Commercial Litigation Lawyer in Manhattan

Serving clients in Manhattan, Equal Justice Solutions offers legal representation grounded in both high-level expertise and a principled approach to every case. We work with ethically driven companies, investors and founders who seek alignment between their legal strategies and core values, whistleblowers who act with integrity, and individuals who have experienced significant injustice or felt overlooked in previous legal proceedings. Our practice reflects the precision, attention to detail, and extensive legal capability typically associated with large firms, while prioritising ethical responsibility, careful control of expenses, and clear, honest billing without unnecessary or misleading charges.

We Serve Clients in Manhattan with Consequence. Not Complaints.

At Equal Justice Solutions, we represent founders pushed out, shareholders locked out, investors misled, and businesses cheated.

We are a faith-driven litigation firm. We take cases where something real is at stake—ownership, accountability, or survival.

We don’t file lawsuits to make a point or settle scores. We don’t take every case. We litigate with care, not impulse.

WHAT WE DO AT EQUAL JUSTICE SOLUTIONS

We Are Commercial Litigation Lawyers Serving Clients in Manhattan with Consequence. Not Complaints.

We concentrate on commercial litigation that involves significant financial, legal, or ethical stakes. We take a selective approach, focusing on clients who are experiencing substantial harm, facing critical consequences, or seeking meaningful resolution or reform. Our work is crafted to achieve a tangible and substantive impact where it counts most.

Our model of representation is intentional and hands-on. Typically, two to three highly experienced attorneys oversee your case directly, rather than relying on junior staff or outside counsel. By managing a small number of cases at a time, we provide each client with focused attention, careful strategic planning, and advocacy of the highest quality and precision.

Types of Commercial Litigation We Handle in Manhattan

Clients throughout Manhattan rely on our firm for representation in complex business disputes involving founders, shareholders, executives, and investors where legal intervention plays a vital role. We focus on preserving ownership rights, addressing misconduct or breaches of obligation, and pursuing the recovery of substantial losses. The types of matters we handle include:
We do not undertake matters involving companies that are centered on personal employment disagreements, disputes with consumers, or any situations that might conflict with the ethical commitments and overarching mission that guide our firm.

Our Approach to Commercial Litigation in Manhattan

Deliberate. Strategic. Trial-Ready Business Litigation Lawyers

For clients in Manhattan, each commercial litigation case begins with the creation of a clearly defined and carefully documented written strategy. We review your claims or defences, analyse projected costs and expected timelines, and determine whether litigation is the most appropriate and effective course of action. Our goal is to provide the clarity needed for clients to decide whether to negotiate a resolution, proceed with litigation, or withdraw from the matter.

When moving forward is necessary, every case is prepared from the outset with the expectation that it could be presented before a judge or jury. We gather all relevant facts, establish a comprehensive legal strategy, identify critical leverage points, and organise discovery to support the strongest possible position. This structured approach ensures that clients remain actively engaged in managing their cases.

We do not initiate litigation simply to create leverage or increase the volume of matters we handle. Legal proceedings are pursued only when supported by the facts, governing law, and surrounding circumstances. Our practice is defined by careful planning, disciplined implementation, and focused attention on protecting our clients’ interests.

Transparent, Honest Pricing

In Manhattan, clients can access our structured, limited-scope legal arrangements, including 30-hour and 75-hour packages, offering the analysis and strategic clarity needed to make informed decisions before proceeding with full-scale litigation.

New York clients

$595

/hour

Suburban Pennsylvania clients

$495-$595

/hour

In Manhattan, many law firms prefer not to make their billing rates publicly available, yet Equal Justice Solutions views transparency as a core component of client service. Our standard rate is $695 per hour, which is considerably lower than the fees charged by many comparable firms, where hourly rates frequently range from $1,200 to $1,500. Our approach is centred on delivering legal advocacy that is transparent, carefully managed, and executed with precision.

We do not position ourselves as the lowest-cost firm, as this is not our goal. Instead, we are committed to providing the highest level of legal service with honesty, discipline, and thoughtful financial stewardship, ensuring that clients are not subjected to excessive or unnecessary costs.

In certain areas of practice, discounted rates may be available, providing flexibility while maintaining the rigorous standards expected by our clients:

In certain areas, discounted rates may be available:

30-Hour Strategic Litigation Assessment

Rate:

Billed at $695/hour

capped at 30 hours (unused time held in trust)

Total Estimate:

$20,850 or less

Purpose:

To give you what most firms withhold—clarity, before commitment.
For founders, executives, shareholders, and businesses evaluating whether to litigate

Understanding the path forward is crucial before initiating legal proceedings or addressing a complex legal challenge. Clients in Manhattan can expect guidance that is thorough, actionable, and devoid of ambiguity or outside influence, supported by disciplined legal analysis and a structured strategy.

The 30-Hour Strategic Litigation Assessment is a clearly defined, limited-scope engagement that supplies the insight necessary for informed, strategic, and financially considered decision-making. This is a professional legal exercise, not a promotional tactic, designed to enable deliberate and well-reasoned judgments.

What’s Included:

  • Identification and framing of viable legal claims or defenses
  • Analysis of likely counterclaims and procedural risks
  • Venue and jurisdiction strategy (e.g., state, federal, Chancery)
  • Risk and exposure assessment: damages, reputational harm, injunctive risk
  • Estimated costs and timelines across litigation phases
  • Evaluation of settlement posture, trial posture, and strategic alternatives
  • Written litigation roadmap, tailored to your matter, delivered within 14–21 business days

75-Hour Quick Defense Package

Rate:

Billed at $695/hour

or hourly discount, typically completed within 75 hours

Purpose:

Provides structured and defensible legal guidance for early-stage litigation, helping clients respond effectively without prematurely committing to comprehensive defense proceedings.

For companies in Manhattan that have just been sued and need immediate, structured defense
In Manhattan, this engagement is structured to provide defendants with early-stage legal support at the outset of litigation. It is designed to offer clarity, protection, and assistance with initial filings, enabling clients to evaluate the risks involved before committing to prolonged legal representation.

What’s Included:

  • Initial case intake and liability assessment
  • Exposure and reputational risk evaluation
  • Recommendation on early settlement or litigation posture
  • Drafting and filing of the initial Answer and Motion to Dismiss (if appropriate)
  • Preparation for Rule 16 or other early case management conferences
  • Discovery strategy and early protective motion planning
  • Clear guidance on next steps beyond the initial phase

The Small Business Program

The reason for offering this program is not related to speed. It stems from our Christian values and the guiding principles that shape how we assist and advocate for clients.

Our Small Business Program is not offered with speed in mind. Its foundation lies in the Christian values and guiding principles that shape our approach to advocacy and client service.

Rooted in Catholic social teaching and a firm commitment to justice, this program supports businesses whose values align with our own, especially those facing significant legal disputes that might otherwise place high-quality legal representation beyond their reach. We believe that access to justice should not be dictated solely by a company’s financial resources.

This program is not charitable, nor does it provide discounted or lower-quality services. It is a structured, disciplined engagement model that ensures clients receive the highest standard of representation while accommodating the practical needs and constraints of small business owners.

The program may include:

  • Substantial reductions in hourly rates—sometimes up to 70% off our standard rate
  • Capped initial phases to control cost and reduce risk
  • Transparent fee structures at every stage
  • Continued representation only if litigation remains viable and proportionate
  • Exploration of hybrid fee arrangements (e.g., reduced hourly rates with success fees)

We evaluate eligibility according to a business’s alignment with our mission, its financial capacity, and the seriousness of the legal matter at hand, not by the number of cases it handles or the perceived ease of the situation.

Small businesses in Manhattan facing a significant legal challenge and in need of guidance before committing resources are encouraged to contact our team for thoughtful and deliberate support.

We Stand Behind Our Work

Our conviction in the value provided by this assessment is absolute. Should you determine, after completing it, that it did not provide clear legal guidance or a practical, actionable plan, a full refund will be issued according to the terms of your engagement letter.

This assurance is not designed as a marketing device. It reflects our sincere commitment to the trust clients place in us and underscores our responsibility to use legal tools with careful consideration, integrity, and professionalism.

Our Mission

Our firm, Equal Justice Solutions, offers commercial litigation services guided by faith and a principled commitment to ethics.

As a Christian law practice shaped by Catholic social teaching, we perform our roles as fiduciaries, counselors, and advocates with disciplined care, particularly in the context of complicated business disputes. While our guiding mission is faith-oriented, our services are available to clients of all identities, beliefs, and backgrounds, upholding professionalism, respect, and careful attention in every engagement.

We believe in:

  • Dignity in client relationships
  • Stewardship over legal resources
  • Truthfulness in litigation
  • Justice pursued with discipline and care

We avoid initiating lawsuits simply to assert leverage or increase revenue. Misrepresenting or exaggerating claims for financial advantage is never part of our approach. Our commitment is to provide candid, principled legal advice and pursue action only when the circumstances, law, and ethical considerations fully justify it.

Commercial litigation frequently represents a moment of both strategic and moral consequence. In Manhattan, we approach each case with careful scrutiny, measured reflection, and disciplined evaluation to ensure results align with principle and applicable law.

Ready to Talk?

For companies in Manhattan facing important legal matters, if you are seeking commercial litigation attorneys who handle cases with integrity, careful strategic thought, and detailed evaluation, we encourage you to arrange a consultation.

As a general guideline, we are usually unable to take on commercial matters under $150,000 unless they qualify for the Small Business Program or involve issues that can be resolved efficiently.

Our attorneys will collaborate with you to assess whether pursuing litigation is the best course of action and whether our team can provide strategic guidance and effective advocacy tailored to your situation.

Suggested Intake Form:

    Other Commercial Litigation Services

    • Breach of Contract 
    • Breach of Fiduciary Duty 
    • Books and Records Requests (DGCL 220)
    • LLC Disputes 
    • Business Divorce 
    • Failed Merger and Acquisition Litigation 
    • Trade Secret Litigation 
    • Intellectual Property and Trademark Litigation
    • Commercial Real Estate Disputes 
    • Shareholder Oppression Suits 
    • Securities Fraud 
    • Business Torts 
    • Breach of the Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing Litigation 
    • Corporate Deadlock 
    • Corporate Dissolution Litigation 
    • Commercial Judgement Collection
    • Emergency Board Meeting Litigation
    • Founder Disputes

    In the Media

    Latest Media coverage and mentions

    What Makes Equal Justice Solutions Different in Manhattan

    Rooted in faith and dedicated to public interest, our firm combines careful trial preparation with a clear sense of purpose in every case we accept. Each matter is treated from the outset as if it could proceed to trial, knowing that such meticulous preparation leads to dependable and enduring results. In instances where the law alone may not accomplish the intended objectives, we actively involve the public, press, and decision-makers to ensure justice is achieved and positive change is promoted.

    Free Consultation With An Equal Justice Solutions Lawyer

    Have you been impacted by any other form of injustice that isn’t described above? We want to know, and see if we can help. Contact Equal Justice Solutions.

    Looking for help from a lawyer in Manhattan?

    Contact Equal Justice Solutions Now!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What types of cases do you handle in Manhattan?
    At Equal Justice Solutions, we provide representation in Manhattan for a diverse range of legal matters, with a consistent focus on protecting client rights, holding parties accountable, and maintaining justice. Our practice encompasses commercial disputes, executive and shareholder conflicts, fiduciary obligations, corporate governance challenges, and other complex business issues. Detailed information regarding our services is available on each service page. If you are unsure whether your matter aligns with our practice areas, we recommend reaching out to our office to discuss your situation and receive informed legal guidance.
    To establish a valid legal claim, there generally must be evidence that another party has violated your rights under applicable law. During the initial consultation, we review all relevant facts, documentation, and circumstances in detail to provide a professional assessment of whether the matter satisfies the criteria necessary for taking formal legal steps. This ensures clients can make informed and practical decisions about the potential pursuit of their case.
    Many initial meetings are available at no cost or conducted in a private and confidential manner, allowing us to understand your case, review potential options, and provide guidance before any financial commitment is required. If a consultation fee is necessary for a particular matter, we clearly communicate this to clients beforehand to ensure there are no surprises.
    It is essential for clients to provide all materials relevant to their case, including emails, contracts, correspondence, notes, and other supporting evidence. The availability of these documents allows our attorneys to conduct a thorough review and offer accurate, detailed legal recommendations that are tailored specifically to the client’s situation.
    The nature of the legal matter and the amount of work required dictate how fees are structured. Some cases are handled on a contingency basis, others through hourly billing, and some employ hybrid arrangements combining the two approaches. All fee agreements are clearly explained before representation begins, ensuring that clients understand expected costs, obligations, and the scope of our services.
    Case durations vary depending on the factual circumstances, the legal complexities, the number of witnesses, the quantity of documentation, and the court’s calendar. While some matters proceed efficiently to resolution, others demand longer periods of discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation. Once we have reviewed the specifics of your case, we provide a careful and realistic projection of the expected timeline and explain the process involved at each stage.
    Absolutely. Client communications with our attorneys are ordinarily safeguarded by legal protections designed to preserve confidentiality. Information is shared solely when required by law or with the client’s clear consent, allowing clients to engage in full and candid discussion regarding their case.
    Due to the often intricate and highly detailed nature of commercial litigation, our practice typically relies on hourly billing instead of strict contingency arrangements. To maintain transparency, we provide clients with structured fee options that clearly explain projected costs, the legal strategy to be followed, and the procedural steps that will be undertaken before any formal engagement begins.
    At the heart of commercial litigation is the pursuit of a judgment, which functions as a formal court mandate. This judgment obligates a party to undertake defined actions, refrain from prohibited activities, or provide compensation for damages sustained. If the opposing party does not adhere to the court’s directive, the client can return to the judicial system to employ enforcement methods such as garnishing wages, levying fines, seizing property, or initiating contempt proceedings. The litigation process therefore converts legal rights and claims into enforceable outcomes, offering both authority and practical mechanisms to secure compliance.

    In Manhattan, commercial litigation lawyers represent clients seeking resolution of business disputes. Their clients typically consist of companies, executives, partners, owners, and other participants in commercial arrangements or transactions. These lawyers focus on protecting client interests, ensuring contract compliance, discouraging improper conduct, and recovering financial losses when justified. Their practice combines careful analysis of evidence, application of legal standards, and strategic planning to achieve outcomes that can be formally enforced in court.

    At Equal Justice Solutions, we decline cases where personal motivations or non-legal objectives dominate the client’s decision to pursue litigation.
    • This is not about demonstrating personal superiority.
    • This is not about claiming victory in an argument for pride’s sake.
    • This is not about taking revenge on a former business partner or colleague.
    Our representation is fully focused on assisting clients in recovering what is legally theirs, whether that includes financial recovery, ownership interests, equity, buyouts, or other legally recognized entitlements. Every action taken is intentional, ethical, and guided by legal principles, ensuring outcomes are appropriately warranted.

    Whether commercial litigation represents the right strategy depends on your individual circumstances and what you hope to accomplish through the legal process. It is essential for potential litigants to maintain a thoughtful, informed perspective and to understand the realistic outcomes that legal action can achieve. The purpose of a lawsuit is to assert legal rights and ensure obligations are honored.

    Litigation does not resolve personal pain or provide a complete sense of moral justice. Clients who anticipate more than the legal process can reasonably deliver are likely to experience frustration and disappointment. In many prolonged disputes, a common factor is the influence of personal ego on strategic decisions.

    A commercial litigation lawyer is appropriate when you are pursuing enforceable remedies, have a realistic understanding of the limits of the legal system, and are prepared to make strategic decisions guided by careful analysis rather than emotional impulse.

    Claims under $100,000: Cases involving less than one hundred thousand dollars are generally not financially advisable unless there is compelling evidence of a contractual breach against a solvent opponent with minimal defenses. When the costs of legal time and resources are weighed against the potential recovery, the result is often close to break-even. Although the Small Business Program can offset some expenses, most disputes under this threshold are most realistically treated as standard business losses rather than litigation priorities.

    Claims over $1,000,000: Claims exceeding one million dollars almost invariably justify initiating legal proceedings. Even when legal expenditures reach four to five hundred thousand dollars over a two-year period, the expected return remains considerable. Beyond the financial outcome, these disputes protect business interests, reinforce contractual obligations, and can establish important expectations within the industry.

    Claims Between $100,000 and $1,000,000: For matters between one hundred thousand and one million dollars, the decision requires careful consideration of multiple factors. These include the factual and legal complexity of the dispute, the likely defenses raised by the opposing party, their financial capacity to satisfy a judgment, the probability of success, and the business’s willingness to assume risk in pursuit of resolution.

    Our firm, Equal Justice Solutions, charges a standard rate of $695 per hour. This rate is modest relative to what many top law firms in Manhattan charge, where hourly rates for similar commercial litigation work often fall between $1,200 and $1,500.
    Commercial litigation is both detailed and time-intensive. The next section provides a general overview of the typical phases and effort required for these types of cases.

    100 to 200 hours to get past the pleadings (motion to dismiss, etc.)
    100 to 200 hours for document discovery
    200+ hours for depositions
    200 to 400 hours for trial prep
    400+ hours for the trial itself

    In practical application, managing a case of this nature generally requires around 1,000 hours of focused legal effort. Disputes with complex business torts or highly intricate factual circumstances typically fall near the upper end of this range. When several attorneys are assigned to a matter, the total hours expand accordingly to account for the added coordination, professional oversight, and time needed to handle the case thoroughly.

    Determining the timeframe for a case involves assessing numerous considerations, including the complexity of the facts, the number of witnesses needing to testify, the amount of documentation that must be reviewed, and the court’s calendar. Disputes that center on complex business or securities matters often move more slowly due to the careful analysis and extensive discovery required. When the matter proceeds to trial, our highly experienced trial commercial litigation lawyers manage the case through state and federal courts until a final judgment is entered, a process that can take several years to reach completion.

    Strict contingency arrangements are not suitable for the commercial litigation practice of Equal Justice Solutions because they are inherently uncertain and may pose risks to both clients and attorneys. Complex business disputes are often unpredictable and factually detailed, with outcomes dependent on evidence, witness cooperation, discovery, and the actions of all parties over extended periods. When our firm covers all expenses for staffing, filings, experts, and attorney time without client contribution, the financial exposure can become extensive and potentially unmanageable. If the opposing party cannot meet obligations, appeals are filed, or the other side becomes unresponsive, the firm would carry the full financial burden.
    Our responsibility is to advocate for justice with careful, ethical judgment. This requires a fee structure that enables consistent, diligent work rather than placing the full financial risk of the commercial dispute on our firm.