Business Litigation
We believe that good legal planning can often help avoid business disputes. When necessary, however, our experienced trial attorneys can represent clients—from small, family-owned businesses or farms to multi-national corporations—in all types of litigation. Our team approach, supported by a highly qualified staff, allows us to handle cases from the simple to the most complex in an efficient and cost-effective manner. We use common sense and creativity to solve problems, using negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation as appropriate. Most of our trial attorneys also have transactional experience and we pride ourselves on understanding your business.
Our business litigation practice includes:
Contract Disputes
We assist with disputes relating to all types of contracts and agreements, whether oral or written.
Entity Disputes
We represent businesses and individuals in disputes among partners and shareholders, or in claims against officers and directors.
Real Estate & Land Use
We assist in the full range of real estate transactions and litigation, including permit proceedings, boundary disputes, and title matters.
Environmental
We handle all manner of environmental litigation, including pollution claims.
Employment Claims
We defend employers against any wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, family and medical leave, overtime, or other employee claim.
Construction Claims
We are experienced in the issues that arise out of the construction and development of projects, both large and small.
Business Torts
We handle the full range of tort claims that businesses may encounter, including intentional interference with contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unfair competition.
Insurance Coverage
We are experienced in the interpretation of insurance contracts and can handle any coverage disputes.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
When appropriate, we encourage clients to consider alternatives to litigation, such as mediation or arbitration, and we represent clients in these types of proceedings. In addition, many of our attorneys serve as mediators, evaluators, or arbitrators to assist others in resolving their disputes.
Class Actions
Class actions demand both legal expertise and substantial case management resources. We have represented classes of claimants in Vermont and around the country on issues such as pollution contamination, dairy cooperatives, and consumer rights. We provide both the legal expertise as well as the technological and staff resources necessary to tackle the considerable demands of multi-party litigation.
Large Asset Divorces
Our family law attorneys have the comprehensive knowledge and experience to analyze and address the numerous specialized issues that arise in large asset divorces, such as the valuation of businesses and assets, as well as taxation questions.
Appeals
We have handled hundreds of appeals before administrative agencies, the Vermont Supreme Court, and the federal appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court.
National & International
Our membership in Meritas, the premier global alliance of independent law firms, allows us to provide our clients with experienced guidance, quickly and efficiently, on doing business throughout the country and around the world.