Highly Skilled, Creative, and Resourceful Legal Representation For All Your Business Matters
Reha | Goodwin | Caras provides business litigation services of all types. From straightforward claims on promissory notes to highly complex corporate governance disputes, we have handled them with skill and success. If you or your business needs representation regarding any business claim, we provide the creative counsel and seasoned representation you seek.
Our lawyers have reputations as problem solvers. When business clients have difficulties that appear to have no clear solution, they come to us. With more than 80 years of business litigation experience, our firm has the comprehensive knowledge to help resolve your business litigation needs. For dedicated assistance with your business litigation needs, contact our firm online to schedule an appointment to discuss your legal needs.
We have handled many of the following matters in state and federal courts throughout the U.S. and before arbitration panels in various locations across the country. Whether your business matter involves a trial before a judge or jury, whether it takes you to arbitration or mediation, or the need for an injunction, Reha | Goodwin | Caras is a strong choice for effective and innovative resolutions.
Business fraud claims arise when deceptive or dishonest tactics lead to financial harm in professional settings. Companies of various sizes can face these disputes, often involving false representations, misappropriated funds, or manipulations of business records.
Addressing such allegations typically requires thorough fact-gathering, careful interpretation of governing rules, and persuasive arguments grounded in case law. The goal is to determine whether a fraudulent act occurred and, if so, to quantify the financial harm.
Legal strategies in this area often include requesting injunctions, seeking monetary awards, or demanding restitution. Businesses accused of fraud must also show that their actions were taken in good faith.
Through proactive steps, including strengthened internal policies and meticulous recordkeeping, organizations can lessen the likelihood of future claims. Measured approaches are crucial for establishing responsibility and clarifying misrepresentations when such disputes arise.
Contract claims typically revolve around disagreements when one or more parties fail to meet obligations outlined in a written or oral agreement. These matters often involve breaches such as nonpayment, incomplete performance, or delivery of substandard goods or services.
The process involves examining the original agreement, investigating the circumstances that led to the alleged breach, and determining whether defenses, such as impracticability or lack of capacity, may apply. In some instances, these disputes can be resolved through negotiation, particularly if the parties seek to maintain an ongoing business relationship. When informal resolution efforts are not successful, litigation or arbitration may follow.
Damages, including compensation for lost profits or reliance expenses, can be sought based on contract terms and relevant legal principles. Careful agreement drafting and transparent communication often play critical roles in minimizing these challenges before they escalate.
Corporate divorces occur when business owners or shareholders decide they can no longer continue working together, leading to a legal split of the entity. Such matters frequently involve disputes over the valuation of assets, division of interests, and allocation of liabilities.
Regardless of how ownership interests are structured, proper documentation of company bylaws, operating agreements, and shareholder resolutions can significantly influence outcomes. Courts may step in to resolve deadlocks or disagreements over the equitable distribution of assets and responsibilities. Tax implications and the potential impact on clients, employees, and remaining shareholders must also be considered.
In many circumstances, parties strive to reach mutually acceptable terms without prolonged litigation, possibly turning to mediation or arbitration as practical alternatives. Although these proceedings can be challenging, well-organized corporate records and open dialogue can help maintain stability while business owners realign their professional paths.
Corporate governance disputes encompass internal disagreements regarding a company’s oversight, direction, and decision-making processes. These disagreements may involve claims of improper board conduct, questionable executive actions, or allegations that specific policies deviate from established bylaws.
Attention to legal standards and corporate policies and a comprehensive understanding of fiduciary responsibilities are paramount in resolving these matters. When conflicts peak, courts may be asked to interpret bylaws, assess the fairness of leadership decisions, or enforce directors’ obligations to act in the company’s best interest.
Sometimes, disputes are resolved by revising governance structures or providing fuller disclosures to shareholders. To prevent future issues, businesses often refine internal controls and ensure that leadership understands the proper scope of its duties. Vigilant monitoring of corporate policies and consistent adherence to formal requirements can be critical in averting larger disagreements.
Fiduciary duty matters focus on the obligation of certain parties to act in the best interest of another, whether in a corporate setting or a partnership. These duties may include loyalty, diligence, and avoiding conflicts of interest. A breach is alleged when an individual or entity is accused of engaging in self-serving actions that damage the party to which they owe duties.
Establishing a claim involves showing that a fiduciary relationship existed, that the duty was breached, and that damages followed. In defending against such allegations, parties may argue the absence of fiduciary responsibilities or demonstrate that their actions were fair and consistent with accepted practices.
These disputes can affect corporate boards, business managers, or other trusted parties. Many organizations address potential risks by drafting clear internal policies and providing ongoing training to ensure fiduciaries consistently uphold their responsibilities.
Intangible asset protection matters concentrate on safeguarding non-physical assets that give a company its competitive edge. These assets might include proprietary processes, goodwill, trademarks, or confidential data that support a brand’s distinct position in the marketplace. Claims often arise when someone misuses or unlawfully discloses intangible property, causing financial harm or damaging a business’s reputation.
Legal strategies may involve securing protective orders, seeking damages for misappropriation, or enforcing contractual obligations to maintain confidentiality. Carefully drafted agreements, such as nondisclosure arrangements, serve as a first line of defense by clarifying expectations around confidential material. Businesses also take preventive measures by implementing secure technology systems and restricting access to sensitive information. The key is to show that intangible properties were adequately protected and that any unauthorized use directly led to measurable harm, whether through lost opportunities or diminished goodwill.
Noncompete disputes involve provisions restricting former employees, partners, or associates from engaging in related business activities for a certain period or within specific geographical boundaries. These agreements seek to prevent unfair competitive advantage or the appropriation of confidential practices.
Tension arises when individuals believe the restrictions are unreasonable or unnecessarily broad while businesses insist on protecting their interests. In legal challenges, courts may review the agreement’s scope, duration, and potential impact on a worker’s right to earn a living. Showing harm from an alleged violation can involve proving lost customers, diverting opportunities, or eroding trade connections.
Successful enforcement or defense often hinges on clear language within the noncompete clause and the circumstances under which it was executed. Many companies tailor restrictive covenants to preserve legitimate interests without imposing undue limitations as a preventative measure.
Partnership and corporate dissolution matters concern the formal winding down of business entities when owners elect to close operations or terminate their professional association. Situations prompting this outcome can be financial challenges, differences in management philosophy, or shifting market demands.
The legal process often requires notifying creditors, settling outstanding obligations, and distributing any remaining assets according to ownership interests or governing documents. Disagreements may emerge regarding valuation methods, particularly when certain partners question how liabilities or intangible assets are allocated. Addressing these uncertainties can be time-consuming and may involve court intervention if voluntary resolution fails. To reduce conflict, some parties prefer collaborative approaches, such as negotiations or neutral facilitation.
Regardless of the method, thorough documentation of each step is critical in limiting future disputes. Proper planning and consistent communication can mitigate stakeholder disruptions and help protect valuable relationships throughout the process.
Promissory note suits arise when a borrower signs a binding promise to repay a loan yet fails to fulfill its terms. This instrument is often used for business financing, shareholder loans, or personal transactions. Whether the note is secured or unsecured, the lender has certain rights if repayment is not agreed upon.
In a legal context, the existence of the promissory note can establish a clear basis for seeking recovery, provided its terms are unambiguous and properly executed. Borrowers may assert defenses such as duress, misrepresentation, or questioning the note’s legitimacy. Remedies pursued in these cases can include acceleration of the full debt, judicial foreclosure on collateral (if applicable), or monetary judgments to recover outstanding balances and related costs. Retaining detailed records of all transactions and payment histories often contributes to a more efficient resolution of these disputes.
Protecting trade secrets from theft, disclosure, or misuse is critical to sustaining a competitive edge. When these secrets are exposed, either by former employees, vendors, or competitors, immediate legal action may be needed.
Our firm handles trade secrecy claims under Colorado and federal laws, including the Defend Trade Secrets Act. These disputes often involve customer lists, software code, proprietary methods, or financial models. We help clients seek injunctive relief, pursue damages, or defend against allegations of misappropriation.
At Reha Goodwin Caras LLP, we approach trade secret litigation with a strategy tailored to the asset at risk—addressing both the legal implications and the potential damage to the business’s competitive position.
Our team of lawyers at Reha | Goodwin | Caras is experienced in a wide spectrum of business law matters and has been handling complex business litigation matters for more than 40 years. We can help you with competent, aggressive, and creative counsel for your business dispute. To schedule a consultation with our Denver business litigation attorney, call our office at 303-932-1222 or contact us online. Based in Littleton, our firm represents clients in Denver and throughout Colorado.
