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NYC Contract Dispute & Breach of Contract Lawyer

A NYC-based commercial litigation attorney helping businesses and professionals resolve contract disputes, enforce agreements, and defend against breach of contract claims across New York City.

Because one fall can change everything

When a Contract Dispute Puts Your Business on the Line

Written agreements are meant to bring clarity and stability to your business—not uncertainty and risk. When a contract dispute arises, it can jeopardize revenue, vendor relationships, partnerships, and long-term plans.


The Law Office of Jesse D. Capell, PLLC represents companies, owners, and professionals in NYC contract disputes and breach of contract cases. As a NYC commercial litigation lawyer, Jesse combines trial experience with pragmatic business thinking: the goal is to protect your rights while keeping an eye on cost, risk, and the realities of running a business.

Types of Contract Disputes We Handle

Contract Disputes We Commonly See in NYC Businesses

Contract disagreements come in many forms. We handle a wide range of contract-related matters, including:


  1. Breach of Contract: Claims that one party failed to live up to its obligations—whether by not paying, not delivering, or not performing as promised. We represent both plaintiffs seeking enforcement or damages and defendants facing breach of contract allegations.

  2. Service & Vendor Agreements: Disputes between businesses and vendors, suppliers, or service providers over performance standards, timelines, pricing, or termination. Clear contract interpretation and documentation are key in these cases.

  3. Sales & Purchase Agreements: Conflicts involving the sale of goods, purchase orders, or major acquisitions where one side claims the other did not deliver as agreed. These cases may involve UCC issues, warranties, and conditions precedent.

  4. Employment & Independent Contractor Agreements (If applicable): Disputes involving compensation, non-competition and non-solicitation clauses, confidentiality provisions, and alleged breaches of employment or contractor contracts.

  5. Commercial Lease & Real Estate Contract Disputes: Contract-focused aspects of commercial leases, build-out obligations, and real estate purchase agreements, often overlapping with broader commercial real estate litigation.
Our Approach to Contract Disputes

Strategic Contract Enforcement & Defense

Every contract dispute is both a legal and business problem. Our approach generally includes:

  1. Early Case Assessment: We review the contract, key communications, and your objectives to understand what’s at stake and what “success” looks like for your business.

  2. Contract Interpretation & Risk Analysis: We analyze the agreement language, relevant law, and performance history to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential exposure on both sides.

  3. Evidence and Documentation Review: We gather emails, invoices, change orders, meeting notes, and other proof that shows how the parties actually performed under the contract.

  4. Negotiation, Demand Letters & Pre-Litigation Strategy: Where possible, we use targeted demand letters, negotiation, or mediation to resolve disputes efficiently before full-blown litigation.

  5. Litigation & Trial: When necessary, we file or defend breach of contract lawsuits in New York courts, handle motion practice and discovery, and prepare for trial—always with a clear focus on your business objectives and risk tolerance.





Why Work with Our Firm on Contract Disputes

Why NYC Businesses Choose Our Contract Dispute Lawyer

  1. Trial-Ready Commercial Litigator: As a litigation-focused attorney, Jesse is prepared to take contract disputes to court when reasonable settlement is not possible. That trial readiness helps give your business leverage in negotiations.

  2. Business-Minded Perspective: We don’t view contract disputes in a vacuum. We consider how different outcomes affect cash flow, operations, customer relationships, and long-term plans—and we help you choose strategy accordingly.

  3. Clear, Practical Advice: You need more than legal jargon. We explain contract options and potential outcomes in plain language so owners, executives, and managers can make informed decisions.

  4. Flexible Paths to Resolution: Not every breach of contract lawyer in NYC takes the same approach. We are open to negotiation, mediation, or arbitration when those options support your goals—and we are ready for trial if they do not.

  5. Support for Businesses of All Sizes: We represent startups, small businesses, and established companies. If a contract dispute matters to your business, it matters here.





Contract Disputes & Breach of Contract FAQ

  • What is a breach of contract under New York law?

    Generally, a breach of contract means one party failed to do something the contract required—whether that’s paying, delivering goods, performing services, or honoring other obligations. To bring a viable claim, you typically must show a valid contract, your own performance (or excuse), the other party’s breach, and resulting damages.

  • Do I need a written contract to sue for breach?

    Written contracts are best, but some agreements can be enforced even if they were partly or fully oral—depending on the subject matter and the Statute of Frauds. We can review emails, purchase orders, and other documents to assess whether there’s an enforceable agreement.

  • Can I recover my attorneys’ fees in a contract dispute?

    Often, each side pays its own legal fees unless the contract has a fee-shifting or “prevailing party” clause, or a specific statute applies. We review your contract early so you know what to expect regarding attorney’s fees.

  • Should I try to negotiate before filing a lawsuit?

    In many cases, yes. Thoughtful negotiation or mediation can resolve disputes faster and at lower cost, especially when relationships matter. At the same time, we prepare as if litigation may be necessary so you’re not starting from scratch if negotiations fail.

  • How long do I have to bring a breach of contract claim?

    New York has specific statutes of limitations for contract claims. The exact deadline depends on factors like the type of contract and the parties involved. Consulting counsel early helps ensure you don’t miss critical filing deadlines.

  • What if my company is being sued for breach of contract?

    Do not ignore the lawsuit. There are strict deadlines to respond, and failing to do so can result in default judgments. We can review the complaint, evaluate defenses, and help you decide whether to fight, negotiate, or pursue a business-focused resolution.

Related Business Dispute Services

Contract disputes often overlap with other commercial litigation issues. You may also want to review:

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Commercial Litigation

View an overview of all commercial disputes the firm handles.

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Partnership & Shareholder Disputes

Conflicts between owners, members, or shareholders that may involve underlying contract issues.

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Business Torts & Fraud

Claims involving fraud, misrepresentation, or interference that go beyond pure breach of contract.

Contact Us

Need Help with a Contract Dispute in NYC?

If a contract dispute is threatening your business relationships or bottom line, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our NYC-based commercial litigation firm can help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and choose the path that makes the most business sense.