Los Angeles Inducing Breach of Contract Attorney
If you believe someone intentionally caused another party to break a contract with you, you may have a legal claim for inducing breach of contract under California law. This claim is often used interchangeably with a claim for intentional interference with contractual relations. Understanding how this claim works can help individuals and companies protect their contractual rights and pursue compensation when interference occurs.
Case Results
$3.4M Recovered
Business Litigation
Assisted in recovery ofthe balance of the purchase price for the sale of a business
$2.7M Verdict
Business Litigation
Assisted in obtaining jury verdict for breach of contract and conversion of business ownership, jury verdict only $25k less than requested
$342k Judgement
Business Litigation
For fraudulent inducement of loans, breach of contract, and defamation in false online posts and reviews
$317k Judgement
Business Litigation
For two brothers and their international business after proving fraud, breach of contract, and defamation by a serial fraudster, despite delays, false accusations, and a last-minute bankruptcy filing
Judgement
Business Litigation
For an elderly landlord and trust, defeating all claims by evicted tenants who tried to misuse COVID as an excuse for nonpayment
$385k Judgement
Business Litigation
For a textile manufacturer in a contract dispute, despite a cross-complaint from the wholesaler
$657k Judgement
Business Litigation
Against a real estate agent who misappropriated client funds, using forensic accounting to prove full fraud and conversion.
$398k Judgement
Business Litigation
By enforcing a promissory note, recovering 100% of damages plus interest
$125k Judgement
Business Litigation
Helped obtain a default judgment against an attorney for unpaid loan balance and battery, after securing terminating sanctions for discovery violations
Disclaimer: Illustrative examples of case types and outcomes. Attorneys cannot guarantee outcomes. Results are case-specific and depend on the true facts of the case. More information here.
What is Inducing Breach of Contract in California
In California, inducing breach of contract occurs when a third party intentionally causes someone to break a valid contract with another party. The law recognizes that contracts should be honored, and outsiders should not improperly interfere with those agreements. This legal claim protects businesses and individuals from unfair conduct that disrupts contractual relationships.
How Do You Prove Inducing Breach of Contract in California
To successfully prove inducing breach of contract in California, a plaintiff generally must establish:
1. A valid contract between the plaintiff and a third party;
2. The defendant knew about the contract;
3. The defendant intended to cause the third party to breach the contract;
4. The defendant’s conduct caused the third party to breach the contract; and
5. Resulting damages.
Examples of Inducing Breach of Contract in California
Claims for inducing breach of contract in California can occur in many scenarios, such as:
- In business competition, where a competitor convinces a key supplier or distributor to break an existing contract
- In real estate deals where someone interferes with a signed purchase agreement by encouraging a party to cancel the deal
- In the employee context, where a business encourages an employee to break an existing employment agreement
Remedies for Inducing Breach of Contract in California
If a plaintiff successfully proves inducing breach of contract, they may be entitled to recover various types of damages, including:
- Compensatory damages to cover the financial losses caused by the breach, such as lost profits, increased costs, or lost business opportunities
- Consequential damages, for additional losses that naturally resulted from the breach, may also be recoverable
- Punitive damages for intentionally egregious conduct
Common Defenses to Claim for Inducing Breach of Contract in California
Defendants may raise several legal defenses to a claim for inducing breach of contract, including:
- Lack of knowledge of an existing contract
- Justified or privileged conduct, such as fair business competition
- No actual breach by the third party
- Independent decision by the third party to breach, separate from the defendant’s conduct
Why You Need an Experienced California Lawyer for Inducing Breach of Contract Claim
Cases involving inducing breach of contract in California can be complex. Proving intentional interference often requires gathering evidence such as communications, contracts, business records, and witness testimony.
An experienced Los Angeles business litigation attorney can help by:
- Evaluating whether a valid claim exists and the validity of potential defenses;
- Investigating evidence of interference;
- Calculating damages; and
- Representing you in negotiations or the litigation process.
Los Angeles Inducing Breach of Contract Lawyer Reviews
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“We have retained Hee and Litigation, P.C. Law Firm for all of our business legal needs for over four years, and we cannot recommend them highly enough.
Hee is not only knowledgeable and experienced but also incredibly thorough and detail-oriented. He meticulously reviewed all aspects of our business legal challenges, identifying potential issues and opportunities that we had not considered.
His strategic approach and ability to think several steps ahead gave us a tremendous sense of confidence and security throughout the entire process, especially the trial.
During the trial, he was fully prepared every single day, explaining his thought process to us about why he was asking or not asking certain questions to all the witnesses, raising timely objections with majority of them being sustained by the Judge…At the end of the day he wanted to make sure that we put all of our ammo on the table and we were able to successfully do that.
Hee also communicates very clearly and has been patient in explaining legal jargon and complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand, ensuring that we were well-informed and comfortable with every decision we made.
If you are looking for a lawyer who will provide exceptional legal counsel and support, we highly recommend Hee and Litigation, P.C. Law Firm.”
S. A. (Business, Fraud)
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“Working with Hee Kim and Litigation, PC has been an exceptional experience. He consistently keeps me informed on every aspect of my case, providing clear details on costs, pros, and benefits of each option. His dedication to my interests is evident at every step, and he ensures I am fully involved in the process.
Attending court hearings with him is reassuring as he remembers every detail and effectively refutes the other side’s claims. His preparation for depositions is impeccable, always calling out any inconsistencies. His strategic advice on when to take specific actions or make motions has been spot on.
His litigation approach is unmatched, and he is highly aggressive in fighting for his clients. He prioritizes his clients, making each one feel like his only case. I highly recommend Hee and his firm to anyone seeking strong legal representation! “
S. A. (Business, Fraud)
“Hee and his team have been our general counsel for years and have handled insurance, real estate, business and collections matters. They are very easy to work with and have a wide range of expertise that is very helpful. Highly recommend!”
E. A. (Business)
Los Angeles Inducing Breach of Contract Attorney FAQs
How is inducing breach of contract different from intentional interference with contractual relations?
Proving a claim for inducing breach of contract requires establishing that the other party to the contract actually breached the contract. A claim for intentional interference with contractual relations only requires proof of interference.
What if there was no actual breach of contract?
You may still have claims for intentional interference with contractual relations or prospective economic advantage.
What types of acts count to prove a claim for inducing breach of contract?
The defendant must commit an intentional act with knowledge of the existence of the contract. The act must have been intended to cause the resulting breach or the defendant must have known the interference was certain or substantially certain to occur as a result of the action.
What if the third party terminated the contract according to its terms?
The claim for inducing breach of contract protects against outside interference with the contract and not the terms of the contract.
Who can be liable for inducing breach of contract?
Any third party or stranger to the contract. The parties to the contract cannot interfere with their own contract.
What if it was an at-will contract?
It doesn’t matter so long as the third party or stranger to the contract interferes with the parties’ will to perform the contract.
Can you sue for punitive damages for inducing breach of contract?
Yes, punitive or exemplary damages are available if the defendant’s intentional conduct was fraudulent, malicious, or oppressive. Punitive damages may be awarded to punish wrongful behavior and deter similar conduct by the defendant in the future.