A Real Client, A Real Challenge
At O’Flaherty Law, we know every client has a story. This is the story of MJ Holdings, a family-owned manufacturing company that found itself in big trouble when a key supplier didn’t deliver materials on time. That delay put their biggest client relationship—and their business—at risk.
Every case is different, but MJ’s experience shows how we help our clients through the toughest times of their lives with a steady hand and smart legal strategy.
What Went Wrong
MJ Holdings came to us in a tough spot. They had been working with the same supplier for years. But this time, the supplier didn’t deliver the steel parts MJ needed to complete a big project. The parts were weeks late, and their biggest customer was getting frustrated.
The delay meant MJ couldn’t finish the job. Their client threatened to cancel the contract and possibly sue for damages. MJ’s reputation, finances, and future were on the line.
The supplier blamed outside problems and said the delay wasn’t their fault. They said a “force majeure” clause in the contract protected them. That’s a legal term that means something unexpected happened that made it impossible for them to follow through. But MJ had paperwork showing the supplier was late even before those issues started. They didn’t think it was fair—or legal—for the supplier to get out of it.
MJ’s goal was clear: fix the situation fast, avoid being sued by their client, and stop the supplier from doing more damage.
Who Was Involved and When
- Client: MJ Holdings, a manufacturing company based in DuPage County, Illinois
- Legal Problem: Broken supplier contract and risk of losing their biggest customer
- Timeline: March 2023 to August 2023
What We Did to Help
Once we heard MJ’s story and looked at their contracts and emails we built a plan to help them. We knew they needed results fast so we worked on two things at the same time: pressure the supplier to fix the problem and prepare in case we had to take legal action.
First, we sent a formal letter to the supplier explaining that they had broken the contract. We gave them a deadline to fix it. This gave MJ a strong legal position if the supplier refused to cooperate. At the same time, we looked closely at MJ’s contract with their client. We worked with MJ’s leadership team to explain what was happening and show them they were making it right. That kept the client from walking away.
We also helped MJ find a backup supplier in case they needed materials quickly. That gave MJ some breathing room and allowed them to stay on track while we worked through the legal side of things.
Finally, even though we hoped to avoid court, we started preparing legal paperwork just in case. That way, if the supplier didn’t respond, we’d be ready to take the next step immediately.
The Result
After a few months of back and forth, we got a great outcome for MJ Holdings. The supplier agreed to pay MJ for part of the losses they caused and promised to meet stricter delivery deadlines going forward. We helped update their contract so this kind of delay wouldn’t happen again.
MJ was able to complete their job for their main client, who ended up renewing the business relationship instead of canceling it. MJ’s good name stayed intact, and their business kept moving.
Why This Matters
This case shows how legal problems can pop up fast in the business world and how the right legal team can make all the difference. MJ Holdings was in a tough spot, but they didn’t give up. With our help, they stayed focused, stood up for their rights, and avoided a costly lawsuit.
We believe good legal support means more than just filing papers. It means being a real partner during hard times. That’s what we did for MJ, and that’s what we do for every client.
At O’Flaherty Law, we take the time to:
- Talk through your situation in plain language
- Create legal strategies that work for your business
- Be available to answer your questions every step of the way
Could This Be You?
If you’re dealing with a business or contract problem, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether it’s a broken deal, a supplier issue, or a client who’s threatening legal action, we’re here to help you take control and protect what you’ve built.
📅 Schedule a Consultation Today