Business Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Commercial litigator representing smaller and medium-sized businesses in the state and federal trial courts of New Jersey. Business Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

None of our firm's clients are in the business of litigation. However, the reality of today's business environment is that litigation is sometimes unavoidable, even for a well-run company. The difficulty is that litigation can put at risk everything a business owner has worked so hard to build, and can negatively impact the ability of any business to meet its goals and objectives efficiently and profitably.

With that in mind, We use the litigation process to position our clients for the best possible result that can be obtained in a business dispute. Mr. Friedman has considerable trial experience in both state and federal court, and is therefore able to quickly and correctly analyze the issues and risks presented by a commercial case. We represent businesses in a wide array of business and commercial matters, including:

  • Breach of contract;
  • Deceptive trade or business practices;
  • Tortious interference claims;
  • Negligence;
  • Partnership disputes; and
  • Claims involving restrictive covenants.

Where necessary, we have extensive bankruptcy experience, and therefore has the knowledge and skill necessary to aggressively represent our clients in the United States Bankruptcy Court.

Why use a smaller firm for your business litigation needs?

Many of our business and commercial clients prefer us over large law firms. There are several reasons for this:

Cost - Any business or commercial client who has been through the litigation process knows that fees and costs can mount rapidly, and can often outstrip the dollar value of the case. Indeed, many of our business clients came to us after having used other firms who charged large fees without providing a meaningful result. These clients want what any business wants - the right result achieved in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

We are different. We are efficient because we are small. Our base rates are lower than those charged by larger firms, but the quality of our work is the same. This is precisely why many small and medium-sized businesses use us for their business litigation needs. If and when costs start to mount, we discuss with the client how to best manage them under the circumstances.

Experience - Notwithstanding the website bravado, the truth is that many large firm attorneys rarely - if ever - set foot in court. If they do, it is usually just to attend a routine case management conference or relatively simple motion hearing. In fact, large firm lawyers spend most of their time in their offices drafting and responding to requests for information ("discovery"), and then settle the case before meaningful court appearances are required.

We are different. We are very familiar with trial practice and courtroom procedure, and have tried numerous cases before judges and juries all the way to winning favorable verdicts for our clients.

Investment, Understanding and Relationship - Any large firm will generate a good work product on paper. But does a large firm truly understand that needs of a smaller or medium-sized business? Does that firm really understand what it took to create that business, and what the business requires to survive and thrive? Can the principals of that business develop a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with the attorneys? The answers to these questions is frequently "no".

We are different. Because we are smaller, we understand the needs of comparably sized businesses. We share a feeling of investment with our business clients. Our personal connection to the needs of our clients shows that we really care about everything we do.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Commercial litigation is not always the best way to resolve a business dispute, and we understand this. Where possible, we try to resolve cases by means of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration. Mr. Friedman is a trained professional mediator, and has successfully negotiated resolutions to a wide array of business and commercial disputes. Where possible, we pursue mediation or arbitration as a faster, more efficient and cost-effective alternative to business litigation.

If you are a small or medium-sized business that requires representation in a business or commercial case in a New Jersey state or federal trial court, call us to learn what we can do to resolve your dispute favorably and efficiently.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"I hired Mr. Friedman to represent my son in a criminal matter that could have landed him in jail. Nobody in our family had ever been involved with the criminal justice system before, so this was all very new to us. He was very patient, answered all of our questions, and made sure we understood everything each step of the way. By the time the case was over, my son had a reduced charge for which he only had to pay some fines." Anonymous
★★★★★
"Mr. Friedman represented me when I was one of several students caught with drugs in a college dorm room. I was set to graduate at the end of the semester, and thought this case would ruin my life. He got my charges dismissed, and the record expunged. This lawyer was a total lifesaver!" Anonymous
★★★★★
"Our daughter has mental health issues. She got into a scuffle with the police and was charged with assaulting an officer. Our attorney, Jim Friedman, was able to show the prosecutor and Judge that the real problem here was her mental stability. She was placed on probation and avoided jail time. Most other lawyers we spoke to refused to take this case, but Jim Friedman took it and got us a great result. Thank you Mr. Friedman!" Anonymous
★★★★★
"I had federal criminal charges and felt totally lost. I was one of who knows how many defendants in this case, and I read on the Internet that almost everyone in federal court end up with a prison sentence, so I was really scared. My first lawyer, who told me that I would probably spend at least some time in prison, barely gave me the time of day after I paid him. Then I hired Jim Friedman to represent me. He stayed with me throughout the entire process. He was always available to answer my questions, and never let me lose hope. He negotiated aggressively with the federal prosecutor and I ended up with a short term of probation. I knew I would get convicted of something, but this lawyer kept me out of jail." Anonymous
★★★★★
"The only part of my trial that was better than watching Mr. Friedman question the witnesses was when the jury came out and said “not guilty” over and over again. You have to see this lawyer in court!" Anonymous