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Business Disputes Lawyers in Buffalo
Companies need to focus on their core business. That focus gets derailed when a claim surfaces. It takes a calm, measured hand to handle the disputes and allow the business to keep the focus where it needs to be.
The Coppola Firm’s attorneys have more than a century of experience in commercial or business litigation. That experience in all courts across New York State makes The Coppola Firm the right choice to handle claims extending from employment to non-competes and from breach of contract to constitutional wrongs.
Commercial litigation is a lawsuit or other conflict that involves a business dispute between two or more businesses. Commercial litigation is a kind of civil litigation.
Our attorneys have represented a wide range of clients from business owners, homeowners, general contractors, subcontractors, not-for-profit corporations, organizations, entrepreneurs, and others involved in myriad disputes concerning business and commercial operations.
Early Resolution of Business Disputes
Often, we focus on helping business clients address and resolve disputes early on. We use strategies including negotiation, information or formal mediations directly with the adversary or with a neutral intermediary to facilitate discussions, and formal alternative dispute resolution efforts (such as the American Arbitration Association’s arbitration process). We confer with our clients about their willingness to compromise, and on what terms, in order to reach a resolution that is mutually beneficial.
We also work with clients to avoid litigation. For example, we make sure clients have a clear contract with clearly defined terms and conditions of an agreement, in writing, to avoid confusion and misunderstandings. We encourage clients to communicate effectively, and when we’re brought into a dispute, we strive to maintain open and effective communication with the other party to address any issues that have arisen. Ultimately, being proactive and taking steps to resolve disputes early on can help prevent them from escalating into costly and time-consuming litigation.
However, when business litigation is necessary, we are prepared to advocate for our business client, whether as a plaintiff (the party seeking relief) or as a defendant (the party defending against the claim). Among our senior litigators, we have more than a century worth of business litigation experience, and we are well-versed in New York State courts, including the Commercial Division where many, if not most, business disputes are heard, as well as federal courts. Our founder, Lisa Coppola, also has represented parties in the Seneca Nation of Indians Peacemakers Court, where disputes between Native American businesses and others are heard.
Some examples of business litigation include:
Contract Disputes
A contract lawsuit is a legal dispute arising from a breach of contract. A contract is an agreement between two or more parties that creates legally binding obligations. When one party fails to perform their obligations under a contract, the other party may file a contract lawsuit seeking relief such as monetary damages, specific performance (an order to fulfill the terms of the contract), or rescission (cancellation) of the contract.
The outcome of a contract lawsuit can have significant financial and legal consequences for the parties involved, and it is important for businesses to seek the advice of an experienced attorney if they are involved in a contract dispute.
Our attorneys review the terms of the contract, determine if litigation is the best course of action and when it is, represent our client in court, negotiate settlements, and help ensure that our client’s rights are protected.
Construction Litigation
Our attorneys guide clients in construction litigation because construction disputes often involve complex legal issues that require a thorough understanding of construction law, contracts, and regulations. Construction litigation may arise from disputes over construction defects, delays, cost overruns, change orders, payment issues, and other matters.
Whether our client is the plaintiff (pursuing a claim) or the defendant (defending against a claim), our attorneys represent our client’s interests and advocate for their rights. This often involves:
- Reviewing and interpreting construction contracts and other relevant documents.
- Identifying and presenting evidence to support our client’s position.
- Advocating for our client in negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or in court.
- Representing our client in all stages of the litigation process, from pre-litigation settlement negotiations to trial and appeals.
- Assisting with the enforcement of judgments or settlements, including the pursuit of liens and bond claims.
Construction litigation can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important for businesses to have an attorney who understands construction law and can effectively represent their interests. Our experienced attorneys help ensure that our client’s rights are protected and that the dispute is resolved fairly and efficiently.
Real Estate Disputes
Real estate litigation can involve a variety of disputes and parties, including buyers and sellers of real estate, lenders, landlords and tenants, and other parties with an interest in real estate. Real estate disputes can arise from a wide range of issues, including contract disputes, title disputes, zoning and land use issues, construction defects, boundary disputes, and many others.
In these types of disputes, our experienced attorneys provide representation and practical legal guidance to help resolve the matter efficiently and effectively. We often assist our clients with negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings, and we can help enforce any agreements or court orders reached in the dispute.
Having an attorney with experience in real estate and real estate litigation is invaluable for individuals and businesses involved in real estate disputes. We ensure that our client’s rights are protected and that the outcome of the dispute is in their best interests.
Corporate Conflicts and Break-ups
Our lawyers play a crucial role in business divorces, also known as business breakups or partner disputes. A business divorce occurs when the owners or partners of a business disagree on the direction or management of the company and decide to end their business relationship.
Our attorneys help with these disputes in several ways:
- Drafting and Reviewing Partnership Agreements: We often review the partnership agreement, operating agreement, or shareholder agreement and ensure that it adequately covers the process for resolving disputes and ending the business relationship.
- Mediating or Negotiating Settlements: Clients often are well-served to resolve their disputes prior to litigation, and so an attorney with experience in mediation is paramount. Our attorneys help resolve disputes through mediation, negotiation, or other alternative dispute resolution methods. We have a unique perspective because several of our attorneys act as mediators or arbitrators and therefore have insight into the role of the neutral, which insight serves our clients better.
- Litigating the Dispute: Where litigation becomes necessary, our attorneys have decades of experience representing business clients in court in the serious and complex matters of business break-ups.
- Determining the Value of the Business: Our attorneys often work with valuation experts to assist clients in determining the value of their business and the anticipated distribution of assets and liabilities in the event of a business divorce.
In a business divorce, it is important to have attorneys such as the attorneys at The Coppola Firm who have experience in business law and business litigation and can provide representation and legal guidance throughout the process. Our attorneys help ensure that our client’s rights and interests are protected and that the business breakup is resolved fairly and efficiently.
Because many of our attorneys are business owners themselves, we appreciate that disagreements and disputes often create unwanted and expensive distractions for our entrepreneur and business-owner clients. Our goal always is to ensure that their interests are protected in the most expedient and economical way. We always are available to businesses and organizations that need clear and practical advice and direction relative to a dispute. Speak to a Buffalo business dispute lawyer about your case today by calling (716) 839-9700 or filling out the online contact form.
