When D.C. communications boutique Fisher, Wayland, Cooper, Leader & Zaragoza merged with Shaw Pittman in 2000, Fisher partner Douglas Woloshin wasn’t sure his corporate work would blend well with his new firm.

So he made sure that the merger agreement allowed him to leave at any time and immediately receive his withdrawal payments. A year later, he was forced out. Now, Woloshin’s locked in battle with Shaw Pittman over $326,000 in retirement payments, according to court documents in Arlington County Circuit Court.