Houston Commercial Litigation Attorneys

Cut to the Chase in High Stakes Litigation

Houston Commercial Litigation Attorneys

Praised and Endorsed by Our Clients

Houston Commercial Litigation Attorneys

Action-Driven Legal Professionals Offering Commercial Litigation Services

Commercial disputes that arise between companies, partners, or shareholders can substantially impact business operations and the future of an organization and its employees. Commercial litigation is a core practice area of Hawash Cicack & Gaston LLP.

We proudly represent clients throughout Houston, Texas in a broad array of commercial disputes in federal and state courts. We offer comprehensive counsel and efficient commercial litigation services that allow us to deliver high-quality legal representation in high-stakes commercial litigation matters. Get in touch with us today to discuss what we can do to protect your business interests.

On This Page

  • \What is Commercial Litigation?
  • \Commercial Litigation vs Civil & Criminal Litigation
  • \Why Do You Need an Attorney?
  • \Commercial Litigation Services We Offer
  • \Non-Compete Agreements in Texas
  • \Why Choose Hawash Cicack & Gaston LLP?
  • \Commercial Litigation FAQ

Get in touch with us today to discuss what we can do to protect your business interests.

What is Commercial Litigation?

Sometimes called business litigation, commercial litigation is comprised of legal action and lawsuits that focus specifically on the legal concerns and conflicts of companies and corporations. Many commercial litigation cases originate from contract disputes, such as contract breaches between shareholders and partners. Other many other cases, the lawsuit involves a business and an individual, like a consumer or employer that feels the company did something unlawful or exploitative.

Commercial Litigation Compared to Civil & Criminal Litigation

Most attorneys and law firms only work on civil or criminal cases. Such attorneys are usually not the optimal choice of representatives for commercial litigation cases and business disputes. The goals and procedures of a commercial litigation case are noticeably different from civil and criminal litigation, which can cause significant disruptions if a case is not prepared correctly.

Key aspects of all three types of litigation are:

  • \Civil litigation: In civil litigation, a plaintiff brings a case against a defendant that allegedly caused them to suffer damage or loss. Typically, civil litigation focuses on personal injuries, so medical evidence is important.
  • \Criminal litigation: Criminal litigation involves a case from the state against a criminal defendant who has been charged with one or more criminal violations. Intricate knowledge of criminal law and evidence is required.
  • \Commercial litigation: During a commercial litigation case, the plaintiff and the defendant are usually business entities and there might not even be an individual who can be found directly liable. The case will involve business laws, but it might also involve criminal accusations and seek damages from the defendant like a civil case. In this way, commercial litigation can sometimes feel like an amalgamation of the most complicated parts of all types of litigation.

Because commercial litigation is inherently more complex than civil and criminal litigation in most cases, it is imperative to work with a seasoned commercial litigation attorney. Leaving your case up to chance or a less experienced lawyer’s work could be harmful to your business’s reputation and profitability.

Call (713) 658 -9015 today!

Why Do You Need a Houston Commercial Litigation Attorney?

As mentioned, when a dispute arises, it can put your entire business at risk. You risk losing your livelihood and the company you worked so hard to build to match your vision. The process of business litigation can be complex, making a quick resolution difficult. With the help of an experienced Houston commercial litigation attorney, you will be able to better protect your interests while aggressively pursuing your claim.

Some companies attempt to negotiate without counsel, but we do not recommend it. Retaining a commercial litigation lawyer as soon as possible is crucial. If you wait too long to hire a lawyer, you may put your case at risk from the start. Take action as soon as you know that there is a lawsuit forming, whether your business will act as the plaintiff or defendant.

Commercial Litigation Services We Offer

Our Houston commercial litigation lawyers have substantial experience litigating commercial disputes involving the following:

  • \Antitrust claims
  • \Commercial contracts
  • \Directors and officers liability
  • \ERISA
  • \Lender liability
  • \Patent, copyright, trade secret, and intellectual property
  • \Real estate and title insurance

Non-Compete Agreements in Texas

Non-compete agreements are bundled into most employment contracts to prevent an employee from taking valuable insider knowledge to a competitor after quitting. The definition of a valuable trade secret, intellectual property (IP), or company-specific process is not always clear, though, which leads to countless non-compete agreement conflicts and breaches each year.

Our firm is highly experienced with these types of disputes. We focus our practice on cases brought by employers of all sizes, from small businesses to multinational corporations.

Why Choose Hawash Cicack & Gaston LLP?

Our Houston commercial litigation attorneys represent business owners in high-stakes insurance claims, commercial litigation, workouts, and bankruptcy matters, as well as other complicated business disputes. We offer industry-specific legal knowledge and experience. In federal and state court lawsuits, arbitrations, and appellate matters, our lawyers represent companies and individuals on both sides of the docket.

We can offer hourly fees, flat fees, and/or contingent fee arrangements based on the needs of our clients.

Commercial Litigation FAQ

Can commercial litigation be avoided?

Companies stand to lose a lot of time and resources by going into the courtroom. The case will become a public record, too, which can look bad for a business. As such, most companies want to avoid commercial litigation, which can be done by using an alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Two common ADRs that do not require the court’s direct orders are mediation and arbitration.

What is a forced arbitration clause?

Many business contracts include a forced arbitration clause, which bars the use of litigation to resolve a dispute between the involved parties. Instead, closed-door arbitration must be conducted first and in good faith. If there is good reason to believe one party does not act in good faith or that the arbitration process was entirely one-sided, then the forced arbitration could be challenged in court.

Are verbal contract breaches enough to constitute a lawsuit?

Oral or verbal contracts occur when two entities come to an official agreement but do not put that into writing, i.e., a written and signed contract. In Texas, a verbal contract can be legally binding if both parties fully understood it, it did not involve an unlawful agreement, it was offered by one party, and it was accepted by the other. Violating a verbal contract in Texas could therefore be enough to constitute a lawsuit from the party that did not violate it.

Can an employer really stop an employee from working for a competing business?

Yes, non-compete agreements can effectively prevent an employee from seeking employment at certain businesses and for a predetermined amount of time. If the restrictions of a non-compete agreement seem excessive, then the employee can try to take the employer to court. On the other hand, if the terms are reasonable and the employee violated them, then the employer could possibly sue for significant damages.

What does it mean when a business dispute is “complex?”

A business or commercial dispute is “complex” if it involved multiple parties, such as more than one defendant. A dispute can also be considered complex if it must be resolved using more than one legal venue. For example, contract breach cases involving companies that operate in two different states might require legal action in state courts and a federal court.

Can my business partner legally force me out of the company I founded?

Yes, business partners can “force out” another partner in certain circumstances, even if the person being removed originally founded the company. It all depends on what was included in the partnership agreements governing the partnership and how the business was handled and owned. To protect yourself from harsh yet legal force-outs, you should always form partnership agreements with the assistance of a commercial litigation attorney.

Call (713) 658-9015 Today for a Case Consultation

When you choose Hawash Cicack & Gaston LLP for your commercial litigation case, we will vigorously fight for your rights and use our full resources to pursue the best possible outcome. If you or your company are facing a commercial dispute, then please consult with our knowledgeable and experienced litigators so that we can provide the insightful counsel you need to navigate the legal system and fight for your best interests.

To request a case consultation with one of our commercial litigation lawyers, please give us a call today at (713) 658-9015  or fill out our online form

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  • Lawyers with extensive experience & insight across a wide range of industries.
  • A team who genuinely cares about finding you the best resolution.
  • Responsive counsel with a track record of success.
  • Accepts cases on contingent, hourly, or mixed-fee basis.