Practical counsel, from the closing table to the courtroom.
Commercial Litigation
Commercial litigation covers almost every dispute a business can face. We assess the merits first, then scale a prosecution or a defense to the legal and business needs of the client, not to the size of the file.
We handle breach of contract cases, partnership and joint venture disputes, shareholder issues, breach of fiduciary duty claims, business torts, civil RICO claims and class actions, in state and federal court, in private arbitration and before administrative agencies.
Knowing what each participant wants, and what will persuade the audience in front of us, decides where to press and where to settle. We focus on the issues that matter and aim for a sound result at a reasonable cost.
How can your firm help my business?
Whether you are a start-up or a long-established company, we help in two ways: by putting sound agreements and governance in place so disputes are less likely, and by representing you efficiently when one arrives. Our attorneys have sat in board rooms and run businesses, so the advice is practical. Every matter is different; a consultation is the place to start.
Commercial Transactions
Clients often need to close quickly to seize an opportunity. We keep pace, and we still assess the risk in every deal, so the transaction is trouble-free before and after the closing.
We help with business formation and governance, the acquisition, financing, marketing and sale of goods, services and technology, and the everyday agreements every business runs on: sales and supply, distribution and resale, marketing and franchising. We help clients protect and license their intellectual property, from branding to technology.
We work alongside your accountant and tax adviser, as one team, so you understand your options, opportunities and risks.
Reaching the finish line, promptly and safely.
Real Estate
How often have you heard lawyers called “deal killers”? We bring hands-on entrepreneurial experience to the table, and real estate litigation experience that helps us spot and avoid the problems that lead to lawsuits.
We handle residential and commercial matters: contract review, negotiation, closings and title agent services, including a review of the property’s history so it can be sold without future claims. We get the deal closed, whether as title agent, negotiator or legal adviser.
Estate Planning & Probate
Everyone should have an estate plan, whatever the size of the estate. Probate without one can be long, expensive and hard on the people you love. A plan lets you decide how your property, investments, insurance and obligations are kept, managed and passed on.
- Control of your wealth.Decide when, and to whom, distributions are made.
- Protection for your legacy.Shield the estate from heirs’ creditors and from poor money management.
- Privacy and probate savings.Probate is public; a proper plan may let assets pass privately and reduce fees.
- Revocable trusts.Assets stay available to you during your lifetime, then pass as you direct.
- Blended families.Clear provisions when there are children from more than one marriage.
Employment & Labor Law
If you’re the employer
Most businesses that fall short of an employment rule never meant any harm; they simply didn’t know. Small and family-owned businesses are the most exposed because they rarely have counsel. We help you put fair, workable standards in place for pay, leave, safety, benefits and temporary workers, and we help larger employers adjust when the law changes.
If you’re the employee
Employees often have more rights, and more recourse, than they realise: unpaid wages and wage theft, discrimination, whistleblower protection, protections around polygraph tests and mass layoffs, and reemployment rights after uniformed service. Immigrant workers in particular are often unaware of what they are owed.
Personal Injury
Free consultation. Contingency fee, so there is no fee unless we recover.
Injury matters have their own page, and their own direct line.
How a matter moves
A conversation.
Tell us what happened and what you need. We listen, ask questions and give you a plain read on the matter.
A plan scaled to the matter.
We set out what the work involves, who will do it and how fees are structured, in writing, before you decide.
The work, with your partner’s cell number.
You deal with your lawyer directly, and you are kept informed as the matter moves.
Done, and documents that hold up later.
The deal closes, the dispute resolves, the plan is signed, and the paperwork is built to last.
Also handled
- MediationSteve Mortimer, certified circuit civil mediator
- First Amendment, Media Law & Public RecordsThe firm’s heritage
- Business Formation & Governance
- Condominium
- Construction
- Contracts
- Creditor’s Rights
- Landlord–Tenant
- Foreclosure Defense
- Trademark & Copyright
- Elder Law