Business disputes can threaten everything you have built. A breached contract, a partner dispute, a competitor’s tortious interference, or a shareholder conflict can stall operations, drain resources, and damage your reputation. Texas state courts and the federal courts in the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts handle thousands of commercial cases each year. When your company faces litigation or needs to pursue claims against another party, experienced commercial litigators determine whether you protect your position or lose ground you cannot recover.
What Commercial Litigation Attorneys Handle
Breach of Contract
Contract disputes represent the most common commercial litigation matter. These cases arise when one party fails to meet its obligations under an agreement, resulting in financial loss for the other party. Litigation involves interpreting contract language, proving breach and damages, and navigating counterclaims. Texas courts regularly address issues of ambiguous contract terms, performance standards, and available remedies. Under Texas law, the statute of limitations for breach of written contract is four years from the date of breach.
Business Torts and Fraud
Commercial torts include fraud, misrepresentation, tortious interference with contracts or business relationships, and unfair competition. These claims often accompany contract disputes or arise independently when a competitor or third party causes harm to your business through wrongful conduct. Proving business torts requires demonstrating specific elements and quantifying damages. Texas recognizes both actual and exemplary damages for fraud claims when the defendant acted with malice.
Shareholder and Partnership Disputes
Conflicts between business owners can paralyze company operations. Litigation may involve breach of fiduciary duty claims, disputes over distributions, disagreements about company direction, or efforts to remove a partner or officer. The Texas Supreme Court has established that Texas law does not recognize a standalone cause of action for shareholder oppression, focusing instead on breach of fiduciary duty and contractual rights. Minority shareholders must typically prove specific fiduciary breaches rather than general unfairness.
Trade Secret and Non-Compete Disputes
Texas businesses increasingly litigate over protection of confidential information and enforcement of restrictive covenants. The Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act governs misappropriation claims and provides for injunctive relief, actual damages, and attorney fees in cases of willful misappropriation. Non-compete agreements must meet Texas-specific enforceability requirements, including reasonable scope, duration, and geographic limitations ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement.
How to Choose a Commercial Litigation Attorney
Selecting the right litigator requires evaluating several factors:
Trial Experience: Ask how many cases the attorney has actually tried to verdict. Many litigators settle cases before trial; fewer have extensive courtroom experience.
Industry Knowledge: Attorneys who understand your business sector can more quickly grasp the facts and identify key issues.
Resources: Complex commercial cases require significant resources for discovery, expert witnesses, and trial preparation. Ensure the firm can handle your case’s demands.
Litigation Philosophy: Some firms emphasize early resolution; others prepare aggressively for trial. Discuss strategy alignment early.
Texas Commercial Litigation Law Firms
Godwin Bowman PC
Location: Dallas, Texas
Website: https://www.godwinbowman.com
Phone: 214-939-4400
Godwin Bowman handles business litigation matters, representing companies and individuals in complex commercial disputes. The firm handles matters in state and federal courts.
Practice Focus:
- Business and commercial litigation
- Securities litigation
- Corporate governance disputes
- Partnership and shareholder conflicts
Hendershot Cowart P.C.
Location: Houston, Texas
Website: https://www.hchlawyers.com
Phone: 713-528-8793
Hendershot Cowart handles commercial disputes for clients ranging from small and midsize businesses to multinational publicly traded companies. The firm’s litigators address breach of contract, intellectual property disputes, employment conflicts, shareholder and partner disputes, insurance coverage issues, and trade secret theft. They emphasize both aggressive trial preparation and alternative dispute resolution when advantageous to clients.
Practice Focus:
- Contract disputes
- Shareholder and partner litigation
- Insurance coverage disputes
- Trade secret and IP litigation
Haynes and Boone, LLP
Location: Houston, Texas (with offices statewide)
Website: https://www.haynesboone.com
Phone: 713-547-2000
Haynes and Boone fields more than 175 business litigation attorneys handling disputes across multiple industries including energy, financial services, healthcare, real estate, and technology. The firm represents clients in state and federal courts throughout Texas and nationally. Their litigation practice includes appellate work, arbitration, and regulatory matters alongside traditional courtroom advocacy. The firm has represented major clients including AT&T, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and Goldman Sachs.
Practice Focus:
- Complex business disputes
- Securities litigation
- Energy litigation
- Appellate advocacy
Costs and Fees
Commercial litigation typically bills hourly, with partner rates at major firms ranging from $400 to $800 or more per hour. Associate rates run lower, generally $250 to $500 per hour. Simple contract disputes might cost $25,000 to $75,000 through resolution. Complex cases involving extensive discovery, expert witnesses, and trial can exceed $500,000. Some firms offer alternative arrangements including contingency fees for certain plaintiff-side cases or blended rates for ongoing relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I try to settle my business dispute before filing a lawsuit?
Most commercial disputes settle before trial, and early settlement can save significant time and money. However, some situations require filing suit to preserve claims, obtain discovery, or demonstrate willingness to litigate. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether pre-suit negotiation makes sense or whether immediate litigation better serves your interests. Texas courts require parties to attempt mediation in many commercial cases before trial.
What is the difference between arbitration and litigation?
Arbitration is a private dispute resolution process where parties agree to have an arbitrator (or panel) decide their case rather than a judge or jury. Arbitration decisions are generally binding and have limited appeal rights. Many commercial contracts include arbitration clauses. Litigation occurs in public courts with formal procedural rules and appeal rights. Texas law generally enforces arbitration agreements, and federal courts in Texas follow the Federal Arbitration Act.
How long do commercial lawsuits take in Texas?
Timelines vary dramatically based on case complexity and court docket. Simple disputes might resolve in six months to a year. Complex commercial cases often take two to four years from filing to trial. Appeals can add another one to two years. Texas state courts in major metropolitan areas often have crowded dockets that extend timelines.
What damages can I recover in a commercial lawsuit?
Texas law allows recovery of actual damages proven with reasonable certainty, which may include lost profits, out-of-pocket expenses, and consequential damages. In cases involving fraud, malice, or gross negligence, exemplary damages may be available, though Texas caps exemplary damages in most cases. Attorney fees are recoverable in breach of contract cases and certain statutory claims.
Last Updated: January 2026
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, endorsement, or recommendation of any attorney or law firm. Information about attorneys and law firms was compiled from publicly available sources and may not be current or accurate. We make no representations or warranties about the qualifications, experience, or quality of any attorney listed. Fee estimates are approximations only and actual costs may vary significantly. Always verify attorney credentials with the State Bar of Texas, confirm current contact information, and conduct your own due diligence before hiring legal counsel. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this directory.