Business and commercial disputes often involve contracts, ownership rights, or conduct that involves illegal conduct by competitors. We help Indiana businesses evaluate their options, manage risk, and choose the strategy that best aligns with their business objectives.

Common business and commercial litigation matters include:

• Breaches of contract and complex contract interpretation disputes
• Shareholder, member, and partnership disputes in closely-held entities
• Business torts, including interference with business relationships and unfair competition
• Disputes involving the sale or purchase of a business or significant assets
• Commercial real estate litigation

Contract disputes are the basis for much business and commercial litigation. Not every contract is in writing or well-drafted. Even carefully prepared agreements can have ambiguous terms that leave issues open to interpretation.

Our litigators handle:

• Breach of supply, services, and vendor agreements
• Disputes involving complex, multi-document commercial transactions, such as construction contracts
• Enforcement of payment, performance, and indemnity obligations

We have resolved hundreds of contract disputes through negotiation, mediation, and litigation in court or in arbitration, including trial. Whether the matter is a straightforward two-party dispute or a multi-party case touching several areas of law, we approach each case with careful analysis and a strategy tailored to meet your objectives.

Our attorneys regularly represent companies, shareholders, members, and partners in ownership and governance conflicts.

These matters frequently involve:

• Deadlock among owners or managers
• Allegations of breach of fiduciary duty or self-dealing
• Disputes over valuation, buyouts, and exit rights
• Claims arising from closely held corporation or LLC operating agreements

Our attorneys understand that, when relationships among business owners deteriorate, their disputes can threaten the viability of the business.  We seek practical resolutions that preserve business value. While those often involve pre-suit negotiations,  we stand ready to pursue swift and decisive legal action when litigation is the best option.

Non-competition covenants and related restrictive agreements are critical tools for protecting business assets and goodwill, but they sometimes face close judicial scrutiny. Our business litigators help clients enforce or challenge non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality provisions as appropriate.

We handle disputes involving:

• Enforcement of non-competition and non-solicitation agreements in employment, shareholder, and sale-of-business contexts
• Protection of trade secrets and confidential business information
• Alleged unfair competition, employee raiding, and misuse of proprietary information

We also counsel businesses on drafting enforceable covenants tailored to Indiana law and the specific needs of the transaction or relationship.

Commercial litigation often involves disputes regarding intellectual property and unfair competition directly affecting our clients’ market position.

Matters in this area include:

• Misappropriation of trade secrets and confidential information
• Unfair competition and business interference claims
• Claims involving ownership and/or infringement of trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property as they arise in commercial contexts

We work closely with clients to quickly secure or resist injunctions and other requests for expedited relief when intellectual property-related issues threaten their ongoing business operations.

Business disputes often arise out of employment relationships, such as leadership transitions or when current employees begin competing with their current employers before their employment ends. We regularly assist employers with litigation involving key management personnel and important workforce disputes.

Representative matters include:

• Claims of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
• Wage and hour disputes and related class or collective actions
• Wrongful termination and employment contract disputes
• Allegations of embezzlement, theft, or misuse of company assets

Our approach guides our clients through sensitive employment-related litigation by balancing legal risk, business realities, and reputational considerations consistent with our clients’ objectives.

Insurance is an important tool that businesses use to minimize risk.  When business insurance claims arise, our attorneys provide a full spectrum of services to insurance carriers and their policyholders, from initial coverage analysis through trial and appeal.

We handle:

• Insurance coverage opinions and declaratory judgment actions
• Defense of product liability and catastrophic injury claims
• Environmental and toxic substance claims
• Officers’ and directors’ liability and professional liability matters

We also defend professional negligence and malpractice claims asserted against accountants, attorneys, insurance agents, real estate brokers, physicians, dentists, hospitals, and other health care professionals.

Manufacturers face unique risks when their products are alleged to have caused personal injury or property damage. Our litigators defend product liability and toxic tort claims in state and federal courts throughout Indiana.

These cases frequently involve:

• Alleged design or manufacturing defects
• Claims of inadequate warnings or instructions
• Catastrophic personal injury, disability, death, or property damage
• Short-term and long-term exposure to substances such as asbestos, mold, pharmaceuticals, silica, and other materials

Our experience ranges from single-plaintiff cases to complex, multi-party litigation and large class actions.

Because litigation can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining for business owners and executives, we leverage mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution methods where appropriate to seek efficient and cost-effective outcomes.

ADR can offer:

• Greater control over process, timing, and decision-maker selection
• Increased flexibility and confidentiality compared to court proceedings
• Opportunities to preserve business relationships and avoid “win–lose” dynamics

Because we regularly try cases, our attorneys are well positioned to evaluate when ADR makes strategic sense and how to use it effectively.

National and out-of-state businesses often need experienced local counsel in Indiana. Our litigation team is well versed in the procedures and practices of Indiana state and federal courts and is known for strong work product, professionalism, and service.

We assist with:

• Navigating local rules, judge-specific practices, and filing requirements
• Substantive motion practice, discovery, and trial support
• Coordinated strategy with lead counsel to ensure consistent, effective advocacy

Our attorneys frequently partner with regional and national firms when litigation arises in Indiana, providing both procedural guidance and substantive representation as needed.