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.

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.

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.

Arlington Business & Commercial Litigation Lawyers

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: 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.

Q: 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. Some tort claims have a shorter limitations period, typically two years.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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 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.

How Do Business Disputes Commonly Start in Arlington?

In a city that hosts the GM assembly plant, a thriving entertainment district, and a growing cluster of defense contractors near Interstate 20, most ventures depend on written promises that goods will arrive on schedule, capital will clear when milestones are met, and licensed specialists will complete highly regulated tasks. One missed delivery or an investor’s concern about progress reports can quickly unsettle this balance. Operations teams adjust production calendars, finance officers revisit cash-flow projections, and upstream suppliers start asking whether their own invoices will be paid. Spotting these early signals often lets owners seek guidance before a disagreement hardens into formal litigation.

Which Commercial Claims Reach Tarrant County Courts Most Frequently?

Local dockets reveal several recurring themes. Partnerships sometimes strain when co-owners adopt different visions for expansion, bringing questions about voting strength or dividend timing. Trade-secret and non-compete concerns surface when skilled employees depart for a competitor and take critical know-how along. Allegations of fraud or unfair dealing tend to follow acquisitions or multi-layer supply arrangements that never reach the financial targets outlined during negotiations. Alongside these headline matters, a steady flow of contract suits continues, from construction timelines tied to the entertainment district to cloud-software rollouts at the University of Texas at Arlington research center.

What Early Courtroom Measures Help Stabilize Operations?

Texas procedure offers several tools that preserve the status quo while facts are gathered. Temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions can freeze disputed funds, protect customer lists, or pause the transfer of specialized equipment until liability is resolved. Judges may appoint a neutral receiver when managers are deadlocked or when financial records hint at misuse of assets. Many Arlington contracts steer conflict into arbitration; a motion to compel arbitration moves the matter to a private forum with narrower discovery and faster hearing dates, reducing uncertainty for both sides.

How Does E-Discovery Shape Complex Litigation in Arlington?

Digital records now form the backbone of nearly every commercial lawsuit. Email threads, shared-drive folders, cloud backups, and mobile messages can reveal contract terms, decision-making, and damages. Roquemore Skierski’s lead trial lawyer holds advanced credentials in e-discovery and designs collection plans that secure crucial data without interrupting daily work. Litigation-hold notices go out as soon as a claim is reasonably anticipated, preserving metadata that authenticates documents and timelines. Phased requests, custodian interviews focused on role rather than rank, and technology-assisted review keep the data set manageable, which controls cost and accelerates preparation for mediation, arbitration, or trial.

How Roquemore Skierski Protects Your Interests in Arlington

Our representation begins with a careful reading of every operative document, mapping notice provisions, arbitration clauses, and fee-shifting language that can create early leverage. When immediate relief is vital, we draft injunction applications that safeguard cash, inventory, or intellectual property and support them with concise affidavits tailored to local judicial expectations. Discovery plans reflect the breadth of modern digital evidence, pairing forensic specialists with focused legal requests that keep expenses proportional. If private resolution matches your objectives, we guide matters toward mediation or arbitration to limit publicity and shorten timelines. Should a courtroom be necessary, streamlined expert testimony, well-timed motions, and a clear narrative translate complex transactions into themes that resonate with judges and juries. Throughout each phase, Roquemore Skierski aligns legal strategy with long-term business goals, allowing Arlington enterprises to protect their interests while continuing to grow.

our Arlington business 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, complex litigation, 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.

D. Shawn Stevens

Of Counsel

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

Of Counsel

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 an Arlington business litigation lawyer?

You should hire a business litigation lawyer as soon as a dispute arises or seems likely, such as conflicts with partners, breach of contract, or issues with clients or vendors. Early involvement helps protect your rights, gather evidence, and explore solutions before problems escalate, saving time, money, and stress in the long run.

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

A business lawsuit can take anywhere from several months to several years. The defendant generally has about 20 days from being served to respond, and the discovery phase often lasts 6 months to over a year. Simple disputes may resolve quickly through settlement, while complex cases with extensive evidence and multiple parties can take much longer to reach a resolution.

Which disputes do Dallas business courts handle most often?

Dallas’s First Business Court Division handles complex, high‑value commercial disputes. Most frequent case types include breach of contract matters, derivative actions, corporate governance conflicts, shareholder and fiduciary duty claims, disputes involving internal affairs under the Business Organizations Code, and securities‑related claims, all where at least $5 million is at issue.

What evidence do I need in a business dispute?

In a business dispute, useful evidence includes written contracts, emails, text messages, invoices, receipts, meeting notes, and internal reports. Financial records, such as bank statements and ledgers, can show the impact of the dispute. Witness statements from employees, partners, or customers may also help. The goal is to gather clear, well-organized documentation that supports your position and shows the facts of the case.

What is the statute of limitations for common business claims?

In Texas, most breach of contract claims must be filed within four years, while fraud and certain debt collection claims also have a four-year limit. Claims for injury to personal or real property usually have a two-year limit. Some specific business-related claims may have shorter or longer deadlines, so acting quickly after a dispute arises is important to preserve your rights.

What damages can I recover in a business dispute?

In a business dispute, you may recover compensatory damages to cover direct financial losses, consequential damages for related losses caused by the dispute, and sometimes equitable relief such as injunctions or specific performance. In cases involving fraud, malice, or gross misconduct, punitive damages may be available. You may also recover attorney’s fees if allowed by contract or statute.

How much will business litigation cost?

The cost of business litigation varies widely depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence, the number of witnesses, and how long the dispute lasts. Simple cases may cost a few thousand dollars, while complex or prolonged litigation can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands. Costs include attorney’s fees, court filing fees, expert witnesses, and expenses for gathering and reviewing evidence.

Can I recover attorneys’ fees?

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 I file a lawsuit?

Arbitration or mediation is not always required before filing a lawsuit, but it may be mandatory if your contract includes a dispute resolution clause. Some Texas courts may also order mediation during the case to encourage settlement. Reviewing your agreements and local court rules can help determine whether you must pursue arbitration or mediation before going to court.