Business Disputes Can Put Your Company at Risk
A single dispute can throw even a well-run business off balance. A broken contract, a partner disagreement, an unpaid invoice, or a claim from a former employee can quickly turn into a serious threat to cash flow and reputation. When that happens, you need more than fill-in-the-blank forms. You need a litigation team that understands how companies in Delaware County actually operate and what is at stake when a case heads to court.
Schuster Law’s general and commercial litigation lawyers represent businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals in civil disputes across southeastern Pennsylvania. They combine decades of courtroom experience with practical business sense to craft strategies that protect your bottom line while keeping daily operations moving.
Litigation is often the last tool you want to use, but when negotiations stall or the other side refuses to act fairly, strong legal advocacy can be the difference between a controlled outcome and a crisis.
Types of Commercial Disputes We Commonly See
Business conflicts come in many forms. A general commercial litigation lawyer in Delaware County, PA may handle matters such as:
Contract breaches and payment disputes
Employment and workplace litigation
Non-compete and trade secret conflicts
Commercial landlord–tenant and real estate issues
Partnership and shareholder disagreements
Some cases resolve with a well-drafted demand letter or settlement agreement. Others require a lawsuit, arbitration, or even a trial. Your lawyer’s job is to match the strategy to your goals, not the other way around.
Contract and Business Relationship Disputes
Written agreements are at the heart of most business dealings. When one side fails to perform or disagrees about what a contract actually means, the impact can reach every part of your company. Schuster Law’s commercial litigation team handles:
Contract performance fights, including non-delivery of goods or services, late performance, and failure to meet quality standards. Warranty and guarantee disputes in sales and service deals. Supply chain conflicts, such as missed shipments or broken volume commitments that ripple through your operations. Disagreements over licensing, franchise, and distribution agreements. Joint venture and partnership contract issues when parties disagree over control, profits, or responsibilities.
In many contract cases, the fastest and most cost-effective result comes from early, firm action. A clear demand, backed by a lawyer who is ready to litigate if needed, can push the other side to the table before expenses spiral.
Employment and Restrictive Covenant Litigation
Workplace disputes are uniquely stressful because they affect morale, culture, and public image. Schuster Law represents both employers and employees in complex employment litigation, including:
Claims of discrimination based on age, race, sex, disability, or religion. Wrongful discharge allegations tied to retaliation, whistleblowing, or refusal to perform an illegal act. Sexual harassment and hostile work environment suits. Wage and hour disputes involving unpaid overtime, misclassification, and off-the-clock work. Breach of individual employment contracts, bonus agreements, and executive compensation packages.
The firm also handles restrictive covenant cases. These include non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure agreements, as well as disputes over trade secrets and confidential information. Whether you are a business trying to protect customer relationships or a former employee trying to move on with your career, an experienced commercial litigator can evaluate what is enforceable under Pennsylvania law and what is not.
Commercial Landlord–Tenant and Real Estate Conflicts
Leases and property rights are central to many businesses. When a commercial real estate dispute erupts, the risk is not just money on paper; your physical ability to operate may be on the line. Schuster Law’s general commercial litigation practice includes:
Conflicts over rent amounts, common area charges, repairs, and maintenance obligations. Eviction actions tied to non-payment or claimed lease violations, as well as tenant defenses to improper evictions. Disputes involving security deposits, property damage, and build-out terms. Claims over use restrictions, signage, and access to shared spaces. Zoning and land use fights that affect business expansion or redevelopment plans.
These matters often call for a mix of legal pressure and practical problem solving, especially when a long-term landlord or tenant relationship is worth saving.
Partnership, Shareholder, and Owner Disputes
Fights between owners can be some of the most emotional and destructive business conflicts. They are also among the most common. Schuster Law represents partners, members of LLCs, officers, and shareholders in disputes involving:
Alleged breaches of fiduciary duty by those in control of the company. Claims that majority owners are squeezing out or oppressing minority shareholders. Disagreements over profit distributions, capital calls, and management decisions. Dissolution and wind-up of partnerships or closely held entities. Valuation battles during buyouts and ownership transfers.
A general commercial litigation lawyer in Delaware County, PA can help you assert your rights while working to preserve as much business value as possible, even when personal relationships have broken down.
Understanding the Pennsylvania Commercial Litigation Process
Business owners often hesitate to call a lawyer because they are not sure what will happen next. While every case is different, most commercial litigation in Pennsylvania follows a familiar path:
Pre-suit work usually involves demand letters, informal negotiations, and review of contracts and insurance policies. If that fails, a complaint is filed, and the other side responds with an answer or motion. Discovery follows, with document exchanges, depositions, and expert reports. Many cases settle after discovery, once each side understands the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. Those that do not may go to trial, where a judge or jury decides who is responsible and what damages, if any, are owed. Appeals can follow in some instances.
At every stage, a general commercial litigation lawyer in Delaware County, PA should give you clear updates and realistic expectations so you can plan around the process instead of being surprised by it.
When to Call a General & Commercial Litigation Lawyer
You do not have to wait until a lawsuit is filed to talk with counsel. In fact, early legal advice often prevents small disputes from growing into full-scale litigation. Consider contacting a commercial litigation attorney when:
A customer, supplier, or partner threatens to sue or stops performing
You receive a demand letter from another law firm
An internal dispute between owners or key employees begins to disrupt operations
A serious employment complaint lands on your desk
You discover a competitor using your confidential information or intellectual property
Schuster Law’s general and commercial litigation team has deep roots in Delaware County and long experience with local courts, judges, and business communities.
With the right guidance, you can address disputes in a way that protects both your legal rights and the long-term health of your business.
