Dallas Professional Services Lawyers

A professional-services firm most often argues over profit allocation, decision-making authority, capital contributions for marketing or headcount, and succession planning. Clear partnership agreements prevent many conflicts. When disputes arise, prompt mediation or litigation preserves client confidence and firm value.

The firm should issue a formal demand letter citing the engagement letter and itemized invoice. If payment is still withheld, the firm may file suit for breach of contract and seek attorney’s fees under the fee-shift provision. Prompt action preserves leverage and maximizes recovery.

The firm can protect control by negotiating partnership or investment agreements that limit voting rights, set clear preferred-return terms, and contain dilution caps. Thorough due-diligence on the investor’s background reduces the chance of future conflict.

Texas law allows four years from the date of breach to file suit on a written contract. Acting quickly protects evidence, maintains leverage, and avoids last-minute litigation costs.

Equal-ownership partners can avoid impasse by including rotating tie-breaker votes, buy-sell triggers, or mandatory mediation in their partnership agreement. Without such mechanisms, the partners may need judicial dissolution or appointment of a receiver.

The firm can freeze the partner’s access to accounts, hire forensic accountants, and seek an injunction to prevent further dissipation of assets. Texas law allows claims for breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, and civil theft, with potential recovery of treble damages and attorney’s fees.

For written contracts, a claim must be filed within four years of the breach. Acting promptly protects evidence and bargaining power.

A service agreement should include a detailed statement of work, a formal change-order process, and clear fee-adjustment language for added tasks. Requiring written client approval before any work outside the original scope begins protects margins and reduces billing disputes.

Texas generally recommends retaining client files for at least five to seven years after the engagement ends, but specific tax or regulatory requirements may extend that period. A written document-retention policy ensures compliance, supports malpractice defenses, and facilitates orderly client transitions.

The firm should notify its professional-liability insurer immediately, preserve all relevant emails, documents, and workpapers, and avoid further substantive discussion with the client without counsel present. Early legal guidance helps shape the response, protect privilege, and limit exposure.

Yes. An engagement letter should reserve the right to withdraw services for nonpayment after written notice. The firm must follow any professional-ethics rules on client termination, return client property promptly, and invoice outstanding balances to preserve collection rights.