Houston Business Litigation Lawyer

Business disputes happen often. Even to companies with sound policies and strong relationships. These conflicts can threaten your company’s productivity, finances, and reputation. Our experienced attorneys handle a wide range of business litigation matters across Texas, including companies of varying sizes.

Common business disputes involve breach of contract, fraud and misrepresentation, partnership disagreements, shareholder conflicts, unfair competition, and employment-related claims. Each of these issues can quickly escalate if not managed correctly. Our firm provides early intervention and strategic guidance, aiming to resolve disputes efficiently before they become prolonged and costly courtroom battles.

Contract disputes are particularly common in business litigation. While these might start simply they can quickly become complicated. Our attorneys regularly represent plaintiffs and defendants in these matters, skillfully navigating contractual ambiguities, breach allegations, and counterclaims. We develop clear strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation, pursuing resolutions that protect your interests and minimize disruption.

Business torts, including fraud, misrepresentation, tortious interference, and unfair competition, pose serious threats to your company’s operations and reputation. Unlike typical contract issues, these tort-based claims often involve intentional wrongdoing or misconduct that results in harm. Our firm aggressively pursues business tort claims when your company is harmed by wrongful actions, while also vigorously defending clients wrongly accused of such behavior.

Partnership and shareholder disputes can disrupt daily operations, divert resources, and jeopardize your company’s long-term viability. We represent clients involved in these conflicts, whether they arise from management disagreements, asset allocation, fiduciary duties, or corporate governance matters. Our goal is to efficiently resolve internal disputes, preserving company value and stability.

We regularly represent businesses involved in disputes over non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements. Enforceability of these agreements often depends on precise contractual language, timing, geographic scope, and consistency of enforcement. Our attorneys provide careful analysis of your contracts, helping you enforce valid agreements or defend against overly broad or improper restrictions.

Fraud claims involve intentional deception or misrepresentation, typically resulting in financial loss. These cases can be complex and require detailed investigation and strong evidence. Our attorneys have significant experience both pursuing fraud claims on behalf of businesses and defending companies accused of fraud. We understand the gravity of these claims and work decisively to protect your interests and reputation.

Insurance coverage disputes occur frequently, especially when claims are denied, delayed, or undervalued by insurers. Insurance counsel often represents the insurer’s interests, not yours. Our attorneys advocate solely for you, helping to enforce policy terms and pursue rightful compensation. We have extensive experience reviewing policies, challenging improper denials, and negotiating favorable settlements.

Supplier and vendor disputes can cause serious disruptions to your business operations and supply chain. Payment disagreements, quality concerns, delayed shipments, and performance issues can quickly escalate. We analyze supplier agreements, clearly identify contractual obligations, and pursue appropriate legal actions. Our firm helps minimize business disruptions and protects your relationships and profitability.

Early involvement of legal counsel often significantly reduces the risk and cost of business litigation. Our firm emphasizes proactive strategies, ensuring that your company is well-positioned to avoid disputes when possible, and swiftly resolve them when necessary. When litigation is unavoidable, we apply our extensive experience to vigorously represent your interests.

Contact us today to discuss your business litigation needs. Our attorneys will evaluate your situation, outline your legal options clearly, and help you protect your business interests efficiently and effectively.

Case Law Highlights – Business Litigation

Texas courts have produced a number of influential rulings in recent years that shape the landscape of business litigation, particularly in areas like contract enforcement, shareholder rights, and protection of business interests such as trade secrets and restrictive covenants. The following cases exemplify how the Texas judiciary interprets and applies legal principles central to modern business disputes.

Marsh  USA  Inc.  v.  Cook,  354  S.W. 3d  764  (Tex.  2011) 

The Texas Supreme Court revived a two‑year customer‑non‑solicitation covenant granted to a senior executive in exchange for an employee‑stock‑option package, holding that stock options supply valid consideration because they are reasonably related to protecting the company’s goodwill and confidential information.

By rejecting the stricter “gives‑rise” standard hinted at in Light, the Court broadened the types of benefits that can anchor a non‑compete and confirmed that access to confidential data after the agreement is signed satisfies the Covenants Not to Compete Act.

The employee’s summary judgment was reversed and the case remanded for the trial court to test the covenant’s time, territory, and activity limits, and reform them if necessary, under Texas statute.

Ritchie v. Rupe, 443 S.W.3d 856 (Tex. 2014)

This case remains a landmark decision in shareholder litigation. The case involved a minority shareholder alleging shareholder oppression after being frozen out of the company and denied any market for her shares. The Texas Supreme Court departed from previous intermediate court rulings and held that Texas law does not recognize a standalone cause of action for shareholder oppression. Instead, it limited remedies for minority shareholders to claims rooted in breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, or contractual rights under the entity’s governing documents. This decision fundamentally reshaped how minority shareholder disputes are litigated and refocused attention on drafting precise shareholder agreements and operating documents to avoid ambiguity in control rights and exit strategies.

Together, these cases show how Texas business litigation remains rooted in contract enforcement, fiduciary accountability, and protection of competitive advantage. Whether you’re litigating a commercial fraud case, enforcing a non-compete, or resolving a corporate governance dispute, understanding these leading cases provides essential context for navigating complex business conflicts in the Texas legal environment.