New York Breach of Contract Attorneys

Contract disputes arise in many forms—from unpaid invoices to disagreements over performance, scope, or interpretation of contractual terms. Our attorneys assist clients at every stage of a dispute, from early assessment through trial and appeal.

We regularly represent clients in disputes involving:

• Employment Contracts
  Including non-compete agreements, non-solicitation clauses, severance agreements, and confidentiality obligations.
• Vendor and Service Agreements
  Addressing payment disputes, failures to perform, scope-of-work conflicts, and quality issues.
• Real Estate Contracts
  Covering breaches of purchase agreements, commercial and residential leases, and development contracts.
• Construction Contracts
  Handling claims related to delays, nonpayment, defective work, and disputed change orders.
• Joint Venture and Investment Agreements
  Representing parties in disputes involving fiduciary duties, governance rights, and profit-sharing terms.
• Sales and Supply Contracts
  Litigating delivery failures, defective goods, pricing disputes, and exclusivity provisions.

To prevail on a breach of contract claim in New York, a plaintiff must generally establish the following elements:

• Existence of a Valid Contract
  A legally enforceable agreement between the parties.
• Plaintiff’s Performance
  Proof that the plaintiff fulfilled its contractual obligations or was excused from performance.
• Defendant’s Breach
  Evidence that the defendant failed to perform a material contractual obligation.
• Resulting Damages
  Demonstrable financial harm caused by the breach.

Our attorneys analyze each element carefully to assess liability, defenses, and available remedies.

New York law provides several remedies depending on the nature of the contract and the harm suffered. Our attorneys pursue remedies aligned with our clients’ business objectives, including:

• Expectation Damages
  Compensation designed to place the non-breaching party in the position it would have been in had the contract been performed.
• Reliance Damages
  Recovery for expenses or losses incurred in reasonable reliance on the contract.
• Liquidated Damages
  Enforcement or challenge of contract provisions that pre-determine damages, where legally valid.
• Specific Performance
  Court orders requiring performance of contractual obligations, commonly sought in real estate transactions or for unique goods.
• Injunctive Relief
  When appropriate, courts may issue injunctions to prevent ongoing or irreparable harm.

Not every alleged breach results in liability. Our attorneys regularly assert and defend against breach of contract claims involving defenses such as:

• Lack of an Enforceable Contract
• Statute of Frauds Violations
• Impossibility or Force Majeure
• Prior Material Breach by the Other Party
• Waiver or Contract Modification
• Failure to Mitigate Damages

We evaluate both liability exposure and defensive strategies early to position clients for the strongest possible outcome.

Our litigation team combines deep knowledge of New York contract law with practical business insight. We have successfully represented plaintiffs and defendants in breach of contract cases involving high-value commercial transactions, complex lease disputes, and closely held business conflicts.

Whether the objective is enforcement, defense, or strategic settlement, we develop a results-driven approach tailored to each client’s goals.

What happens if a contract is partially breached?

A partial breach occurs when a party fails to perform some, but not all, contractual obligations. The non-breaching party may still recover damages but may be required to continue performing under the contract, depending on whether the breach is deemed material under New York law.

Can emails or texts count as a contract in New York?

Yes. Emails or text messages can form a binding contract if they show mutual agreement on essential terms and intent to be bound. Certain agreements, however, must still satisfy New York’s statute of frauds to be enforceable.

Can multiple parties be liable for breach of contract?

Yes. When multiple parties are signatories or jointly obligated under a contract, more than one party may be held liable depending on the agreement’s terms and each party’s role in the breach.

What if the contract includes an arbitration clause?

If a valid arbitration clause exists, courts may require the dispute to be resolved through arbitration rather than litigation. Our attorneys evaluate enforceability and represent clients in both arbitration proceedings and court actions to compel or resist arbitration.

Can I sue for breach if there’s no written agreement?

Possibly. Oral contracts may be enforceable in New York, but certain agreements must be in writing under the statute of frauds. Proving terms and performance without a written contract can be more challenging.