Introduction to Tortious Interference in Arizona

Tortious interference occurs when someone wrongfully disrupts a company’s contracts, business relationships, or economic opportunities. These actions can significantly harm revenue, derail long-standing client relationships, damage reputation, and destabilize operations. Arizona Litigation Group represents businesses throughout Phoenix and across Arizona in complex tortious interference lawsuits, providing litigation strategies focused on stopping the harmful conduct and obtaining compensation for the damage caused.

Interference often comes from competitors, former employees, vendors, contractors, internal stakeholders, or individuals seeking to gain an unfair commercial advantage. These cases require clear evidence and a strong legal approach because the harmed business must prove both the existence of a relationship or contract and the wrongful interference that caused measurable loss. Arizona Litigation Group brings extensive litigation experience to these claims and acts quickly to prevent further harm while pursuing full legal remedies.

Understanding Tortious Interference

Interference With Contractual Relations

This form of interference occurs when a third party intentionally causes someone to breach an existing contract. Examples include a competitor persuading a client to break a contract, an employee encouraging vendors to terminate agreements, or a third party blocking performance. Arizona Litigation Group analyzes the contract, evaluates the conduct, and determines whether the interference was intentional and improper under Arizona law.

Interference With Business Expectancies

Businesses rely on ongoing negotiations, returning customers, consistent client relationships, and expected economic opportunities. Tortious interference with business expectancy occurs when a third party disrupts these future opportunities through wrongful conduct. This form of interference does not require an existing written contract but still requires proof that the business was reasonably expecting a financial benefit.

Intentional Versus Improper Interference

Not all interference is unlawful. To be tortious, the interference must be improper. Arizona Litigation Group evaluates factors such as the defendant’s motive, the nature of their conduct, and the type of business relationship involved. We build cases that demonstrate when conduct crosses the line and becomes legally actionable.

Common Examples of Tortious Interference

Competitors Targeting Contracted Clients

In competitive industries, businesses sometimes attempt to lure clients or customers away despite knowing those clients are under valid contracts. When these actions involve misrepresentations, threats, or purposeful disruption, the conduct may constitute tortious interference. Arizona Litigation Group evaluates communications, marketing practices, and the timeline of events to build a strong claim.

Former Employees Diverting Business

Employees who leave a company may attempt to bring clients, vendors, or business partners with them. This may violate contractual obligations, confidentiality agreements, or loyalty obligations. When former employees engage in targeted efforts to divert business, our firm litigates these actions and seeks injunctions to prevent further interference.

Vendors or Contractors Disrupting Business Relationships

A vendor may misrepresent facts, fail to perform, or interfere with the client’s relationships in ways that cause financial harm. These actions can disrupt supply chains, damage reputation, and create operational failures. Arizona Litigation Group investigates these disruptions and pursues remedies when vendors act improperly.

Internal Stakeholders Acting Against the Business

Partners, minority owners, majority owners, or managers may interfere with business relationships for personal gain. These actions can destabilize partnerships and harm the company. Our firm handles interference cases that overlap with internal disputes and fiduciary misconduct.

Legal Requirements for Tortious Interference Claims

Existence of a Valid Contract or Expectancy

The first step in proving tortious interference is establishing that a contractual relationship or business expectancy existed. This may include written contracts, oral agreements, long-term customer relationships, and ongoing negotiations. Arizona Litigation Group works to prove the value and legitimacy of these relationships.

Defendant’s Knowledge of the Relationship

The interfering party must have known about the contract or expectancy. Knowledge can be proven through communications, business records, industry awareness, or past dealings. Our firm gathers evidence that demonstrates the defendant was aware of the relationship before interfering.

Intentional and Improper Interference

The defendant must have acted with intent and engaged in wrongful conduct. Intent can be shown through direct actions, strategic timing, misleading communications, or targeted disruption. Arizona Litigation Group builds a comprehensive case that demonstrates improper motive and wrongful behavior.

Actual Damage to the Business

The business must show financial harm or loss of opportunity. Our firm documents damages through financial records, customer loss, decreased revenue, or reduced market position. We work with financial experts when necessary to quantify damages.

Litigation Strategies for Tortious Interference

Investigating the Conduct Thoroughly

Strong tortious interference cases require evidence of statements, actions, timelines, and motive. Arizona Litigation Group conducts detailed investigations that include document review, electronic communications analysis, interviews, and examination of business practices. We build a factual foundation that supports every element of the claim.

Seeking Immediate Injunctive Relief

Interference often causes ongoing harm. When necessary, our firm seeks court orders to stop the defendant from continuing to disrupt relationships, solicit clients, or misuse confidential information. Injunctive relief is a powerful tool that protects the business while litigation continues.

Establishing Motive and Improper Purpose

Proving motive is essential. Many defendants attempt to disguise improper interference as normal competition. Arizona Litigation Group uncovers evidence showing that the conduct was intentional, targeted, and designed to harm the business.

Pursuing All Available Remedies

Remedies for tortious interference may include compensatory damages, lost profits, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and recovery of attorneys’ fees when authorized. Our firm evaluates every possible remedy and pursues them vigorously.

Defending Against Tortious Interference Allegations

Demonstrating Lawful Competition

Arizona law allows fair competition. If a defendant acted within legal boundaries, they are not liable for interference. Arizona Litigation Group defends clients by showing that the conduct was lawful, competitive, and not improper.

Challenging Causation and Damages

Plaintiffs must show that the defendant caused the harm. Many claim losses unrelated to the alleged interference. Our firm challenges assumptions about causation and presents evidence showing that business setbacks were caused by market conditions, internal issues, or unrelated events.

Disputing the Existence of a Valid Expectancy

Some plaintiffs claim expectancies that were not legitimate or lacked a reasonable chance of success. We dispute these claims with evidence that the expectancy was uncertain, speculative, or unsupported.

Preventing Tortious Interference in the Future

Strengthening Contracts and Agreements

Clear agreements reduce the risk of interference by establishing expectations and enforceable obligations. Arizona Litigation Group drafts and revises contracts that protect business relationships and reduce vulnerability to interference.

Implementing Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Policies

Proper agreements help prevent former employees or partners from disrupting business. Our firm prepares comprehensive policies that protect clients, vendors, customer lists, and sensitive business information.

Monitoring Competitive and Internal Threats

Businesses must stay aware of potential internal and external threats. Arizona Litigation Group provides ongoing guidance to monitor risks and respond quickly to early signs of harmful conduct.

Why Arizona Businesses Choose Arizona Litigation Group

Businesses throughout Phoenix and Arizona rely on Arizona Litigation Group for tortious interference litigation because these cases require strategic, aggressive, and evidence-driven representation. Interference threatens the most important components of a business: contracts, relationships, and revenue. Our attorneys act quickly to stop the misconduct, protect the company’s interests, and pursue maximum compensation for the harm suffered. When wrongful interference disrupts your business, Arizona Litigation Group provides the litigation strength needed to restore your position and safeguard your future.