A major component of the firm's practice is commercial litigation. We practice in a variety of forums across the nation, from Federal and state courts to regulatory agencies, arbitration tribunals and private mediations. The litigation department is especially active in the following areas:

Complex commercial litigation, including disputes relating to corporate ownership and governance (with a particular emphasis on closely held or family-owned businesses, and professional partnerships), shareholder agreements, franchisee-franchiser agreements, joint ventures, trademark and copyright, artist/gallery relations and insurance coverage claims.

Construction litigation involving public and private owners, developers, subcontractors, architects and engineers in state and Federal courts, as well as in arbitration and in alternative dispute resolution procedures, such as mediation and mini-trials.

Securities, commodities and finance litigation involving Federal and state actions and SEC proceedings and litigation of contested acquisitions and mergers, public offerings, takeovers and general securities fraud.

Real estate litigation on behalf of our major commercial and residential real estate owners and property managers, including contract and lease enforcement disputes, foreclosures, title disputes and all landlord- tenant matters.

Employment disputes involving the prosecution or defense of wrongful termination, discrimination and harassment claims and unfair competition matters, such as the recruitment of a competitor's employees, the protection of customer lists and trade secrets, the theft of corporate opportunities and the enforcement of non-disclosure and restrictive covenants.

White-collar defense, encompassing city, state and Federal investigations, including prosecutions for tax fraud, insider trading and other securities fraud, and violations of RICO and other criminal statutes.

Our litigators routinely handle high-profile matters that require the utmost sensitivity. The strength of our reputation as aggressive and effective litigators is best illustrated by the frequent referrals of matters to us by lawyers against whom we have litigated.