Commercial & Business Litigation Attorney NYC

Our Commercial & Business Litigation Services

We handle the full spectrum of business disputes, from negotiation and mediation through trial and appeals. Here's how we can help your business.

Arbitrations & Mediations

Many business disputes can be resolved faster and more cost-effectively through alternative dispute resolution. We represent clients in both binding arbitration and mediation proceedings, pursuing the most efficient path to resolution while protecting your interests. 

Business Disputes

From vendor disagreements to employee conflicts, business disputes can disrupt operations and drain resources. We step in to resolve these conflicts quickly, whether through negotiation, formal demand letters, or litigation. Our goal is to get you back to running your business. 

Civil RICO Claims

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act allows victims of certain patterns of illegal activity to recover significant damages. We've handled complex RICO cases involving fraud, extortion, and other predatory business practices, fighting to recover what our clients are owed. 

Contract Disputes

When the other party breaches a contract, you need an attorney who understands both contract law and business realities. We've litigated disputes involving sales agreements, service contracts, leases, employment agreements, and more, always focused on your bottom line and business goals. 

Corporate, Shareholder and Partner Disputes

Disputes between business owners can threaten the entire enterprise. We represent shareholders, partners, and LLC members in disputes over management decisions, profit distributions, buyouts, and fiduciary duties. Our approach balances aggressive advocacy with practical solutions. 

Construction and Contractor Disputes

Construction projects often lead to disputes over delays, defects, change orders, and payment. We represent property owners, general contractors, and subcontractors in resolving these conflicts through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. 

Bankruptcy Matters

Whether you're a creditor trying to collect or a debtor seeking protection, bankruptcy proceedings require experienced counsel. We handle adversary proceedings, creditor representation, preference actions, and fraudulent transfer claims in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 cases. 

Debtor & Creditor Matters

Collecting what you're owed, or defending against improper collection efforts, requires knowledge of New York's complex debtor-creditor laws. We help creditors pursue judgments and enforce collection, and we defend debtors against unlawful or abusive practices. 

Director & Officer Liability

Corporate directors and officers owe fiduciary duties to shareholders and the company. When those duties are breached, or when directors face wrongful accusations, we provide sophisticated representation in derivative actions, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and D&O insurance disputes. 

Family Business Disputes & Dissolutions

Family-owned businesses face unique challenges when disputes arise between relatives. We handle sensitive family business conflicts with both legal skill and an understanding of family dynamics, working toward solutions that preserve relationships when possible. 

Fraud Claims

Business fraud takes many forms: misrepresentation, concealment, fraudulent inducement, and more. We pursue fraud claims aggressively, seeking compensatory and punitive damages while also defending businesses wrongly accused of fraudulent conduct. 

Franchise Disputes

Franchise relationships involve complex contractual and statutory rights. We represent both franchisors and franchisees in disputes over territory rights, royalty payments, disclosure violations, termination, and non-compete enforcement. 

Insurance Coverage Disputes

When your insurer denies a claim or refuses to defend you, we fight back. We handle coverage disputes, bad faith claims, duty to defend issues, and subrogation matters across all types of commercial insurance policies. 

Real Estate Transactions and Litigation

Commercial real estate deals and disputes require attorneys who understand property law, contracts, and business strategy. We handle purchase and sale agreements, lease disputes, title issues, partition actions, and real estate fraud claims. 

Tortious Interference with Contractual Relations

When a third party intentionally disrupts your business relationships or contracts, you may have a claim for tortious interference. We've successfully pursued these claims on behalf of businesses harmed by competitors, former employees, and other bad actors.

Trademark Violations

Your brand is valuable. When someone infringes your trademark, uses a confusingly similar mark, or dilutes your brand, we take action to stop the infringement and recover damages. We also defend businesses against improper trademark claims. 

Unfair Competition

Unfair business practices like false advertising, trade secret theft, and deceptive trade practices harm honest businesses. We represent companies victimized by unfair competition and defend businesses wrongly accused of these practices. 

Violations of Proprietary Information

Trade secrets and confidential business information are critical assets. We help businesses protect proprietary information through non-disclosure agreements, non-compete enforcement, and litigation against former employees or partners who misappropriate confidential data.

Why Choose Michael Gunzburg, P.C. for Business Litigation

37+ Years of Proven Litigation Experience

With over 37 years of litigation experience in New York courts, Michael Gunzburg brings a depth of knowledge that comes only from handling thousands of cases from inception through trial and appeal. We've successfully represented clients in complex commercial disputes and have taken cases to the Appellate Division and even the New York State Court of Appeals.

Trial-Ready Approach from Day One

Our trial-ready approach means every case is prepared as if it will go before a jury, a strategy that strengthens our negotiating position and demonstrates to opposing parties that we're ready to fight if necessary. This preparation has led to favorable outcomes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and trial verdicts.

Unique CPA Credentials Provide Financial Expertise

What sets us apart is Michael Gunzburg's dual credentials as both an attorney and a Certified Public Accountant. This financial expertise proves invaluable in business litigation, where understanding balance sheets, tax implications, and economic damages can make or break a case. We've successfully represented clients in complex disputes involving financial fraud, partnership accounting, breach of fiduciary duty, and business valuation issues.

Direct Access and Personal Attention

You'll work directly with Michael Gunzburg throughout your case. We maintain regular communication through phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings, ensuring you're informed and involved in every decision. Our clients consistently tell us they appreciate our accessibility, honesty, and dedication to their success.

Results That Speak for Themselves

Our track record includes successful outcomes in Federal and State Court, arbitration, and mediation. We've secured favorable settlements, won cases at trial, and taken numerous jury verdicts. We also receive referrals from former clients and from other lawyers who recognize our expertise in representing businesses and commercial clients.

How Our Commercial & Business Litigation Process Works

Step 1: Free Initial Consultation

We start with a candid conversation about your dispute, the facts, the law, and your business goals. We'll give you an honest assessment of your case's strengths, weaknesses, and likely outcomes, no sugar-coating.

Step 2: Strategic Case Evaluation

We develop a litigation strategy tailored to your objectives. Sometimes that means aggressive litigation; other times it means pursuing a quick settlement or alternative dispute resolution. We'll recommend the path that makes the most sense for your business.

Step 3: Thorough Investigation & Preparation

We gather evidence, interview witnesses, review documents and financial records, and consult with experts as needed. Every case is prepared as if it's going to trial, which strengthens our position in negotiations.

Step 4: Negotiation & Alternative Dispute Resolution

Before filing suit, we often attempt to resolve disputes through demand letters, negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Many of our cases settle favorably at this stage, saving time and legal costs.

Step 5: Litigation & Trial

If settlement isn't possible or isn't in your best interest, we're ready to litigate. We handle all aspects of litigation including pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, and trial. We've tried cases before judges and juries and have a proven track record of success.

Step 6: Post-Judgment Enforcement or Appeals

Winning a judgment is only the beginning. We help clients collect what they're owed through enforcement proceedings. If the outcome wasn't favorable, we evaluate appeal options and have successfully argued cases before New York's appellate courts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Litigation in NYC

What's the difference between mediation and arbitration in business disputes?

Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps both sides negotiate a settlement, but the mediator doesn't make a decision, you're in control of whether to accept any agreement. Arbitration is more like a private trial where an arbitrator hears both sides and issues a binding decision. Mediation is generally faster and cheaper, but arbitration provides finality if settlement isn't possible. We can help you determine which approach makes sense for your specific situation.

How long does a typical business lawsuit take in New York?

Simple cases can resolve in a few months through settlement, but complex commercial litigation often takes 18 months to several years if it goes to trial. The timeline depends on the court's schedule, the complexity of discovery, motion practice, and whether either side appeals. That said, many of our cases settle before trial through effective negotiation and alternative dispute resolution, which can save significant time and money.

Can I recover attorney's fees if I win my business case?

In New York, each side typically pays their own legal fees even if they win, unless a contract or statute specifically allows for fee recovery. Many commercial contracts include attorney's fee provisions that allow the prevailing party to recover fees. We'll review your agreements to determine whether fee recovery is possible and factor that into our litigation strategy.

What should I do immediately after a business dispute arises?

First, preserve all relevant documents, emails, contracts, and communications. Don't delete anything. Second, avoid discussing the dispute on social media or making threats you can't back up. Third, contact an experienced business litigation attorney quickly, early legal advice can prevent costly mistakes and sometimes resolve disputes before they escalate into expensive lawsuits. Call us at 212-725-8500 for a free consultation.

How much does business litigation cost?

Legal fees vary based on the complexity of your case, whether it settles or goes to trial, and how much discovery is required. We're transparent about our fees from the start and work to provide cost-effective representation. During your consultation, we'll discuss fee structures and help you understand the likely costs and potential recoveries so you can make an informed decision about proceeding.

Areas We Serve

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents businesses and commercial clients throughout the New York City metro area. We regularly handle cases in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Our office is conveniently located to serve clients across all five boroughs. Whether your business is in Midtown Manhattan, Downtown Brooklyn, or anywhere in the metropolitan region, we're ready to help you resolve your commercial dispute. Call 212-725-8500 to discuss your case today.

Ready to resolve your business dispute? Contact Michael Gunzburg, P.C. at 212-725-8500 for a free consultation.