Business & Commercial Litigation

Businesses face a complex web of legal obligations and challenges. Meeting these challenges requires knowledge of local, state, and federal laws; and vigorous representation in disputes with consumers, vendors, and competitors. Our Chicago business litigation attorneys offer extensive experience and skill in a wide range of legal issues to businesses in the Chicago area and the surrounding regions.

Business Disputes

We represent business owners and business professionals in disputes that may arise with competitors, affiliates, consumers, vendors or vendees, current or former employees, officers or directors, and others. These may include:

Real Estate Litigation

Real estate litigation encompasses a broad range of contractual, statutory, and other legal obligations, including landlord/tenant relations, sale or purchase of property, investment, development, and land use issues. We represent businesses who are purchasing, selling, leasing, or investing in real property. We also assist businesses who are experiencing difficulties developing the real property they own, helping them in disputes with contractors, investors, and regulators.

Franchise Litigation

Franchisors and franchisees have a relationship unlike almost any other in business, with a franchisee taking on the obligation to publicly maintain the franchisor’s brand and business goodwill in a particular area. We assist both franchisors and franchisees in disputes over alleged breaches of a franchise agreement, business fraud, failures to make required payments, and infringement of either party’s intellectual property.

Legal Malpractice

Our business litigation attorneys represent Chicago plaintiffs and defendants in claims of legal malpractice arising from legal work performed for a business or in support of business litigation.

Business Disputes in Divorce

Ownership of equity in a family or closely-held business may become a contentious issue in a divorce, requiring appraisals of business property and of the business itself. The parties to a divorce need skilled legal representation, and the business caught in the middle should also have access to legal guidance. We can advise business owners or the businesses themselves of their rights and obligations, and we can retain appraisers and other experts to facilitate the sale or division of equity.

Class Action Defense

Class action lawsuits present different challenges than other lawsuits. They give individual plaintiffs with relatively small consumer or business claims to join with other, similarly situated plaintiffs and bring one large-scale lawsuit. Businesses should not underestimate the leverage the class action system gives to plaintiffs. We have extensive experience defending businesses from class action suits by challenging and defeating class certification, negotiating settlements and dismissals, and representing businesses at trial.

Non-Competition Agreements

Businesses and their employees may enter into non-competition agreements, which restrict an employee from working for a competitor for a defined period of time and within a defined geographic area. Our business litigation lawyers represent Chicago businesses seeking to enforce a non-competition agreement against a former employee, as well as individuals wishing to get out of a non-competition agreement.

Slander, Defamation, Libel, and Cyber-Smearing

A business’s reputation is one of its most important assets, and any false or misleading information made available to the public can cause irreparable damages. False statements regarding the performance or quality of a product, for example, can impact sales and hurt the company’s brand. The internet has further enabled the spread of false information by consumers, competitors, and others. Defamation law allows businesses to hold individuals accountable for the damage caused by statements that they know to be false, or that they made without reasonably inquiring as to its falsity.

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

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.