Staten Island Business Litigation Attorney
Why Business Litigation Matters
Running a business means navigating not only day-to-day operations but also the legal complexities that come with contracts, partnerships, clients, and competition. While many business relationships start with mutual goals and clear expectations, disagreements are inevitable—and when they arise, they can escalate quickly.
Business litigation is the legal mechanism that addresses these disputes when informal resolution is no longer effective. From contract breaches to internal disputes among partners or shareholders, these conflicts can cause operational disruption, financial losses, and long-term reputational harm.
At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we understand what’s at stake. For over three decades, we’ve represented New York businesses in high-stakes commercial disputes, guiding them through complex litigation with precision, care, and business-minded strategy.
Whether you are defending against a claim or initiating legal action to protect your interests, our team ensures your business receives experienced, aggressive representation with a focus on practical outcomes.
What Is Business Litigation?
Business litigation encompasses any legal dispute that arises in a commercial context, typically involving two or more businesses or internal conflicts within a company. These disputes can stem from a wide range of issues, including breaches of contract, fraudulent transactions, failed business relationships, or violations of fiduciary obligations.
This form of litigation is often complex, involving multiple parties, layered agreements, regulatory compliance concerns, and significant financial implications. Business litigation differs from general civil litigation in that it requires a deep understanding of not only the law but also the operational dynamics and financial frameworks unique to commercial entities.
At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we focus on resolving these disputes efficiently—minimizing risk and cost to your business while aggressively pursuing the best possible outcome, whether in or out of court.
Types of Business Disputes We Handle
Our firm handles a wide spectrum of commercial litigation matters. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key areas where we provide focused legal support:
Breach of Contract Litigation
A contract breach occurs when one party fails to perform its obligations under a legally binding agreement. This is one of the most common causes of business litigation and can involve:
- Failure to pay for goods or services
- Non-delivery of promised products
- Unilateral cancellation of service agreements
- Violation of exclusivity or confidentiality clauses
How We Help:
Our attorneys evaluate the scope and enforceability of your contracts, identify breaches, quantify damages, and take action to seek remedies—either through settlement or litigation. We also defend businesses accused of breach, aiming to mitigate liability and resolve disputes efficiently.
Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
Internal disputes among partners or shareholders can derail business operations and fracture otherwise successful companies. These disputes often involve:
- Disagreements over strategic decisions or management control
- Allegations of misconduct or mismanagement
- Disputes over compensation, dividends, or profit-sharing
- Violations of partnership agreements or shareholder rights
How We Help:
We guide clients through these high-conflict situations by enforcing agreements, protecting minority shareholder rights, defending against wrongful claims, and, when necessary, litigating to dissolve business entities or compel compliance.
Business Torts & Fraud Claims
Business torts are wrongful actions that cause financial harm to your company. These can include:
- Fraud or misrepresentation in a business transaction
- Interference with existing contracts or business relationships
- Unfair business practices by competitors
- Conversion or misuse of business assets
- Theft or misuse of intellectual property and trade secrets
How We Help:
We aggressively investigate and prosecute tort claims on behalf of our clients and defend businesses against allegations of fraud or misconduct. Our goal is to protect your company’s financial stability and reputation.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Fiduciary duties require certain individuals—such as business partners, corporate officers, directors, and majority shareholders—to act in the best interest of the company. Breaches of this duty may involve:
- Self-dealing or conflicts of interest
- Failure to disclose material facts
- Embezzlement or misappropriation of company funds
- Favoring personal interests over the interests of the business
How We Help:
We represent businesses in fiduciary duty claims both as plaintiffs and defendants. These cases often require forensic financial analysis, corporate record review, and aggressive litigation strategy.
Commercial Mediation and Arbitration
Not every dispute needs to be resolved in court. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can provide quicker, more private, and less expensive outcomes. We support clients in:
- Binding and non-binding arbitration proceedings
- Voluntary and court-mandated mediation
- Negotiated settlements
- Pre-litigation conflict resolution
How We Help:
We prepare clients for ADR with the same rigor we apply in court, ensuring that they understand their rights, potential risks, and the implications of any settlement. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators with extensive experience achieving favorable results in ADR settings.
When to Litigate Versus Settle
Knowing when to escalate a dispute to litigation versus seeking resolution through negotiation or mediation is a strategic decision that requires careful analysis. At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we help clients assess:
- Cost vs. benefit of litigation
- Likelihood of success based on available evidence
- Timeframe for resolution
- Potential impact on business operations and public reputation
In many cases, we are able to resolve disputes without the time and expense of trial. But when litigation is necessary, we litigate aggressively—with your business goals always in focus.
How Angiuli & Gentile, LLP Supports Your Business
We take a client-first approach to commercial litigation. Here’s how our firm can help:
Strategic Risk Assessment
We begin each engagement with a comprehensive assessment of your legal position, the potential claims or defenses, and the financial exposure. This helps us advise you not only on legal options but also on the smartest business decisions.
Tailored Litigation Planning
No two business disputes are alike. We develop a customized litigation roadmap tailored to your objectives—whether that’s settlement, injunctive relief, reputational protection, or full-scale trial representation.
Hands-On Representation
We handle your case personally. Your attorney will be directly involved in all stages of the matter—from early negotiations and discovery to courtroom appearances and post-judgment enforcement.
Business-Focused Outcomes
Our goal is not only to win the legal argument but to preserve the value of your business. We approach litigation with an eye toward protecting long-term interests, minimizing disruption, and maintaining business continuity.
Why Choose Angiuli & Gentile, LLP?
- Over 30 years of experience resolving complex commercial disputes in Staten Island and throughout New York.
- A multidisciplinary approach that incorporates contract law, corporate governance, civil procedure, and dispute resolution strategy.
- Proven track record in both representing plaintiffs and defending businesses in litigation.
- Responsive client service—you’ll never be left wondering what’s happening with your case.
- Aggressive courtroom advocacy, balanced with the ability to negotiate skillfully when it benefits your business.
We serve businesses of all sizes—from startups to established corporations—and tailor our services to meet your specific industry needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my business partner is violating our agreement?
Begin by reviewing your written partnership agreement, if one exists. Then, document the violations and consult a business litigation attorney immediately. There may be options for resolution through demand letters, negotiation, or formal legal action, depending on the severity and impact of the breach.
Can I sue a shareholder for damaging the company?
Yes. Shareholders—especially those in management positions—owe fiduciary duties to the company. If they act against the company’s interest, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit for damages, removal, or injunctive relief.
What is the difference between business mediation and litigation?
Mediation is a non-binding, private dispute resolution process often facilitated by a neutral third party. Litigation is a formal process that takes place in court and ends with a binding judgment. Mediation may save time and money, but is not always appropriate—especially in cases involving fraud or bad faith.
How long does a business litigation case usually take?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case, the jurisdiction, and whether the case goes to trial. A straightforward contract case may resolve in a few months, while complex shareholder litigation could last a year or more.
Will the dispute affect my company’s reputation?
It depends on how the dispute is handled. While court cases are generally public, strategic use of confidentiality agreements, arbitration, or settlement negotiations can minimize reputational impact. Our firm takes proactive steps to protect your business image throughout the process.
Contact Angiuli & Gentile, LLP Today
If your business is facing a dispute—or you want to take legal action to protect your rights—don’t wait. The earlier you get legal counsel involved, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Contact Angiuli & Gentile, LLP today for a private consultation with an experienced business litigation attorney. We will evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you make confident decisions for your business.