Business Litigation

If you have just been served with a complaint, your deadline is already running. In New York state court, you have 20 days to respond. In federal court, 21 days. In New Jersey, 35 days. Missing that deadline can result in a default judgment entered against you — before you have had the chance to present any defense.

Our business litigation practice covers the full range of commercial disputes: breach of contract claims, partnership and shareholder disputes, unpaid invoices and purchase order disputes, employment-related business claims, and related matters that arise in the course of operating a business. We work closely with clients to assess risk, develop strategy, and pursue efficient resolutions aligned with their business objectives — whether through negotiation, motion practice, or trial.

For claimants: As a general matter, we do not recommend litigation where the amount in controversy is below $100,000. Litigation costs in New York and New Jersey are significant, and below that threshold the economics rarely favor filing suit. This threshold does not apply to fee-shifting matters, where attorney's fees are recoverable by the prevailing party.

For defendants: If you have been served, the economics of the dispute are not the first question. The first question is your deadline and your response.

Partner, Shareholder, and Member Disputes

When co-owners stop trusting each other, the business usually keeps operating while the relationship does not. Distributions stop. The majority owner's compensation quietly increases. Access to books and records becomes difficult to get. Family members appear on payroll. By the time a minority owner recognizes the pattern, months of value have often already moved.

The available remedies in New York and New Jersey differ depending on whether the business is a corporation, an LLC, or a partnership — and that distinction matters more than most owners expect. Statutory relief, judicial dissolution, a court-ordered buyout at fair value, and breach of fiduciary duty claims each carry different thresholds, deadlines, and valuation consequences. Which path you take shapes what your interest is ultimately worth.

Good Pine P.C. represents minority and majority owners of closely held businesses in New York and New Jersey. We handle:

Employment Disputes

Being sued by an employee is one of the more disorienting experiences a business owner can face. Wage and hour claims, wrongful termination lawsuits, discrimination and harassment complaints, and FLSA collective actions can arise regardless of business size — and the damages exposure is often significantly larger than the complaint suggests.

New York and New Jersey employment laws frequently impose obligations that exceed federal minimums. Liquidated damages, mandatory fee-shifting, and personal liability for LLC members and supervisors are all available to plaintiffs under state law. How you respond in the first days after receiving a complaint matters.

Good Pine P.C. represents employers in New York and New Jersey facing employment-related claims. We handle:

Arbitration

We represent clients in arbitration proceedings arising from business, employment, and investment-related disputes — including FINRA arbitration and international commercial arbitration under ICC rules. Our arbitration practice covers both enforcing and defending contractual rights in private arbitration forums. We advise clients at every stage of the arbitration process, with a focus on achieving practical and cost-effective outcomes.

Whistleblower (Qui Tam) Litigation

We represent whistleblowers who uncover fraud against the government, including Medicare or Medicaid overbilling, defense contracting abuse, and misuse of public funds such as COVID-19 relief programs. Whistleblower matters often involve complex statutes and sensitive factual issues, and we guide clients through the investigative and litigation process with discretion and care. When a qui tam action is successful, the whistleblower may be entitled to a portion of the government's recovery.

Civil Rights Litigation

We selectively represent individuals in meritorious cases involving violations of fundamental civil rights. Our civil rights litigation includes matters arising from unlawful discrimination in housing, employment, disability, and education. Because these cases often carry significant personal and social consequences, we take a careful and principled approach, focusing on claims with strong factual and legal foundations.

Class Actions

We represent plaintiffs in class actions involving antitrust violations and consumer fraud. Class action litigation can provide an effective mechanism for addressing widespread misconduct that affects large groups of individuals or businesses. We evaluate potential class claims with an eye toward legal viability, procedural requirements, and the broader impact on affected parties.