a customer in British Columbia.

2

Complication

When the product arrived, it had been damaged by water. Our client refused to pay the trucking company, and the trucking company sued and in the Supreme Court was awarded judgment for the agreed transportation costs.

3


Our Approach

We appealed the judgment for our client on the grounds that the trucking company was liable for the damage to the sheet metal. The issue was whether our client had accepted the risk of carriage.

4

Outcome

The Court of Appeal agreed that it had not. It set aside the trial judgment and awarded damages to our client.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Litigation in BC

Commercial litigation refers to legal disputes between businesses, organizations, or individuals involving commercial relationships. This includes contract disputes, debt recovery, construction claims, lease disputes, and other business conflicts resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings in BC.

We handle a wide range of commercial disputes including breach of contract, supplier and vendor disagreements, commercial lease disputes, construction and property conflicts, unpaid invoices, and debt recovery matters. Visit our dedicated practice area pages for more detail on specific areas.

The timeline depends on the complexity of the dispute and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Many commercial disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation within months. Contested litigation before the BC Supreme Court can take significantly longer. We provide honest timeline assessments at the outset of every matter.

Yes. Many commercial disputes resolve through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration without reaching trial. We assess each matter individually and advise on the process most likely to produce a practical result.

Yes. We represent both the party bringing a claim and the party defending one in commercial litigation matters across British Columbia.

Early legal advice almost always improves outcomes. Understanding your legal position, the strength of your claim or defence, and the available remedies before taking action can prevent costly mistakes and save significant time.

Contact Our Commercial Litigation Lawyers

If you are facing a business or commercial dispute in British Columbia, contact McKechnie & Company. We act for clients in Vancouver, across BC, and from outside the province in matters governed by BC law.

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

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