Dallas Business & Commercial Litigation Lawyers

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.