Business & Commercial Law

Numerous businesses in Fresno County and throughout the San Joaquin Valley look to Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey LLP as their corporate lawyer.  We represent hospitals and physician groups, agribusinesses, and a diverse range of other entities in connection with business transactions and litigation, employment law and wrongful termination, health care issues, and agricultural law matters along the Central Coast.

Business Litigation

When disputes arise in the course of business, they can quickly occupy the company's attention, diverting vital resources away from running the business.  For this reason, it is imperative to acquire the services of knowledgeable, experienced attorneys who can work to resolve the dispute quickly and efficiently.  Our lawyers have represented small and large businesses in state and federal courts throughout California, and regularly serve as arbitrators and special masters to help resolve disputes outside of the courts.

Although disputes are sometimes inevitable, a business can minimize the chances that one will arise by conducting transactions carefully and competently from the beginning.  When assisting businesses with document preparation and review, we work diligently to create documents accurately from the start so as to best protect our client's interests.  We assist clients in the negotiation, drafting, and review of a variety of legal documents, including:

• Contracts
• Partnership agreements
• Leases
• Handbooks

Employment Law/Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination claims are most often based on charges of illegal discrimination or sexual harassment, but they can also be based on claims of retaliation for reporting violations of health and safety laws (whistleblowing).  Claims of wage and hour violations involving overtime, rest, and meal periods also arise in the employment context.  In addition, workplace safety complaints can be filed with agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and employers may have to challenge demands for unwarranted unemployment compensation.

As with other disputes, many employment law matters can largely be avoided through the proper drafting and implementation of contracts and company policies.  We work with employers to ensure that all laws and regulations are being complied with, and advise them on ways to avoid liability and employment disputes.

Health Care

Our particular knowledge and experience in the health care field enables us to assist a range of care providers in business formation, contract disputes, and employment issues.  In addition, we represent hospitals and staffs in matters unique to the health care field, such as confidentiality of medical records or staff privilege issues.  We also assist with drafting processes that are fair and document the procedures the organization followed in granting or denying privileges. 

Agricultural Law

From our office in Fresno, Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey LLP has a long history of representing farmers and ranchers with the unique business and litigation problems facing organizations working in the world's richest agricultural region.  As a full-service law firm, we are capable of assisting our clients with representation in the full range of transactions and litigation that arise in the business of agriculture, including:

• Chemical drift and crop damage
• Water rights
• Claims between growers and processors
• Transportation losses
• Nursery stock and seed defect
• Farm worker employment and transportation
• Farm worker injury claims
• Insurance disputes
• Business formation
• Property and tax disputes

Our diverse experience in an array of practice areas, coupled with extensive trial experience, makes us well-suited to assist you with solving your problems in an efficient and cost-effective manner.  For all your business and corporate needs in Fresno County and along the Central Coast, contact the business attorneys at Stammer, McKnight, Barnum & Bailey LLP today.