Commercial Litigation
Conscientious and pragmatic, our commercial litigation attorneys counsel clients on all manners of business disputes that can disrupt or upend a business. Whether it is for a breach of contract, a corporate dispute or payment collection, we devise creative and cost-effective solutions that enable businesses to remain productive and profitable.
Many business owners are understandably risk-averse and not eager to incur the expense of litigation, which is why we evaluate all possible paths to resolution when disputes arise. We provide early case assessments and budget estimates and regularly communicate with our clients about their goals. Our commercial litigation attorneys frequently resolve client disputes through mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution so as to avoid the expense of litigation altogether.
However, there are matters that simply cannot be resolved and must be litigated. In those instances, we have the needed experience to try cases in state and federal courts, as well as to conduct hearings before administrative agencies and arbitration panels throughout the United States. We understand the high stakes associated with litigation and are aggressive and thoughtful advocates for our clients, working to effectively manage risks and protect their rights.
Attorneys in our Rail & Transportation Group defend Class I and shortline railroads in various matters, such as:
- Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)
- Crossing accidents
- Trespasser actions
- Real estate matters
Numerous attorneys are members of the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel and the Civil Litigation Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
We have experience helping construction owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals prosecute and defend mechanics’ liens and surety payment bond claims. Our team works with colleagues in the firm’s highly regarded Construction Group to advise clients at all stages of a dispute, frequently negotiating settlements without the need for litigation.
Businesses ranging from mom-and-pop companies to Fortune 500 corporations may encounter government investigations, enforcement actions or consumer lawsuits alleging violations of state and federal consumer protection laws. Our team of experienced attorneys helps clients navigate the regulatory landscape, negotiate with investigators and agency attorneys, and litigate issues when necessary.
Issues that arise in the course of doing business—from shareholder derivative suits to allegations of fraud—can have significant long-term consequences for a company or its owners. We advise corporate clients, including boards of directors, officers and audit committees, in shareholder and partnership disputes, business divorces, and disputes resulting from the purchase or sale of an entity. Our commercial litigation attorneys resolve challenges to corporate actions and respond to allegations of fraud.
Attorneys in our Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy Group pair a strong knowledge of financial laws and regulations with knowledge of industries such as banking, construction, real estate, financial services, and manufacturing, among others. They are experienced in litigating bankruptcy disputes involving trustee appointments, debt recourse, and lenders’ and creditors’ claims, and regularly appear in bankruptcy courts throughout the tristate region.
Banks, loan agencies, mortgage loan services and other commercial lenders turn to Cohen Seglias attorneys for guidance in disputes involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act, and the Truth-in-Lending Act. Our Financial Services Group litigates matters in state and federal courts throughout the East Coast and Midwest.
When individuals are threatened with or become involved in litigation, or are considering a lawsuit to protect their interests, our attorneys are prepared to help. More importantly, Cohen Seglias assists with evaluating whether litigation is the best alternative or whether there are other, more beneficial options. Our attorneys routinely handle the defense of clients in personal injury property damage.
Policyholders can find themselves entangled in complicated disputes with their insurance carriers regarding coverage for third or first party claims. Our insurance attorneys negotiate with insurance carriers to reverse coverage denials, and to resolve disputes arise from property claims. We also defend and prosecute coverage actions when negotiations fail to obtain the desired result. Because of our team’s experience in construction, and the coverage issues that affect the industry, we work closely with our construction clients to draft and analyze insurance requirements and other risk shifting provisions.
With decades of experience navigating real estate disputes, Cohen Seglias’ attorneys offer property management companies, manufactured housing owners, property owners and other commercial entities guidance on landlord-tenant disputes, breach of contract, sale-purchase issues, fair housing, and mortgage foreclosure actions.
Real estate projects—from mixed-use commercial buildings to condominiums—require navigating complicated local and state permitting processes and regulations. Our attorneys understand the challenges that come with applying for special use permits, securing land use and zoning variances, and appearing before local zoning and planning boards or commissions. We help developers and property owners prepare and submit applications for zoning and conditional use variances, comply with local environmental and safety regulations, obtain approvals from historical societies, and negotiate disputes arising from eminent domain claims.