Frequently asked questions

Yes. You submit the intake form or call us, we review the facts and documents, and you receive a written preliminary assessment within one business day at no charge and with no obligation.

Yes. We represent clients in all fifty states. Our attorneys are admitted in Illinois, New York, Texas, and California and in several federal courts, and we work with trusted local counsel elsewhere.

Immediately. If assets are at risk, tell us on the first call. We have obtained restraining orders within 72 hours of a client's first contact.

Most of our matters involve between $50,000 and $25 million. Smaller matters can often be handled on a flat fee basis through demand letters or small claims, and we will tell you candidly if the cost of pursuit does not make sense.

We offer flat fee, hourly, contingency, and hybrid arrangements and provide a written fee proposal before any work begins. The right structure depends on the matter and we will recommend one.

For qualifying recovery matters, yes. Contingency arrangements are typically available where the claim is well documented, the amount is significant, and the other side has the ability to pay.

Yes. For hourly matters you receive a budget broken down by phase at the outset, with monthly reporting against it and updates whenever the case changes course.

Sometimes. Many contracts contain fee shifting provisions, and some statutes allow fee recovery in fraud and trade secret cases. We evaluate this at the start and factor it into strategy.

Usually not. About nine out of ten matters that enter our structured negotiation process resolve without a filed lawsuit. We file when the other side refuses to engage in good faith or when speed requires it.

Pre litigation matters typically resolve in six to ten weeks. Litigated matters usually take twelve to twenty four months to judgment, though many settle earlier once discovery reveals the strength of the evidence.

Negotiated settlements and mediation are private. A filed lawsuit is a public record, which is one reason we push for pre suit resolution where it is in your interest.

A mediator helps the parties reach their own agreement and has no power to impose one. An arbitrator hears evidence and issues a binding decision. Many commercial contracts require one or both, and we handle each.

A chargeback decision is not a legal judgment. You still have a claim against the buyer for the goods or the money, and we pursue it through demand, small claims, arbitration, or suit depending on the amount.

Generally no, if you are a member, partner, or shareholder with rights under the governing agreement or state law. This is an emergency situation and we treat it as one.

Most states recognize partnerships formed by conduct, and default statutory rules impose duties of loyalty and fair dealing. Records of contributions, distributions, tax filings, and how you presented the business to others all matter.

Not necessarily. Speed is everything. If you contact us within days, notices to the receiving bank and a court order can sometimes freeze and recover the funds. Call us before doing anything else.