Denton 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 Denton 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.

Business Disputes Can Derail Denton Companies Without Warning

A contract breach, lender default, or claim from a former business partner can grind operations to a halt—sometimes in a matter of days. Texas Business Courts are designed to handle these cases quickly, often pushing defendants into expedited hearings, temporary injunctions, and asset freezes before they’ve had a chance to gather a full defense. That’s why Denton companies benefit from engaging experienced business litigators as soon as disputes arise. Prompt legal action can stabilize operations, keep cash flow moving, and give your business the ability to set the terms of engagement, rather than reacting under pressure.

Texas Statutes Can Shift Leverage When Timed Correctly

State law gives businesses several legal tools that, when used early, can change the dynamics of a dispute. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 38.001, a company that prevails on a written contract claim may recover reasonable attorneys’ fees—a factor that often drives quicker settlements once a breach becomes clear. If the agreement includes an arbitration clause, § 171.001 allows the party seeking enforcement to compel arbitration, pausing court proceedings and shifting the case into a private forum with faster timelines and narrower discovery. In cases involving misleading or deceptive practices, the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act authorizes triple damages and fee recovery, but only if the claim is filed within two years.

Early Evidence Preservation Is Key to Litigation Control

The hours and days after a dispute often determine the strength of a company’s legal position. Financial records, internal emails, and other documentation can disappear without a proper legal hold. Issuing a preservation letter immediately places all parties on notice to retain relevant records, laying the groundwork for clean, admissible evidence. Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 193.6 enables judges to exclude evidence disclosed late without sufficient justification, so acting early can block your opponent from introducing documents down the line. Once evidence is secured, your legal team can assess whether early settlement discussions or arbitration are in your best interest. Denton businesses that take proactive steps in those early stages often achieve more favorable resolutions and maintain cost control throughout the litigation process.

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 Denton business-litigation lawyer?

You should consider hiring a Denton 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.