Commercial Litigation Attorneys Serving Dallas, Collin, and Denton Counties
When a business dispute becomes a legal matter, the firm you hire will shape everything that follows. Hanshaw Kennedy Hafen has handled complex commercial litigation across North Texas for over 20 years, with a track record that includes multi-million dollar wins at trial, favorable arbitration awards, and negotiated settlements that protect our clients’ business interests without dragging them through years of unnecessary conflict.
Our litigation attorneys have tried cases in district courts across Texas, in Collin County, Dallas County, and Denton County courts, and in federal courts throughout the state including the Northern, Eastern, and Southern Districts of Texas. When a case needs to go to trial, we go. When a negotiated resolution serves the client better, we know how to get there. That flexibility, backed by genuine trial experience, is what gives our clients a real advantage at the negotiating table and in the courtroom.
We represent businesses, executives, and individuals in commercial disputes of all sizes, from straightforward contract claims to high-stakes fraud and fiduciary duty cases. If you are facing a business dispute in the DFW area, contact us to talk through your situation and understand your options.
Types of Business Litigation We Handle
Our litigation attorneys represent clients in a wide range of commercial disputes, including:
- Partnership disputes
- Breach of contract
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Fraud
- Unfair competition
- Misappropriation of trade secrets
- Conversion of corporate assets
- Non-compete agreements
- Promissory notes
- Guarantees
- Insurance litigation
Practice Areas
Contact
1415 Legacy Drive,
Suite 350 Frisco, TX 75034
972-731-6500
info@hanshawkennedy.com
Our Approach to Business Litigation
Not every dispute benefits from the same strategy. Some cases need to move fast to preserve a business relationship or limit ongoing damage. Others require a methodical build-up through discovery before any meaningful resolution is possible. We start by understanding what the client actually needs from the outcome, not just what they are asking for on the surface, and we build the approach from there.
From the moment we take on a matter, we are preparing as if it will go to trial. That preparation changes how the other side evaluates the case and improves settlement outcomes even when the case never reaches a courtroom. When it does go to trial, our attorneys have the experience, the preparation, and the demeanor to be effective in front of a judge or jury.
We handle cases across Texas state courts and federal venues and have tried matters in jurisdictions as far as California. Our clients range from small business owners protecting what they have built to large organizations defending against significant claims.
A Track Record Built Over Two Decades
HKH’s litigation attorneys have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of clients over the course of the firm’s history. Notable results include a $19 million win in a first-of-its-kind ACA case, a $10 million trial victory secured by an attorney hired just one week before trial, and an arbitration win that eliminated a significant liquidated damages claim against a business client.
These results reflect a consistent approach: thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and the willingness to take a case all the way when that is what it takes to get the right outcome.
For more detail on specific matters, see our Case Studies page.
Business Litigation FAQs
How long does business litigation take in Texas?
It depends on the complexity of the case and the court where it is filed. A straightforward contract dispute in a state district court might resolve in 12 to 18 months. Complex multi-party commercial cases with extensive discovery can take two to three years or longer. Many cases settle before trial, which can shorten the timeline significantly. Your attorney can give you a realistic estimate once they understand the specifics of your matter.
What is the difference between litigation and arbitration?
Litigation takes place in a court before a judge or jury and follows the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Arbitration is a private process where a neutral arbitrator hears both sides and issues a binding decision. Many commercial contracts include mandatory arbitration clauses that require disputes to be resolved outside of court. Our attorneys handle both, and the strategic considerations differ meaningfully between the two.
What should I do if another business sues me in Texas?
Contact an attorney immediately. In Texas state court, you typically have 20 days after being served to file an answer. Missing that deadline can result in a default judgment against you regardless of the merits of the case. Your first response sets the tone for everything that follows, so getting experienced counsel involved early matters.
Can I recover attorney fees if I win a business lawsuit in Texas?
In some cases, yes. Texas law allows fee recovery under contracts that include attorney fee provisions and under certain statutes. Whether fee recovery is available in your case depends on the specific claims involved and how the underlying contracts are written. An attorney can assess this as part of the initial case evaluation.
When does a business dispute need to go to trial versus settle?
Most commercial disputes settle before trial, but settlement only makes sense when the terms reflect the actual value of the claim. The decision to settle or try a case depends on the strength of the evidence, the damages at stake, the risk of an adverse outcome, the cost of continued litigation, and the client’s broader business interests. We give clients an honest assessment of all of those factors and support whatever decision is in their best interest.
Does HKH handle litigation outside of Collin County?
Yes. We handle commercial litigation across Dallas, Denton, Collin, and Tarrant Counties, in federal courts throughout Texas, and in other states when the matter requires it. Our attorneys have tried cases across Texas and in venues outside the state.
Facing a business dispute in North Texas?
The sooner you get experienced litigation counsel involved, the more options you have. Call 972-731-6500 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.