Commercial Litigation Lawyers for Complex Business Disputes
When business disputes threaten your bottom line, you need more than a litigator — you need a strategist. At Howard East Law Firm, we represent companies across the U.S. in high-stakes commercial litigation, from contract breaches and partnership disputes to shareholder actions and regulatory defense.
Our approach is simple: protect your enterprise, preserve your reputation, and position you for growth.
The Howard East Approach to Commercial Litigation
We combine deep trial experience with a business-first mindset. Every lawsuit has a cost — in capital, time, and credibility — so we fight smart, not loud.
Our litigation team focuses on strategic outcomes, using negotiation, motion practice, and trial readiness to leverage results before ever stepping into court.Our Commercial Litigation Practice Includes:
Breach of Contract Disputes — Enforcing or defending rights under complex business agreements.
Shareholder & Partnership Litigation — Resolving control, valuation, and fiduciary duty conflicts.
Fraud & Misrepresentation Claims — Uncovering deceptive conduct and protecting your company’s integrity.
Restrictive Covenants & Trade Secrets — Enforcing non-compete, non-solicit, and confidentiality agreements.
Real Estate & Lease Disputes — Representing owners, tenants, and investors in high-value property matters.
Regulatory & Licensing Defense — Especially in heavily regulated industries such as cannabis, healthcare, and financial services.
Every case begins with a litigation risk assessment and ends with a measurable result — settlement, dismissal, or verdict — that strengthens your business position.
Why Companies Choose Howard East
1. Business-Focused Strategy
We evaluate every dispute through a commercial lens — balancing cost, risk, and leverage to protect long-term enterprise value.
2. Experience Across Industries
From banking and manufacturing to cannabis and tech startups, we’ve represented clients in nearly every sector of the modern economy.
3. Multi-State Coverage
Our team litigates in Illinois, Missouri, and New York, and collaborates with local counsel in other jurisdictions nationwide.
4. Efficient Case Management
We use AI-driven document review, automated calendaring, and strategic motion practice to cut waste — not corners.
5. Proven Trial Experience
When settlement isn’t possible, we try cases — and win them. Our track record includes successful dismissals, injunctions, and seven-figure outcomes.
Our Howard East Law Firm Attorney's Recognition
Our founding attorney, Tom Howard, has been recognized by both Leading Lawyers & Super Lawyers, quoted in the Wall Street Journal & Top 200 Lawyer. He is a member of the NORML Legal Committee & a Certified Ganjier.
Types of Business Disputes We Handle
Contract Enforcement & Business Torts
We litigate breaches of contract, fraud, interference, and conversion claims — defending what your business earned and holding others accountable for broken promises.
Corporate Governance & Fiduciary Claims
Integrity Starts at the Top. We represent corporations, officers, and directors in disputes involving mismanagement, fiduciary duty breaches, and governance failures that impact shareholder value.
Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
When Business Partners Become Adversaries. From LLC member disagreements to shareholder derivative actions, we resolve control, valuation, and fiduciary conflicts that threaten your company’s stability and future.
Multi-State & Regulated Industry Litigation
Cross-Border, High-Stakes, and Heavily Regulated. Licensed in Illinois, Missouri, and New York, we handle commercial litigation involving cannabis, finance, and healthcare across jurisdictions with seamless coordination.
Where We Practice
Illinois
We handle breach of contract, partnership conflicts, and commercial torts across Illinois. Our litigation strategy blends aggressive enforcement with early resolution—protecting business value, reputation, and regulatory compliance in every case.
Missouri:
From closely held LLCs to corporate boards, we represent Missouri businesses and owners in control, valuation, and fiduciary duty disputes. Our team navigates complex member litigation and shareholder derivative actions with precision and discretion.
New York
Licensed in New York and multiple jurisdictions, our firm manages cross-border disputes in finance, cannabis, and emerging industries. We coordinate discovery, enforce contracts, and defend against regulatory actions with business continuity in mind.
Contact Experienced Lawyers Now
Let’s Talk About Your Case
- Enforcing or defending against claims of broken business agreements.
- Resolving conflicts over control, profit allocation, or fiduciary duties.
- Litigating false statements in business sales, investments, or negotiations.
- Protecting intellectual property and enforcing restrictive covenants.
FAQ: Commercial Litigation
1. What does a commercial litigation lawyer actually do?
They manage disputes between businesses or business owners — from pre-suit negotiation through trial and appeal — balancing legal strategy with commercial outcomes.
2. What’s the difference between commercial litigation and civil litigation?
Civil litigation covers all private disputes. Commercial litigation specifically involves business entities, contracts, and financial interests.
3. How long do most business lawsuits take?
Simple cases may resolve in 6–12 months; complex ones, especially those involving multiple parties or discovery disputes, can last several years.
4. Can we settle out of court?
Yes — most cases do. Skilled counsel can position your case to settle favorably before trial, protecting both your finances and your reputation.
5. How are attorney fees structured in commercial cases?
Many firms use hourly billing, but hybrid or contingency arrangements are sometimes possible for high-value disputes.