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Commercial Litigation

Commercial Litigation Attorney

At Phillips & Bathke, P.C., we represent businesses in complex commercial disputes that put relationships, reputations, and financial stability on the line. With offices in Chicago, Peoria, and New York, our team handles litigation across industries, with particular focus on breach of contract, unfair competition, and consumer class action defense. Whether the case is in federal court, state court, or arbitration, we approach every matter with a practical mindset and a clear plan.

Business litigation can be disruptive. Our job is to help clients make sound decisions, manage risk, and resolve disputes efficiently, whether that means fighting aggressively or negotiating a smart resolution. We work closely with our clients to understand what’s at stake and tailor our strategy to their goals.

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              Our firm requires retainers for all litigation matters. This is an up front payment to a trust account that we later bill against. They start at $5,000 and increase based on complexity on a variety of factors. Are you willing to pay a retainer?


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                Our firm requires retainers for all litigation matters. This is an up front payment to a trust account that we later bill against. They start at $5,000 and increase based on complexity on a variety of factors. Are you willing to pay a retainer?

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                    In order to set aside the time to review your submission, prepare for our consultation, and hold a consultation, we charge a $250 consultation fee. Is this agreeable?

                    Unfortunately, we require a paid consultation to set aside the time to prepare for and discuss your billing issues. So, we are unable to assist you. . begin work on your matter. Unfortunately at this time we are unable to assist you. Please visit the Illinois Commerce Commission Complaint page for further assistance. We wish you the best of luck.

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                      Unfortunately, we require this initial consultation fee before reviewing and discussing your case. So, we are unable to assist you and wish you the best of luck.

                      Breach of Contract Disputes

                      Contracts are the foundation of most business relationships. When one side fails to live up to its obligations, the consequences can be significant, missed opportunities, lost revenue, and damaged trust. We represent both plaintiffs and defendants in breach of contract cases involving vendor agreements, service contracts, licensing deals, supply chains, joint ventures, and more.

                      Our attorneys are skilled in analyzing contract terms, identifying breaches, and enforcing rights in court or through private resolution. We also defend clients against breach allegations, often focusing on performance issues, ambiguity in contract language, or failure of consideration. Whether the dispute involves a multi-page commercial agreement or a simple invoice, we work to protect our clients’ interests without escalating costs unnecessarily.

                      Unfair Competition and Business Torts

                      In competitive industries, legal disputes often go beyond basic contract issues. We handle claims involving unfair competition, including misappropriation of trade secrets, false advertising, employee poaching, and misuse of confidential information. These cases often arise quickly and may require urgent action, such as temporary restraining orders or injunctions, to prevent further harm.

                      We represent both sides of these disputes. On the plaintiff side, we move quickly to protect competitive advantages and stop improper conduct. On the defense side, we respond to aggressive claims that may be exaggerated or designed to stifle legitimate competition. Our experience in both intellectual property and commercial law allows us to handle the overlapping issues that often arise in these cases.

                      Consumer Class Actions and Business Defense

                      Consumer class claims can be high-stakes, especially when they involve allegations of deceptive practices, data use, or product representation. We defend businesses accused of violating state consumer protection laws, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and other regulations. These cases often involve not just legal exposure, but also reputational risk and public scrutiny.

                      Our firm works to contain that risk. We assess the merits of the claims early, evaluate class certification challenges, and fight improper or overreaching class allegations. We also help clients correct practices or policies where appropriate, to avoid similar claims in the future.

                      At Phillips & Bathke, P.C., we approach commercial litigation with focus, flexibility, and experience so our clients can get back to business with confidence.