$1M recovered
Recovered $1 million for a homeowner after a plumber's negligence flooded the house.
2026Home / Contract Disputes · Los Angeles
Contract dispute lawyer in Los Angeles.
A client won't pay, a vendor didn't deliver, or a partner broke the deal. We enforce contracts and defend against breach claims for businesses and individuals across Los Angeles.
Disputes we handle
- Unpaid invoices and money owed.
- Vendors and contractors who did not deliver, including refunds for defective work.
- Partnership, operating and shareholder agreements.
- Purchase agreements for businesses and property.
- Loans and promissory notes in default.
- Defending against breach of contract claims.
How we approach a contract dispute
We start with the contract and the paper trail: what was promised, what was delivered and what the agreement says about disputes, fees and venue. Many cases resolve after a well-documented demand letter. When they don't, we file suit or, if the contract requires it, arbitration, and prepare the case for trial.
Recent result: approximately $2.2 million recovered for a private lender on defaulted secured notes.
Deadlines and attorney fees
California generally allows four years to sue on a written contract and two years on an oral one, measured from the breach. If your contract has an attorney fee clause, the winning side can often recover reasonable fees, which changes the math for both sides.
Case results
Recent results.
Selected outcomes from the firm’s closed matters.
$2.2M recovered
Recovered approximately $2.2 million for a private lender owed on defaulted notes secured by real estate.
2025Results depend on the facts of each case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Client details are withheld for privacy.
Common questions
Questions clients ask first.
General information about California law, not legal advice for your situation.
Is a text or email exchange a binding contract?
It can be. California enforces many agreements made by email or text, as long as the essential terms were agreed. Some contracts, such as most real estate sales, must be in a signed writing.
What can I recover for a breach of contract?
Usually the money needed to put you where you would have been if the contract had been performed, and sometimes interest and attorney fees. Punitive damages are generally not available for a simple breach.
Should I use small claims court?
For smaller amounts it can make sense: in California a business can generally sue for up to $6,250 and an individual for up to $12,500 in small claims, without lawyers. Larger or more complex disputes belong in civil court.
Client reviews
5.0 stars on Google from 46 clients.
As a full-time real estate professional in Beverly Hills for the past 18 years, I have worked with many legal experts, and my experience with this landlord-tenant attorney was exceptional. … Thanks to their brilliant strategy, the tenant vacated without needing to go to trial, saving me significant time, stress, and expense.
As an attorney myself, I'm very selective about who I work with, and I can confidently say this firm did an outstanding job. … Within just a few emails, the landlord became responsive and began addressing maintenance requests promptly and professionally.
Very grateful to Mr. Manavi for representing me against a insurance company that was trying to deny me equitable payment in the repair of my childhood home after a negligent plumber. Mr. Manavi advocated fiercely, expertly, and strategically to secure a favorable outcome.
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Contact
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The first 20 minutes are free. Have any documents handy, such as a contract, lease, citation or police report, and a short description of what you hope to achieve.
Email
saman@manavilaw.com
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