Fort Worth Business & Commercial Litigation Lawyers

Q: When should I hire a Dallas business-litigation lawyer?

You should consider hiring a Dallas business-litigation lawyer as soon as you suspect or face commercial or business-related legal issues. This includes situations like contract disputes, financial problems, fraud, or even before taking action to avoid potential legal issues.

Q: How long does a business lawsuit take in Texas state court?

A Texas state-court business lawsuit can take a significant amount of time, generally ranging from one to two years or longer, depending on factors like the complexity of the case and whether it reaches trial. Many cases are settled before trial, often within a few months after the lawsuit is filed.

Q: Is arbitration or mediation required before suing?

Many Texas courts require pre-trial mediation, and some contracts include pre-suit mediation or arbitration clauses. Arbitration is binding ADR decided by a neutral; mediation is a facilitated negotiation aimed at settlement.

Business litigation involves resolving legal disputes between businesses, or between businesses and individuals, through court proceedings, encompassing a wide range of issues like contract breaches, intellectual property disputes, and breaches of fiduciary duty.

Roquemore Skierski’s Dallas-based business and commercial litigation lawyers work with business owners, executives, and stakeholders throughout Texas who are facing serious legal challenges. Our clients are hands-on; entrepreneurs, professionals, and founders who are deeply involved in their companies and need legal advice that’s sharp, strategic, and focused on results.

When we take on a case, we bring clarity and direction. Whether you’re defending your business or going on the offensive to protect what’s yours, we build legal strategies that make sense in the real world. We know what’s on the line; your time, your money, your reputation, and the future of your business, and we fight to protect it.

Why Roquemore Skiersi Is Trusted for Litigation

Trial‑Hardened Counsel

Our lead attorneys average 20 years in Texas state and federal courts, with verdicts exceeding $100M in combined judgments.

Industry Insight

From manufacturing to technology, we understand the operational realities and regulatory pressures unique to your vertical.

Relentless Preparation

Early case assessment, laser‑focused discovery, and decisive motion practice maximize leverage before trial.

Commercial Disputes Put Fort-Worth Companies at Risk

Breach of contract, loan defaults, and vendor lawsuits can disrupt cash flow in a single week. Fort Worth matters that meet the jurisdictional threshold for the new Texas Business Court are placed on an accelerated docket, so temporary restraining orders, expedited discovery, and asset freezes can arrive before a defendant has gathered the facts. When trial counsel is engaged immediately, suppliers keep shipping, lenders stay calm, and the company sets the timetable rather than scrambling to meet it.

Statutory Tools That Shift Leverage in Business Cases

Texas law offers several remedies that become powerful negotiating assets when invoked promptly and in the proper order. A prevailing party on a written contract can pursue reimbursement of reasonable attorneys’ fees under section 38.001 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a prospect that often encourages settlement once liability appears likely. Section 171.001 of the same code presumes that a written arbitration clause is enforceable, so a motion to compel arbitration can move the dispute into a forum with limited discovery and faster hearings while pausing any parallel court action. The Deceptive Trade Practices Act provides for treble damages and fee recovery when misleading commercial conduct is proven, but its two-year limitations period rewards businesses that file quickly and increases pressure on the opposing side.

Preserving Evidence Early Controls Litigation Outcomes

In the days following a dispute, critical ledgers, email threads, and text messages can vanish. A well-drafted preservation letter imposes a legal obligation on all parties to safeguard records. Rule 193.6 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure allows judges to exclude documents that surface late without good cause, so sending that notice early protects the integrity of the evidence and prevents costly discovery disputes.

Once the documentary record is secure, counsel can evaluate whether early mediation makes economic sense or whether a motion to compel arbitration will offer a more efficient path. Locking down proof at the outset and choosing the right forum give Fort Worth companies predictable litigation costs and stronger leverage in settlement negotiations.

our business & commercial litigation lawyers

Kelvin Roquemore

Founding Partner

Kelvin Roquemore is a Founding Partner of Roquemore Skierski, specializing in business and commercial litigation, with experience in business transactions, M&A, and commercial real estate. With over 25 years of in-house counsel and business litigation experience, he brings a strategic approach to supporting owner-operated small and medium-sized enterprises.

Doug Skierski

Founding Partner

Doug Skierski is a Founding Partner of Roquemore Skierski, and is an A/V-rated attorney with over 20 years of experience in bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, receiverships, and commercial litigation. He holds a J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law and has a strong background in complex commercial litigation and arbitration.

Shawn Stevens

Senior Associate

Dennis Shawn Stevens is a member of Roquemore Skierski with over 20 years of experience representing clients in business litigation, commercial disputes, and insurance-related claims. He holds a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and advises businesses on matters involving breach of contract, construction conflicts, and complex commercial torts.

Mark Ivanyo

Attorney

Mark Ivanyo has experience in complex commercial litigation, including contract disputes, product liability, and premises-related claims. He has experience representing businesses in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration and administration. Mark holds a J.D. from South Texas College of Law and holds a B.B.A. in Management from Texas State University.

Alyssa Grissom

Paralegal

Alysa S. Grissom is a paralegal at Roquemore Skierski and is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—an achievement held by fewer than 400 paralegals statewide. She holds an A.A. in Government, an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies from Austin Community College, and a B.A. in Business, magna cum laude, from Concordia University Texas.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ's

When should I hire a Fort-Worth business-litigation lawyer?

You should consider hiring a Fort-Worth business-litigation lawyer as soon as you suspect or face commercial or business-related legal issues. This includes situations like contract disputes, financial problems, fraud, or even before taking action to avoid potential legal issues,

How long does a business lawsuit take in Texas state court?

A Texas state court business lawsuit can take a significant amount of time, generally ranging from one to two years or longer, depending on factors like the complexity of the case and whether it reaches trial. Many cases are settled before trial, often within a few months after the lawsuit is filed

Which disputes do Dallas business courts handle most often?

The Dallas Business Court primarily handles high-stakes business disputes, including corporate governance, securities, fiduciary duties, and commercial matters. These disputes often involve large amounts, with a general threshold of $5 million or $10 million depending on the nature of the claim.

What evidence is critical in a business-dispute case?

In a business dispute, critical evidence often revolves around documentary evidence, particularly contracts, communications, and financial records, as well as testimony and expert opinions. These elements help establish facts, prove intent, and demonstrate the nature and extent of the dispute.

What is the statute of limitations for common business claims?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most common business claims is generally four years. This includes claims like breach of contract, debt, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty. However, some claims, like tort claims, have a shorter statute of limitations, such as two years.

What damages can I recover?

Compensatory losses (lost profits, out-of-pocket costs), consequential damages, exemplary damages for fraud or malice, and equitable relief such as injunctions or specific performance.

How much will business litigation cost?

Fees depend on complexity, discovery volume, and trial length. Many Dallas firms offer blended or phased budgets. Early settlement or arbitration can cut total spend.

Are attorneys’ fees recoverable?

Often. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 38.001 allows prevailing parties in written-contract suits to recover “reasonable” fees. Some statutes (e.g., DTPA) and contracts provide fee-shifting for torts.

Is arbitration or mediation required before suing?

In many jurisdictions, including Texas, mediation is often required before a lawsuit can proceed to trial, and sometimes contracts include pre-suit mediation clauses. While arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) where a neutral third party makes a binding decision, it is not typically a prerequisite for litigation. Mediation, on the other hand, is a negotiation process facilitated by a neutral third party, aimed at resolving disputes without court intervention.