Chicago, IL commercial litigation attorney Gal Pissetzky discusses his approach to resolving contract disputes. He shares that when a client—whether an individual or a company—faces a contract dispute with another party, his first priority is to resolve the matter amicably. He begins by determining whether the opposing side has legal representation. If they do, he contacts their attorney; if not, he reaches out directly to the relevant point of contact. His approach focuses on finding common ground and points of interest that can lead to a mutually acceptable resolution, avoiding the need for litigation.

Even when his client is alleged to have breached a contract or owes money, he pursues the same philosophy: resolve the dispute efficiently, minimize expenses, and prevent unnecessary court involvement. He contrasts this approach with many large law firms, which often proceed directly to litigation because their billing structures are tied to extensive hours spent on discovery, interrogatories, paperwork, and court appearances.

Drawing from his experience in criminal defense, he prioritizes his clients’ interests over billable hours. His goal is always to reach an amicable solution that protects his clients while avoiding the significant costs and delays associated with court proceedings.