Most business owners fear litigation—but what if the real danger lies in the mistakes made long before a lawsuit is ever filed?
In this episode of Sterling Insights, Seth Krussman sits down with Josi Kovacs, a seasoned commercial litigator from one of the Pacific Northwest’s top boutique firms. Together, they explore how business owners can navigate and avoid complex litigation, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Our guest draws from extensive trial and mediation experience to discuss common legal pitfalls, emotional decision-making, and the true cost of waiting too long to call an attorney, offering actionable advice for entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders of closely held businesses. This episode is a must-listen for anyone leading a growing business, providing both knowledge and tools to navigate legal risk before it escalates.

Key Takeaways:

● Litigation Is Rarely the End: Most lawsuits aren’t catastrophic, and there are always paths forward—if you know your options.
● Write It Down: Business owners often skip documentation to preserve relationships, but this can create costly disputes later.
● Call a Lawyer Early: Bringing in litigation counsel before things escalate can help resolve issues before a suit is ever filed.
● Know Your Contracts: Many business leaders sign indemnity clauses without understanding them—until it’s too late.
● Understand the Emotional Toll: Lawsuits aren’t just financial; they’re emotionally draining. Knowing that can shape better decisions.

Quotes from the Josi:

● “Litigation is such a stressful experience—even for seasoned businesspeople.”
● “Litigation isn’t just expensive—it’s emotionally draining. You could be tied up for years, facing someone you no longer trust.”
● “So many problems could be avoided if people just wrote things down. You don’t need legalese—just an email that says, ‘This is what we agreed to.”

🔗 Conclusion:
Complex litigation isn’t just about courtrooms—it's about strategy, emotion, and preparation. This episode offers a roadmap for business owners to protect themselves long before disputes arise.
Connect with Josi:
Website:  https://www.markowitzherbold.com/Josephine-Josi-Kovacs LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-kovacs/\
With Your Guest Host Seth Krussman:
Seth Krussman is a seasoned financial advisor and partner at Brayshaw Financial Group, LLC, with over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business development, and wealth management. A Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Osaic Wealth, Inc., Seth specializes in tax-efficient investment strategies, executive compensation, and succession planning for high-net-worth clients. Based in Hillsboro, Oregon, he is also the nationally recognized co-host of the radio show Money On Tap and an active community leader, husband, and father.
Connect with Seth:
Website:  https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/
Podcast:  https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/money-on-tap
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/3Dinvesting/
X:  https://x.com/BFG_LLC/

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Bonus: Avoiding Business Lawsuits: Expert Tips on Commercial Litigation