Business Disputes

Our capabilities range from relatively straightforward breach-of-contract disputes to complex litigation involving multiple layers of relationships, extensively detailed agreements and class actions. In any business dispute, our attorneys take the time to learn the client’s industry and business considerations at the outset, using that understanding to drive the litigation to secure favorable results.

Business Break-Ups/Business Divorces

Within corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships or any other type of business, when relationships between company owners sour, our attorneys are prepared to assist. We are aware of the complex ties that bind business owners, with relationships that often span decades yet rapidly deteriorate. We carefully navigate both legal and personal considerations to protect our clients’ business and personal interests. We are often able to secure amicable resolutions that bridge the divide without resorting to litigation, saving clients the expense and disruption of lengthy legal proceedings. When an early resolution is not available, our attorneys utilize and analyze the law, statutory landscape and shareholder agreements governing company operations to leverage results.

Commercial Class Actions

Defamation and Disparagement

We help businesses defend and uphold their hard-earned reputations against defamation by competitors and the media, whether orally or in print. Through active monitoring of the social media and digital landscape, we defend clients against disparaging and derogatory postings, blogs, forums, chat rooms and other technology-driven vehicles that may assault a client’s name and reputation.

Directors and Officers Liability

Litigants are increasingly attempting to assert claims against directors and officers of entities to leverage an advantage in a dispute with an entity. This trend affects all types of businesses, from large public corporations, to not-for-profit organizations and family-owned businesses. Harris Beach attorneys are well-versed in defending claims asserted against directors and officers for actions and alleged wrongdoing taken on behalf of companies, and also carefully navigate the potential diverging interests when allegations are made against individual directors and officers.

Expert Witness Opinions and Testimony on New York Law

Life Settlements

Real Property Valuation Litigation

Restrictive Covenants/Non-Compete

As we move into an increasingly specialized economy, the need to protect company investments through restrictive covenants and non-solicitation/non-competition agreements continues to grow. This applies in the employment context as well as in any sale or acquisition of company assets. Our attorneys vigorously enforce these provisions and frequently secure relief through restraining orders and injunctive relief in order to protect company interests.

Shareholder Disputes

In disputes that arise between partners, members and shareholders, Harris Beach attorneys represent client interests in matters involving claimed breaches of fiduciary duty, self-dealing by business fiduciaries, usurpation of corporate opportunities, buy-sell agreements, shareholder redemption agreements, option agreements, tag along/drag along rights, minority owner squeeze-outs and freeze-outs, minority shareholder oppression, company dissolution and shareholder appraisal rights.

Tax Dispute Resolution

Tortious Interference/Unfair Competition

Lawful competition is the backbone of our economy and drives efficiencies and innovation. With highly competitive industries, claims frequently arise that an entity has improperly interfered with another’s business or contractual relationships, misappropriated another’s proprietary information or otherwise engaged in unlawful and unfair competition. Our attorneys are well-versed in protecting the interests of our clients when claims of unlawful interference or competition arise.