Los Angeles Intentional Interference With Prospective Economic Relations Attorney
Businesses and professionals in California rely heavily on relationships, future deals, and potential opportunities. When a third party intentionally disrupts those relationships or prevents a likely economic benefit, the law may provide a remedy through a claim for intentional interference with prospective economic advantage.
This legal claim protects individuals and companies from wrongful conduct that interferes with expected business relationships, even when a formal contract has not yet been finalized.
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 Intentional Interference With Prospective Economic Relations in California
Also known as intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, this claim occurs when someone intentionally disrupts an existing economic relationship that has a reasonable probability of resulting in future financial benefit. It protects against acts that fall outside the boundaries of fair competition.
How Do You Prove Intentional Interference With Prospective Economic Advantage in California
A plaintiff must show:
1. The existence of an economic relationship between the plaintiff and a third party, with a probability of future economic benefit to the plaintiff;
2. The defendant’s knowledge of the relationship;
3. Intentional wrongful act designed to disrupt the relationship;
4. Actual disruption of the relationship; and
5. Resulting damages.
Examples of Intentional Interference With Prospective Economic Advantage in California
A claim for intentional interference with prospective economic relations can arise in many scenarios, such as:
- In business competition or commercial agreements where a competitor spreads misleading statements to prevent a potential customer from doing business with someone
- Telling an existing third party to stop working with someone because of false statements about that business’ reliability or financial condition
- In real estate deals where someone interferes by encouraging a party not to make the deal because of false statements
Damages Available for Intentional Interference With Prospective Economic Relations in California
A prevailing plaintiff may be entitled to recover:
- Lost profits or other economic losses caused by the interference
- Other consequential damages for losses that naturally arose from the interference
- Punitive damages for the defendant’s conduct based on fraud, malice, or oppression
Common Defenses to Claim for Intentional Interference With Prospective Economic Relations in California
A defendant sued for intentional interference with prospective economic relations may raise several legal defenses, such as:
- Engaging in legitimate business competition that was not wrongful conduct
- No reasonable probability of economic benefit by the plaintiff
- Lack of knowledge of the plaintiff’s economic relationship
Why You Need an Experienced Los Angeles Lawyer for Intentional Interference With Prospective Economic Relations
Modern business relationships often involve negotiations, partnerships, and expected future transactions. When a third party interferes with these opportunities through wrongful actions, the financial consequences can be significant.
An experienced Los Angeles business litigation attorney can help evaluate the facts, determine whether wrongful conduct occurred, and pursue compensation for the financial harm caused by the interference.
Los Angeles Intentional Interference With Prospective Economic Relations 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 IIntentional Interference With Prospective Economic Relations Attorney FAQs
How is this different than intentional interference with contractual relations or inducing breach of contract?
Unlike claims for intentional interference with contractual relations or for inducing breach of contract, a cause of action for intentional interference with prospective economic advantage does not require the existence of a valid contract. Instead, this broader claim focuses on the interference with potential business opportunities or economic relationships that had not yet become a contract, but were likely to result in financial gain.
Do you have to prove the defendant intended to interfere with your prospective economic advantage?
No, specific intent to interfere with your prospective economic relations is not required, so long as the defendant knew that such interference was certain or substantially certain to occur as a result of the defendant’s actions.
What type of acts count as intentional interference with prospective economic advantage in California?
It must be an independently wrongful act, which is typically defined as an act that is otherwise unlawful as proscribed by some constitutional, statutory, regulatory, common law, or other determinable legal standard. In other words, the act must be independently illegal or, for example, an unethical business practice. An example is if someone bribes your future vendor to not do business with you, but the other party instead.
What type of prospective economic advantage is protected?
The plaintiff must prove that there was a reasonable probability of economic benefit. That means the plaintiff already had an existing relationship with a third party and some certainty as to the expected benefit prior to the interference. An example of what does not count is the general “future profits” you expected to make from a new business from currently unknown or unidentifiable future customers.
Are punitive damages available for intentional interference with prospective economic advantage?
Yes, if it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with fraud, malice, or oppression.