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Client
A neighborhood-favorite bakery and coffee shop owned by a kind,
community-minded family. The business is known for its welcoming
atmosphere and loyal customer base.
Challenge
A former employee filed a lawsuit alleging unpaid overtime,
asserting she was owed six figures in unpaid wages. For a small
business operating on tight margins and committed to serving its
community, the prospect of protracted litigation threatened to
siphon time, attention, and resources away from daily operations
and growth.
Approach
From day one, the strategy centered on two objectives: reduce
exposure and disruption, and keep the owners focused on running
their business. The legal workstream emphasized rapid fact
development, targeted risk assessment, and strategic negotiation.
By quickly assembling the relevant payroll and scheduling records,
clarifying the factual and legal issues, and assessing potential
damages exposure grounded in the applicable wage-and-hour
framework, the matter was positioned for early, pragmatic
discussions. Communication with opposing counsel was professional
and firm, with a clear message: the bakery was prepared to defend
itself, but preferred a fair and prompt resolution that reflected
the realities of the claim.
Outcome
The case settled for less than one quarter of the amount alleged,
even before the defendants were required to file an answer to the
complaint. This early resolution avoided the cost, burden, and
uncertainty of discovery and motion practice, contained potential
reputational risk, and enabled the bakery to maintain operational
focus.
Impact on the Business
The owners were able to stay on the floor and with their
team—serving customers, managing inventory, and planning for
busy weekends—while the legal strategy advanced behind the
scenes. By resolving the dispute swiftly and cost-effectively, the
business preserved cash flow, minimized distraction, and sustained
the warm, community-first reputation that keeps customers coming
back. The outcome reflected disciplined advocacy, practical
problem-solving, and a commitment to protecting what the owners
value most: their people, their customers, and their craft.
Why It Matters
Wage-and-hour disputes can be complex and costly, particularly for
small businesses where every hour and dollar count. An early,
data-driven approach that couples rigorous legal analysis with
focused negotiation can substantially reduce liability and
litigation expense. Most importantly, it can keep leadership
focused on their mission rather than on court deadlines.
Key Results
- Settled for less than a quarter of the amount demanded
- Resolution achieved before an answer was filed
- Litigation distraction and costs significantly reduced
- Business continuity and community goodwill preserved
What the Client Experienced
Clear guidance, practical recommendations, and a steady hand at
each inflection point. The legal strategy was crafted to achieve a
fair outcome while minimizing operational disruption, allowing a
beloved local business to keep doing what it does best.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
