commercial litigation
The trial lawyers at CVDL are experienced in effectively representing persons and business organizations who are involved or who need to be involved in settling commercial disputes in the courts. They are admitted to practice in all the Missouri trial and appellate courts, including the Missouri Supreme Court. They are also admitted to practice in all the federal courts with jurisdiction over federal cases arising in Missouri: United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri (with the Central Division courthouse in Jefferson City): United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri: United State Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit (courtrooms and offices in St. Louis); and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Examples of cases handled by the firm:
contract disputes
claims based on rights and liabilities under the Uniform Commercial Code
financing and banking issues, including lender liability
discrimination claims, such as claims based on age, gender, race, disability and political affiliations
business conspiracies and civil RICO
insurance insolvencies and receiverships
labor disputes
real estate liens and lien priority claims
land use disputes arising from restrictions, easements, zoning laws, and prescriptive rights
e-commerce claims involving rights and liabilities relating to web sites
condemnation and inverse condemnation
breaches of warranty
construction litigation
shareholder suits
ERISA plans
class actions involving consumer fraud
premises liability
disputes arising from estates and trusts
creditors' rights in bankruptcy cases
cause and origin of fires
others
The firm's philosophy is to build value into the client's case throughout every step of the process so that if an opportunity for a negotiated settlement arises, the client will be in a position to take advantage of that opportunity. National statistics show that only 2% of cases filed go to trial, with the other 98% being settled.
Frequently, disputes can be resolved by alternatives to litigation. The firm has experience with alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration. CVDL litigators counsel clients on the best and most cost-effective method for the situation.