Case Studies: Real World Legal Issues, Real World Solutions
At Gunner Law Firm, we view every case as an opportunity to provide our clients with strong solutions and make a meaningful difference. Founding lawyer Jessica Miller, Esq., and our team offer people, businesses, and professionals powerful guidance on complex legal issues. We do so with skill, knowledge, and strong representation. Below, you can find case descriptions that further highlight the scope of our practice and the impactful results we deliver for our clients across Arizona and beyond.
Litigating a High-Stakes Partnership Dispute on Behalf of a Tech Startup
Challenge: A Scottsdale-based tech startup came to Gunner Law Firm after a co-founder abruptly left the company and began a contentious battle over IP ownership, profit sharing, and non-competes. The exiting partner was insisting on a large payout while also threatening to file litigation, thus threatening the company’s reputation and operational future.
Our Approach: Jessica Miller, Esq. promptly reviewed the startup’s operating agreement, employment agreements, and any pertinent correspondence. We conducted detailed negotiations with opposing counsel, keeping careful track of the client’s adherence to partnership requirements while laying the groundwork for solid defense if the matter went into litigation.
Outcome: Through negotiation savvy and legal leverage, Gunner Law Firm secured a confidential settlement that ensured IP protection while allowing the business to carry on. The exiting partner agreed to reasonable terms-including a binding non-compete-and abandoned all claims against the company. As a result, the startup was able to carry on business as usual without missing a beat. They remain in an established market position free of investor concerns.
Winning Six-Figure Settlement for Client in Employment Retaliation Claim
Challenge: A client-an executive at a midsize manufacturing company-got in touch with Gunner Law Firm after being fired soon after raising concerns about workplace safety violations to management. The client suffered reputational damage and financial loss, while the company denied liability and refused to engage in settlement talks.
Our Strategy: Ms. Miller’s team conducted an extensive preliminary investigation, compiling evidence of the client’s protected activity and various adverse actions. We lodged a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and moved on to pre-litigation mediation with a strong story about retaliation and damages.
Results/Achievements: The employer agreed to a six-figure settlement, plus a neutral reference for the client, who was spared disgruntled former employee status and got to avoid the hard work and time-consuming cost of litigation. The client moved on with their career and the company reorganized its reporting practices and offered training in order to avoid these problems from occurring again. Gunner Law Firm’s advocacy achieved a paycheck, but also helped foster change at this organization.
Clearing a Medical Professional’s Name in State Board Investigation
Challenge: A licensed health care provider became subject to a formal investigation by the Arizona Medical Board, based on an anonymous complaint of alleged unprofessional conduct. Depending on the severity of the violation alleged, the outcome could involve license suspension, public censure or revocation. This outcome would have devastated the client’s livelihood and tarnished their professional reputation.
Our Approach: Gunner Law Firm assisted the client with the gathering of supporting documentation, witness statements, and a thorough record of compliance with all medical board standards. Ms. Miller articulated a clear, fact-specific defense to the charges, both in writing and in response to questions at the investigative hearing, and brought to light inconsistencies in the complaint by cross-examining witnesses from the opposing side.
Outcome: The Board unanimously dismissed the complaint for lack of proof of any wrongdoing. The client’s license was exonerated and their professional reputation completely restored. Gunner Law Firm’s advocacy protected their livelihood and the entirety of the client’s professional reputation before the Arizona medical board. The firm continues to be retained as counsel by this and other healthcare providers facing challenges before their respective boards.
Defending a Family-Owned Business Against a Breach of Contract Claim
Problem: A longstanding family-owned retail operation was served with a breach of contract lawsuit by a former supplier for failure to pay for goods and seeking significant damages. The client said the goods received were defective and that the supplier failed to keep up with quality control requirements laid out in the contract.
Our Strategy: Jessica Miller, Esq. brought our expertise to a careful review of the supply agreement, the delivery records, and communication between the parties. We hired an independent expert to evaluate the claimed defects, and we drafted a thorough counterclaim against the supplier to recover damages caused by the breach.
Results: Armed with solid evidence of quality lapses and another side’s expert report, the supplier agreed to dismiss the action and settle for a token amount-the client even received back numerous months’ worth of lost revenue. The case highlighted our ongoing work with business clients throughout Arizona on contract language formulation and record-keeping.
Appealing Wrongful Summary Judgment Order against Client
Challenge: A business owner was hit with summary judgment against them in a commercial lease dispute leading to a substantial monetary judgment and the potential for eviction in a prime Scottsdale retail space. The lower court was said to have ignored vital evidence and misapplied the law.
Solution: Gunner Law Firm took the case on appeal and carefully reviewed the court record. Ms. Miller prepared an effective appellate brief aimed at the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, stressing the key procedural errors and substantive legal points that favored our client. Oral argument was precise, targeted, and responsive to the panel’s issues.
Result: The appellate court overturned the lower court decision, sending it back for further proceedings and vacating the monetary judgment. Our client was able to maintain their business space and negotiate a favorable settlement of the lease. The result showcases our firm’s appellate capabilities, and our appetite for the righting of wrongful judicial acts-no matter how bumpy the ride.
Tailored Legal Solutions that Meet Each Individual Client’s Needs
These case studies are just a sample of the types of matters Gunner Law Firm handles. Whether working through contract negotiations, defending against an administrative action, or advocating for clients in litigation and appellate matters, Gunner Law Firm’s approach is always informed and shaped by the particular circumstances and goals of each of our clients. We couple that knowledge with personal service and the legal skills and knowledge necessary to obtain results in the most complex legal matters.
Gunner Law Firm: Why Work With Us?
Gunner Law Firm is a boutique Arizona law firm providing strategic, client-centered representation. Gunner Law Firm’s attorney, Jessica Miller, Esq., has resolved thousands of disputes and achieved millions of dollars in settlements and successful advocacy in state, federal, and appellate courts. Gunner Law Firm is committed to providing transparency, value, and zealous advocacy of its clients’ interests. This means that you will always receive the highest level of experience and expertise we have to offer-whether you are a business or individual seeking the sound advice or expert advocacy of an Arizona lawyer.
You will immediately see the difference when you choose Gunner Law Firm to be your legal advocate. We appreciate your efforts in keeping costs down and understand that litigation is hard on your bottom line and can also have major impacts on your reputation, image, and personal well-being. Let us be your advocate. Your strategist. Your legal advisor.
Contact Gunner Law Firm
If you are involved in a business dispute or want to protect a business or professional interest, Gunner Law Firm can assist you. Call 623-305-9700 or email to [email protected] to arrange for a private consultation. Our office is located at 3620 N. Hayden Road, Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Take advantage of our experience, strategic focus and commitment – contact us about your legal matter and learn how we get results that make an impact for you or your organization.