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Business Disputes

Disputes and disagreements inevitably arise within businesses and between businesses. If not handled properly, disputes can have a serious impact on a business’ stability or bottom line. A failure to pursue a claim against a person or other company that did harm to a business could mean lost monetary damages and other relief. A failure to defend against a claim could result in judgments and other penalties. A business on either side of a dispute may incur far greater expense and opportunity cost than necessary by missing a chance to resolve a dispute efficiently. In any of these situations, a skilled Chicago business litigation lawyer is central to asserting a business’ rights and protecting its interests.

Our Focus

We focus our practice on complex business disputes, when the stakes and the risks are at their highest. We have achieved great results for our clients at the negotiation table, in mediations and arbitrations, and in the courtroom. With a wealth of legal knowledge and litigation experience, we can perform a quick analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each case to help our clients minimize their financial risks and obtain the best possible result.

Disputes Within or Between Businesses

Business disputes may arise within a company, with disagreements occurring between the shareholders, members, or partners. This type of dispute can tear a company apart if not handled appropriately. An effective resolution may consist of the exit of one party to the dispute from the company, or a split of the business between feuding partners.

One business may also have a dispute with another business, for most of the same reasons individuals have conflicts. Businesses may disagree over the terms of a partnership or joint venture, or a dispute may arise in the context of a vendor-customer or similar relationship. Our business litigation attorneys can assist Chicago clients with these complicated issues.

Types of Claims in Business Disputes

Disputes may occur, and may lead to litigation, in a wide range of business matters, including:

  • Breach of contract, which could occur between a business and an individual principal, or between two or more businesses;
  • Breach of fiduciary duty, which most often occurs between a shareholder, member, or partner and the company;
  • Interference with prospective clients;
  • Breach of express and implied warranties;
  • Infringement or misappropriation of trade secrets or other confidential business information;
  • Embezzlement or misuse of business assets;
  • Trademark and copyright infringement;
  • Vendor disputes, including vendor/consumer disputes and vendor/sub-vendor disputes;
  • Franchise disputes;
  • Disputes between partners, members, or shareholders;
  • Disputes arising from mergers between businesses; and
  • Joint venture disputes.
Dispute Resolution

Litigation is only one method of resolving a business dispute. Many parties to a dispute are able to compromise, either before or after filing suit, through a negotiated settlement. Various forms of alternative dispute resolution are also available instead of litigation and trial. These include mediation, where a neutral mediator hears all sides of a dispute and helps the parties reach an agreement, and arbitration, where one or more arbitrators conduct a proceeding like a trial and make a recommendation for a fair outcome.

Lubin Austermuehle, P.C.’s Chicago business litigation attorneys have offices in Elmhurst and Chicago, Illinois. We represent clients throughout Illinois, including the Chicago area and DuPage County, as well as Indiana and Wisconsin. To schedule a consultation with a business litigation lawyer in Chicago, contact us via email, at 630-333-0333.



Business & Commercial Litigation
Client Reviews
★★★★★
"I was referred to Peter Lubin from someone in the car business to handle a law suit. From the moment I made the appointment Peter and his staff were outstanding. This wasn't an easy case, most lawyers had turned me down. However, Peter took the time to meet with me and review everything. He took on the case, and constantly communicated with me about updates and case information. We beat this non-compete agreement case in record time. I would use him again and recommend him to my closest family and friends. 5 stars is not enough to thank him for his service." Sebastian R.
★★★★★
"I worked on two occasions with Peter Lubin and his staff. They took their time with me and discussed each and every item in detail. The group makes you feel like you are part of the family and not just another hourly charge. I recommend Peter to anyone who asks me for a referral. If you are looking for a top notch attorney at a reasonable rate, look no further than Lubin Austermuehle." Kurt A.
★★★★★
"Excellent law firm. My case was a complicated arbitration dispute from another state. Was handled with utmost professionalism and decency. Mr. Peter Lubin was able to successfully resolve the case on my behalf and got me a very favorable settlement. Would recommend to anyone looking for a serious law firm. Great staff and great lawyers!" Albey L.
★★★★★
"I have known Peter Lubin for over 30 years. He has represented me on occasion with sound legal advice. He is a shrewd and tough negotiator leading to positive outcomes and averting prolonged legal hassles in court. He comes from a family with a legal pedigree and deep roots in Chicago's top legal community. You want him on your case. You need him on your opponents case. He won't stop fighting until he wins." Christopher G.
★★★★★
"Peter and his team helped us with an auto fraud case. They communicated well (timely and very responsive), investigated deeply, and negotiated a very good settlement. We were able to resolve our significant issue without a large burden and in a manner that allowed for us to come out ahead. I'd recommend Peter and his team strongly!" R.J. Callahan
★★★★★
"Peter was really nice and helpful when I came to him with an initial question about a non-compete. Would definitely reach out again, recommended to everyone." Johannes B.
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