Commercial Litigation Lawyer in New York
Business disputes resolved on the best available terms — at the negotiating table when possible, in court or arbitration when necessary.
What I handle
Breach of contract and business tort litigation, shareholder, member, and partnership disputes, disputes arising from investments and financings (drawing on my securities practice), fraud and misrepresentation claims, commercial real estate and lease disputes, and enforcement of judgments and agreements. I also handle arbitrations and mediations, and serve as New York litigation counsel for out-of-state lawyers and their clients.
Who I represent
Businesses and their owners on both sides of the "v." — plaintiffs enforcing agreements and defendants managing exposure. Also investors, executives, and professionals in disputes where the business relationship itself is the battlefield: corporate deadlock, buyout fights, and broken partnerships.
Typical matters
Contract enforcement and defense; disputes over earnouts, indemnification, and purchase-price adjustments after a deal; minority-shareholder oppression and dissolution proceedings; misappropriation and unfair competition claims; disputes with lenders, landlords, and key counterparties; and pre-litigation counseling — the demand letter, the response, and the strategy before anyone files.
New York issues
New York commercial litigation runs through distinctive machinery: the Commercial Division and its rules, CPLR practice that differs meaningfully from federal procedure, New York's approach to contractual damages limitations and attorneys' fees, broad enforcement of forum-selection clauses that pull national disputes into New York, and a bench experienced enough that weak positions get exposed early.
How the process works
It starts with a candid assessment: what the documents say, what the realistic outcomes are, and whether the economics justify the fight. Sending your situation through the site is free and reviewed personally. After conflicts and an engagement letter, strategy is set together — including, always, whether negotiation or mediation gets you a better result faster.
Why clients hire me
Most disputes are won at the table. Reading leverage, motive, and timing is the core of how I work, backed by large-firm litigation training for the cases that need to be tried. Clients get one senior lawyer who knows the whole record — not a team billing in layers.
Common questions
Do you take cases on contingency?
Most commercial matters are hourly with honest scoping, and fee structure is discussed candidly at the start — including blended and capped arrangements where the case suits them.
We were sued in New York but are based elsewhere — do we need New York counsel?
Yes, and quickly: response deadlines run from service. I regularly appear as New York counsel alongside a client’s home-state lawyers.
Is arbitration better than court?
Sometimes — it depends on the clause you already agreed to, the confidentiality and speed you need, and who the likely decision-makers are. That analysis is part of the first assessment.