For many entrepreneurs and investors, a company is far more than just a place to work – a business can become one of the most important things in your life.
When engaging with this crucial asset, business transactions are typically executed using some kind of contract or agreement. This can take many forms, including a binding letter of intent, an executed contract, or a signed memorandum. Contracts set forth the rights and obligations of the parties and can have serious consequences if the terms are violated. Employment contracts, for example, lay out the terms and conditions of employment and may have provisions (such as a non-compete clause) that remain in effect even after the employment relationship has ended.
The Houston business litigation lawyers at Feldman & Feldman have successfully litigated business disputes for over 40 years. One of our founding partners, Cris Feldman, has significant experience representing individuals and companies in commercial litigation matters. Feldman & Feldman has experience counseling clients and litigating a wide range of commercial disputes, including those involving real estate interests, the acquisition of goods and services, partnership termination or dissolution, insurance, and employment contracts.
In today’s highly competitive business world, filing lawsuits and defending yourself against lawsuits are both a reality. A breach of contract can cause your company significant financial harm, especially if business operations are interrupted. Conversely, a claim against you for breach of contract can have serious professional consequences. If your business needs to defend itself against a claim, or if you believe another party breached an agreement and/or engaged in fraud, you need a Houston commercial litigation attorney with the skills, bandwidth, and litigation firepower to protect your business.
Types of Houston Business Litigation Cases We Handle
Commercial litigation is a general term that applies to any type of litigation or legal issues related to a business. Commercial litigation can involve business entities and/or individuals, and the subject matter of the dispute often matters more than who the parties are to a particular lawsuit. When business disputes require litigation, the process can be extremely complicated. Every business dispute, however minor it may seem, has the potential to become an expensive lawsuit. There are many different types of business litigation and many situations in which it becomes necessary. Some of the commercial litigation claims we handle include:
- Breach of Contract
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty
- Business Appeals
- Business Dissolutions
- Business Divorce
- Business Torts
- Construction Disputes
- Disputes Over Non-Compete Agreements
- Employment Litigation
- Franchise Disputes
- Fraud
- Insurance Disputes
- Officer and Director Liability
- Oil and Gas Disputes
- Partnership Disputes
- Real Estate Disputes
- Tortious Interference
Even when companies make their best efforts to avoid ending up in court, sometimes civil litigation is unavoidable. Regardless of the type of claim, the size of the client, or the complexity of the dispute, a Houston business litigation attorney at Feldman & Feldman has the legal ability, financial fortitude, and sophistication necessary to successfully represent the interests of virtually any commercial client.
Why You Need A Houston Commercial Litigation Lawyer By Your Side
When a dispute arises, it can bring your entire business to a screeching halt. When this happens, your livelihood is in serious jeopardy. Business litigation is often very complex, making quick resolutions unlikely. When you partner with an experienced Houston commercial litigation attorney, he or she will be able to work to protect your interests while aggressively pursuing your claim.
While some companies do try to negotiate and resolve disputes without the help of counsel, we do not advise it. The sooner you engage the help of an experienced Houston business lawyer, the better. Waiting too long to get a lawyer involved can jeopardize your case. Your choice of a knowledgeable, experienced, and successful Houston business litigation attorney is critical to resolving disputes as efficiently as possible.
Why Choose Feldman & Feldman?
As Houston business litigation lawyers, we understand the courtroom may not always provide the best resolution for each client. When appropriate, we counsel clients to engage in informal negotiation or alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration, and/or mediation. We are always ready to pursue a bold approach and take a case to trial before a judge and/or jury, however, if we feel it’s the best course of action.
Business litigation disputes require strategic and effective legal strategies. For the dedicated Houston business litigation lawyers at Feldman & Feldman, there is no adversary too big. Our legal team passionately pursues each case with skill and tenacity, but without the overhead of a large law firm. Not only do we have litigation experience, but David Feldman, one of our founding partners, also has experience negotiating multi-million dollar contracts. For the legal team at Feldman & Feldman, every case is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We work closely with our clients to get them the best results. If you are facing any type of business dispute or commercial litigation, call Feldman & Feldman today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
FAQs: Commercial Litigation
What is Commercial Litigation?
Commercial litigation revolves around business law. Essentially, this type of law involves legal disputes that arise in a business context. Some of the most common types of cases that a commercial litigation law firm handles are breach of contract, business dissolutions or divorces, business torts, disputes surrounding non-compete clauses, shareholder disputes, business real estate disputes, partnership disputes, fraud allegations, and more. Commercial litigation lawyers can file lawsuits against a business or defend a business against these types of allegations.
Why Should You Hire an Attorney for a Commercial Litigation Case?
One of the questions that many people have about commercial litigation lawyers is why you should hire an attorney to help. Oftentimes, business disputes start out small. The parties have a disagreement and a discussion or argument may ensue. When the parties are unable to reach a resolution they are content with, one or more parties may choose to file a commercial litigation lawsuit. You should seek out an experienced civil litigation attorney for these matters because they are complex and can be hard to defend yourself against. Commercial litigation laws vary from state to state. The laws may also vary based on the type and size of the business involved. A lawyer can help explain the applicable laws for the type of case you may have and the potential outcome you may realistically be looking at. From there, they can fight to get you the best possible results.
Do All Commercial Litigation Cases Go to Trial?
One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that if you hire a commercial litigation lawyer, the case will go to trial. While a lawyer can help you if a case does go to trial, the majority of cases do not actually make it that far. As soon as you hire a lawyer, they will likely reach out to the other party or parties involved. Once you have a lawyer, the party suing you or making allegations against you may drop the dispute, or they may put forth an offer that is fairer to all involved. Alternatively, the case may go to mediation. More and more cases are being mediated, rather than tried in court. This is because mediation is often faster and less expensive than taking a case to trial. Lawyers can mediate a case and negotiate a potential resolution.
What Questions Should You Ask When Hiring a Commercial Litigation Law Firm?
If you are looking to hire a commercial litigation lawyer, you will want to ask the right questions to help you find a great lawyer for your needs. One of the first questions that you will want to ask a commercial litigation law firm is what types of business cases they have experience handling. Some lawyers handle all types of commercial litigation, while others may focus only on one or two areas, such as breach of contract or commercial real estate. Be sure to also ask if the lawyer bills by the hour or offers a flat fee for their services.