Civil & Business Litigation · Arbitration & Mediation · Bilingual · Los Angeles Office
Take control before a dispute becomes litigation.
Facing a breach of contract, unpaid invoices, a partnership dispute, a property conflict, or a summons? Call for a case assessment. We identify viable claims, gaps in the evidence, and critical deadlines.
Case assessment line · Bilingual626·860·0173Monday–Friday, 9:00–18:00 PST · If you have received a court summons, call promptly; California’s response period is commonly only 30 days. If we miss your call, leave a message and we will return it within one business day.
30+ yearsCombined team experience
1,000+Matters handled
80%+Resolved before trial
$5M+Value of disputes handled
24 hoursConsultation response
5.0Google rating
The figures above reflect historical data provided by the firm. Results vary according to the facts and law; past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Disputes We Handle
Debt & invoice collection
Shareholder & partnership disputes
Dissolution & fiduciary duty
Commercial lease disputes
Property & title disputes
Landlord–tenant & eviction
Construction defect
Fraud & misrepresentation
Unfair competition & misappropriation
Employment, wage & hour
Insurance denial & bad faith
Divorce & asset division
Judgment enforcement & creditor rights
Arbitration & mediation
If you are unsure how to classify the matter, or have received a demand letter or court summons, call and explain the situation. We will identify response options and critical dates.
Why Choose Us
Negotiation first
Not every dispute needs a trial. When it serves your interests, we first pursue resolution through a demand letter, negotiation, and mediation to reduce time and litigation expense.
Prepared to try the case
When litigation is unavoidable, every matter is prepared as though trial is approaching. That preparation provides leverage at the negotiating table.
Close control of deadlines
Response dates, discovery, motions, and hearings are tracked individually, with written progress updates every two weeks.
Bilingual capability
Details can determine the outcome. We organize and translate Chinese-language contracts, WeChat records, and witness statements; we communicate with you in Chinese and with courts and opposing counsel in English.
Our Process
Case assessment
Explain what happened and provide contracts and correspondence. We assess the legal basis, limitations period, and jurisdiction.
Demand letter · Negotiation
Many matters end here. We assert your rights in writing, propose a resolution, and create a record for possible litigation.
File or respond
We prepare the complaint or response and, where needed, seek temporary injunctive relief or asset preservation.
Discovery · Motions
Written discovery, document requests, and depositions; summary judgment or dismissal motions may narrow the dispute.
Trial · Enforcement
After trial or an arbitration award, we also handle enforcement, collection, and release of protective measures.
Fee Arrangements
Hourly
For matters with uncertain scope that must proceed step by step. Rates and estimated hours are stated in writing beforehand, and monthly invoices identify the work performed.
Fixed fee by stage
Demand letters, complaints, responses, and motions may be priced by stage, providing budget control and a decision point before each next phase.
Contingency (select matters)
For certain collection matters involving a defined amount and a solvent opposing party, we may assess a contingency or hybrid fee arrangement.
Our Attorneys
Shenqi Cai
Shenqi Cai, Esq.
California Bar #348794 · 中文 / English
- California attorney
- Juris Doctor, Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
- Certificate in Dispute Resolution, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Hernán Simó
Hernán Simó, Esq.
California & Mendoza, Argentina · Español / English
- More than a decade of litigation, judicial, and law firm management experience
- Former managing attorney overseeing 60+ active matters
- LL.M., University of Dayton School of Law
- MBA, Barcelona
Client Reviews
View all reviews →Frequently Asked Questions
I received a court summons. How long do I have?
In California the response is generally due within 30 days of service; missing it can lead to a default judgment. Call the day you receive it and we will confirm the service date and the deadline.
Is it worth suing to collect a debt?
Look at three things: whether the contract and delivery evidence are complete, whether the other side has collectable assets, and whether the amount exceeds the cost of litigation. We assess these before deciding between a demand letter and a lawsuit.
Can this be resolved without going to court?
Most commercial disputes end through a demand letter, negotiation, or mediation. If the contract contains an arbitration clause, the matter proceeds to arbitration as agreed.
What is the limitations period?
It depends on the nature of the claim and the governing state law. In California: four years for a written contract, two for an oral contract, three for fraud — subject to the facts of the case.
The other party is in China or out of state. Can I still sue?
We first determine jurisdiction and the method of service; forum and arbitration clauses in the contract often decide where the case is heard. Cross-border service and enforcement follow separate procedures, which we explain during the assessment.
How are fees calculated?
Hourly, a fixed fee by stage, or, for some collection matters, a contingency arrangement. We explain which applies and the estimated range on the first call.
Missed our call?
Leave your number and we will call back
Leave your details and a member of the firm will contact you within one business day to learn what happened and explain the next step.
Call now626·860·0173Monday–Friday 9:00–18:00, English / Mandarin (Pacific Time)
Assess the odds, then set the strategy.
The first case assessment covers the basis of the claim, gaps in the evidence, and deadlines. We settle what can be settled and do not delay what should be filed.
Civil and Commercial Litigation FAQ
The following is general legal information and is not legal advice for any specific matter. For your situation, contact Lingtu Law APC at 415-547-9999 or on WeChat at lingtulaw.
What kinds of disputes suit litigation?
Breach of contract, partner or shareholder disputes, commercial fraud, debt collection, and real estate transaction disputes. Before filing we assess the evidence, the other side's ability to pay, and the cost; many disputes are resolved through a demand letter and negotiation.
What is the difference between small claims and ordinary civil litigation?
In California, small claims court caps individual claims at $12,500 and uses a simplified procedure, but attorneys cannot appear for you. Larger amounts go through ordinary civil litigation, where an attorney can represent you throughout.
The contract has an arbitration clause. Can I still go to court?
Generally you must arbitrate as the clause provides; if you file in court, the other side can move to compel arbitration. Whether the clause is valid and how far it reaches requires analysis of the contract text.
How long does litigation take and how are fees charged?
Ordinary civil litigation typically takes one to two years from filing to trial, and most cases settle along the way. Fees are hourly or fixed by stage, explained in writing before signing and quoted stage by stage.
The other party is in China. Can I sue in the United States?
Yes, but it involves cross-border service under the Hague Convention and the question of enforcing a judgment in China, so feasibility and cost need to be assessed first.
Can we communicate in Chinese?
Yes. The litigation team is bilingual in Chinese and English, we also have a Spanish-speaking attorney, and we explain every document to you in Chinese.