Myrtle Beach, Horry County & Grand Strand
Business Disputes
A business dispute rarely starts in a courtroom. It starts with a phone call that changes the tone of a relationship, a payment that stops showing up, or a partner making decisions to which you never agreed.
For business owners along the Grand Strand — where the local economy runs on restaurants, tourism, construction, and small commercial operations — these disputes can threaten years of work in a matter of moments.
Harrison Pillinger represents business owners across Myrtle Beach and South Carolina in disputes involving contracts, partnerships, vendor relationships, and commercial operations.
Our approach is direct: understand the problem, evaluate your position, and pursue the resolution that makes the most practical and financial sense for your business.
And when a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, we are fully prepared to take the matter to court.
When Business Becomes a Legal Problem
Most business owners don't go looking for a lawyer. They go looking for answers — usually after something has already gone wrong and the situation is no longer manageable on their own.
You may be dealing with:
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a vendor or contractor who took payment but didn't finish the work
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a business partner who is making financial decisions without your knowledge or consent
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a client or customer who refuses to pay for services already rendered
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a contract dispute that has escalated beyond informal resolution
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a commercial lease disagreement threatening your ability to operate
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a former partner, employee, or associate interfering with your business relationships
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a supplier who failed to deliver, leaving your business exposed during a critical period
These situations carry real consequences. Revenue stalls. Relationships break down. Opportunities evaporate. And the longer a business dispute sits unresolved, the more expensive and disruptive it becomes.
Our role is to bring clarity to the situation, give you an honest assessment of where you stand, and help you make a decision about how to move forward — with a comprehensive view of the costs, the risks, and the likely outcomes.
If you are dealing with a partnership disagreement, contract dispute, or a business matter that requires experienced legal guidance, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
How Harrison Pillinger Approaches Business Disputes
Every business dispute is different, but our process is consistent.
Evaluating Your Position
We start by reviewing the contracts, communications, and facts that define the dispute. This initial step often reveals issues — obligations, deadlines, or liability exposures — that may not be obvious at first glance.
Honest Assessment and ROI
Before we recommend any course of action, we talk about return on investment. What will this cost you? What is the realistic range of outcomes? Is the potential recovery worth the fight? We are not in the business of encouraging clients to spend ten thousand dollars to recover five.
If the numbers don't make sense, we'll tell you that upfront.
Strategic Resolution
Many business disputes can be resolved through negotiation, demand letters, mediation, or targeted legal action without filing a lawsuit. When possible, we pursue solutions that protect your interests while minimizing unnecessary cost and disruption to your operations.
Litigation When Necessary
When a dispute requires court intervention, we approach the case with thorough preparation and trial-ready advocacy. We have tried cases in both South Carolina state and federal courts, including complex commercial matters involving significant financial stakes.
Our goal is always to protect your rights and position your business for the best possible outcome.
Business Disputes We Handle
Our firm regularly represents business owners, partners, and commercial interests in disputes including:
Breach of Contract
Contract disputes are among the most common legal problems business owners face. Whether a vendor stopped performing, a customer refused to pay, or a service provider failed to deliver what was promised, we review the agreement, evaluate the breach, and pursue the remedy that makes the most sense — whether that means negotiation, demand, or litigation.
In South Carolina, business owners generally have three years to bring a breach of contract claim, though important exceptions apply depending on the type of contract involved.
Partnership and LLC Disputes
When business partners disagree about direction, spending, or management, the consequences can be swift and serious — frozen operations, lost revenue, employee turnover, and damaged relationships.
We represent business owners in disputes involving deadlocked partnerships, breaches of fiduciary duty, unauthorized financial decisions, buyout disagreements, and dissolution. These matters often require both legal strategy and practical problem-solving to protect what you've built.
Vendor and Supplier Disputes
In coastal markets like Myrtle Beach, businesses rely on vendors, contractors, and suppliers to keep operations running — especially during peak seasons when delays or failures can mean significant lost revenue. We handle disputes involving non-delivery, substandard work, payment disagreements, and vendor relationships that have broken down beyond informal resolution.
Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices
South Carolina's Unfair Trade Practices Act provides strong protections for businesses harmed by deceptive or unfair conduct. When a claim is successful and the violation was willful, the court may award up to three times the actual damages sustained, plus attorney fees.
We have direct experience litigating these claims and understand what is required to meet the public interest standard that South Carolina courts apply.
Commercial Lease Disputes
Lease disputes can threaten a business's ability to operate from its current location. We represent business owners and commercial tenants in disputes involving lease terms, rent obligations, property access, maintenance responsibilities, and landlord-tenant conflicts that have escalated beyond negotiation.
Business Torts and Interference
When someone outside your business intentionally disrupts your contractual or business relationships — whether through fraud, misrepresentation, or interference — the financial impact can be severe.
We represent business owners in claims involving tortious interference, fraud, civil conspiracy, and other conduct that causes economic harm.
Why Business Owners Choose Harrison Pillinger
Practical counsel with your investment in mind.
We talk about costs, timelines, and return on investment before we talk about strategy. If retaining a lawyer doesn't make financial sense for your situation, we'll tell you.
Our clients make informed decisions because we set realistic expectations from the first conversation.
Partner-led representation.
We maintain a selective caseload so clients work directly with experienced trial attorneys — not a rotating group of associates or case managers. When you call our office, you reach the lawyer handling your case.
Trial experience across state and federal courts.
Many business disputes settle. But the ones that don't require a lawyer who is both comfortable and confident in a courtroom — not just willing to go.
Michael Harrison has tried complex commercial cases in South Carolina circuit courts and federal district court and is admitted to practice through the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. His experience spans contract disputes, construction defect litigation, and commercial matters involving significant financial stakes. When your case needs to go the distance, he's done it.
We tell you what the case is actually worth.
Most attorneys tell clients what they want to hear. We tell you the good, the bad, and the realistic range of outcomes — before you've spent a dollar on legal fees. Our clients make informed decisions because we're more interested in your result than your retainer.
Discuss your situation.
If you are dealing with a contract dispute, a partnership disagreement, or a business matter that requires experienced legal guidance, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
Contact Harrison Pillinger to schedule a consultation.
Meet Your Attorney
Michael Harrison
Founding Partner | Trial Lawyer
Michael Harrison is a seasoned South Carolina trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in complex business and commercial disputes.
Licensed in state and federal courts and admitted to practice on appeal through the Fourth Circuit, Michael represents business owners, developers, and commercial interests in matters ranging from contract disputes to multimillion-dollar litigation.
Known for candid counsel, courtroom confidence, and a practical approach to every matter, Michael brings the perspective of someone who has practiced from nearly every vantage point of the profession — and who understands both the legal and financial realities of running a business.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Can a business dispute be heard in South Carolina's Business Court?
South Carolina has a specialized Business Court system that handles complex commercial disputes. After a lawsuit is filed, parties may request that the case be transferred to Business Court, where judges have specific experience with business litigation. This can provide advantages including more efficient handling, consistent judicial oversight, and judges who understand the financial and operational realities of commercial disputes.
What should I bring to a consultation about a business dispute?
Helpful materials include any contracts or agreements related to the dispute, relevant correspondence (emails, letters, text messages), financial records showing damages or losses, and any legal documents you may have received. If you are involved in a partnership dispute, bring the operating agreement or partnership agreement. These materials help us evaluate your position quickly and provide more specific guidance during the consultation.
Should I try to settle a business dispute before going to court?
In many cases, yes. Settlement, mediation, and negotiation are often faster, less expensive, and less disruptive to your business than litigation. South Carolina courts generally encourage parties to attempt resolution before trial. However, settlement only works when both sides are willing to engage in good faith. When the other party is unresponsive or unreasonable, litigation may be necessary to protect your interests. We advise clients on the most effective path based on the specific facts of their situation.
What is the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act?
The South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act prohibits deceptive or unfair business conduct that affects the public interest. Unlike a standard breach of contract claim, a successful SCUTPA claim can result in up to three times the actual damages if the violation was willful, plus recovery of attorney fees. These claims require meeting a specific public interest standard, which is why experience with SCUTPA litigation matters.
Is it worth suing over a breach of contract?
That depends on the amount at stake, the strength of your evidence, the terms of the contract, and whether the other party has the ability to pay a judgment. We evaluate every potential case with an eye toward return on investment. If the cost of litigation is likely to exceed the recovery, we will tell you that directly and help you explore alternatives. In some cases, a well-crafted demand letter or mediation can resolve the matter without the expense of a lawsuit.
What should I do if my business partner is acting against my interests?
If you believe a business partner is making unauthorized decisions, misusing business assets, or engaging in self-dealing, they may be breaching their fiduciary duty under South Carolina law. The first step is to review your partnership or operating agreement to understand the governance structure and your rights. An attorney can help you evaluate the situation and determine whether negotiation, mediation, or legal action is the appropriate path forward.
How long does business litigation take in South Carolina?
Every case is different, but business litigation in South Carolina often takes 12 to 24 months from filing to resolution. If a case goes to trial and is appealed, the process can take longer. Many disputes resolve earlier through negotiation or mediation. We discuss realistic timelines during the initial consultation so clients can plan accordingly.
What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in South Carolina?
South Carolina generally allows three years to bring a breach of contract claim. However, important exceptions exist: contracts for the sale of goods may allow up to six years, and contracts under seal or secured by mortgage may have longer periods. The clock typically begins when the breach is discovered — not necessarily when it occurred. If you suspect a breach, it is important to speak with an attorney promptly to understand the timeline that applies to your situation.
Do I need a lawyer for a business dispute in South Carolina?
Not every disagreement requires a lawyer. But when a business relationship has broken down, money is at stake, and informal conversations are no longer productive, legal guidance can help you understand your options and avoid decisions that make the situation worse. A consultation can help you determine whether legal action makes sense given the circumstances and the potential return on your investment.
Serving Myrtle Beach and
the Grand Strand
GET IN TOUCH
Harrison Pillinger represents business owners throughout Myrtle Beach and Horry County, including North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Conway, and Little River.
The Grand Strand's economy is built on small and mid-size businesses — restaurants, hospitality operations, construction companies, retail businesses, professional services, and commercial real estate.
We understand the legal challenges that come with operating in a market shaped by tourism, seasonal demand, and rapid growth.
Our firm provides the kind of steady, experienced counsel these businesses need when disputes arise.
If you are dealing with a contract dispute, a partnership disagreement, or a business matter that requires experienced legal guidance, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you.