Contracts & Commercial Matters
Our practice centers on employment law, and many workplace disputes are also contract disputes. In appropriate cases we handle contract and commercial claims in New York and Connecticut, often where they grow out of a working relationship. Whether we can help depends on the facts, so we review each matter individually and will tell you plainly if it is not a good fit for us.
Matters We Review
- Breach of contract: failing to do what a binding agreement requires.
- Employment and independent contractor agreements: disputes over pay, bonuses, commissions, termination terms, and what was actually promised.
- Unpaid commissions: in New York, Labor Law §191(1)(c) generally requires a written commission agreement for commissioned salespeople.
- Restrictive covenants: non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality provisions. New York courts generally enforce a non-compete only to the extent it is reasonable and protects a legitimate employer interest (BDO Seidman v. Hirshberg, 1999).
- Severance and settlement agreements: reviewing terms before you sign, and enforcing them after.
- Quantum meruit: being paid fairly for work you performed when there is no enforceable contract covering it.
Where These Cases Are Heard
Contract cases may be heard in New York State Supreme Court, Connecticut Superior Court, or federal court, depending on the parties and the amount in dispute. Larger business cases in New York may be assigned to the Supreme Court’s Commercial Division, whose monetary thresholds vary by county. Christopher served as a judicial extern in the New York County Commercial Division under the Hon. Charles E. Ramos.
Deadlines
In New York, a breach of contract claim generally must be brought within six years (CPLR 213). In Connecticut, contract claims generally have a six-year limit, with a shorter period for some oral agreements. Contracts can also set their own notice requirements, so it is wise to get advice promptly.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This page is general information, not legal advice.