Commercial Litigation

Known for our innovative approach both in and out of court, Stein Adler litigators have successfully resolved complex disputes for clients across a broad range of industries. Our client roster spans real estate owners, healthcare companies, financial institutions, and closely held corporations.

Our litigators have a proven track record of successfully resolving complex disputes in state and federal courts, handling everything from case inception through judgment and appeal. We also advise clients on the alternative dispute resolution process, including mediations and arbitrations.

 

State & Federal Trial Litigation

Whether your dispute is complex, contentious, or relatively straightforward, you’ll benefit from our embedded counsel approach to client service, and our ability to handle every aspect of your dispute.

 

Appellate Litigation

Our litigators craft compelling and successful arguments before state and federal appellate courts for appellants seeking to overturn an unfavorable trial court order, decision, verdict, or judgment.

 

Mediation & Arbitration

We streamline dispute resolution through mediation and arbitration, offering a cost-effective, less adversarial alternative under JAMS, AAA, and other established forums.

 

Business Divorce

We help clients navigate business breakups, focusing on preserving value over litigation. Our expertise covers negotiated and forced buyouts, valuation disputes, and seamless transitions for partnerships and family businesses.

 

Distressed Debt Situations & Workouts

We represent lenders, investors and borrowers in loan workouts and distressed debt transactions, as well as the restructuring of troubled loans. When necessary, we also seek the recovery of secured assets through foreclosure or deeds in lieu of foreclosure.

 

Contract Disputes

We have extensive experience litigating and resolving contract disputes stemming from construction agreements, real estate purchase agreements, commercial leases, employment contracts, business debts, licensing contracts, operating agreements, and many other types of contractual agreements.

 

Stein Adler Secures Confirmation of Beth Din Arbitration Award
Stein Adler successfully opposed a petition to vacate a Beth Din arbitration award and secured confirmation of the award in New York Supreme Court, Kings County.

Stein Adler Secured a Complete Dismissal with Prejudice in Federal Construction and Disclosure Case
Stein Adler secured a complete dismissal with prejudice of all claims against its client, a real estate developer, in a federal action arising from the development of a condominium property in Brooklyn, New York. The plaintiff asserted claims including fraud, negligence, unjust enrichment, breach of implied warranty, and violations of federal disclosure laws. The Court granted the motion to dismiss, holding that all claims were time-barred and rejecting efforts to recast alleged construction defects as ongoing obligations.

Stein Adler Secures Dismissal of All Federal Claims in Trade Dress and Trade Secret Dispute
Stein Adler secured dismissal of all the federal claims alleged against its client at the motion to dismiss stage in a commercial dispute involving alleged trade dress infringement and trade secret misappropriation filed in the Southern District of New York. Disposing of the case against our client in its entirety, the court found that our client’s packaging and brand design was fully protected under applicable law, and further dismissed a host of other claims alleging misappropriation of company information.

Complete Dismissal Affirmed in Shareholder Derivative Action Alleging Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Stein Adler successfully defended a group of corporate officers and directors in a shareholder derivative action in Kings County Supreme Court, where the plaintiffs alleged breach of fiduciary duty and conversion of corporate assets. The court dismissed all claims in full, finding that many were time-barred and that the remaining allegations were insufficient under New York’s heightened pleading standard for breach of fiduciary duty claims. The Appellate Division, Second Department affirmed the dismissal, bringing a complete end to the litigation. This victory underscores Stein Adler’s experience in defending complex shareholder and corporate governance disputes, from trial court through appeal.

Stein Adler Secures Emergency TRO Against Royal Bank of Canada in $25M Dispute Over Collateralized Assets
Stein Adler obtained emergency TRO against Royal Bank of Canada on behalf of a family-run investment fund in a multi-million dollar dispute over pledged securities. Prevented the bank from seizing $2 million in assets, preserving client funds pending further court proceedings.

Stein Adler Defeats Motion to Dismiss in Insurance Coverage Dispute Involving Broker Misrepresentation
Stein Adler defeated motion to dismiss in insurance broker malpractice case and overcame statute of limitations defense in Nassau County Supreme Court; case will proceed despite broker’s time-bar argument.

Stein Adler Secures Favorable Settlement in Escrow Misconduct Case for NYC Real Estate Law Firm
Stein Adler represented a New York City-based real estate law firm accused of escrow violations and misconduct related to holding funds for a real estate closing. Facing potential severe repercussions, including an ethics inquiry, our strategic approach led to a negotiation that settled the matter for pennies on the dollar. This resolution effectively avoided further legal complications and an ethics investigation.

Stein Adler Defends Commercial Lender Against Lender Liability Claims
Successfully defended a large commercial lender in an action brought in Kings County Supreme Court, Commercial Division, by a borrower asserting lender liability claims. The court granted our motion to dismiss the case in its entirety.

Stein Adler Defends Commercial Lender in $12 Million Breach of Contract Claim
Successfully defended a commercial lender in a $12 million breach of contract claim filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Stein Adler Defends Food Manufacturer Against Multiple Shareholder Claims
Stein Adler successfully represented a well-known food manufacturer in litigation brought by a minority shareholder of the company. We secured a victory on summary judgment before the New York Commercial Division, which was later affirmed on appeal by the New York State Appellate Division, Second Department. Stein Adler later obtained dismissal of the shareholder’s next lawsuit in the New York Commercial Division.

Stein Adler Secures Dismissal of Claims Against Condominium Developer
Secured pre-answer dismissal of claims brought against our client, a real estate developer and its principal, by the client’s joint venture partner, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and contract in connection with a condominium development.

Stein Adler Defends Principal in Manhattan Partnership Dispute
In a sprawling litigation involving allegations of breach of contract and fiduciary duty, our litigators secured a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction barring a rogue company manager from accessing corporate assets. In addition, after he violated the restraining order, we swiftly achieved a contempt order, securing an enforcement of the injunction and the payment of our client’s attorneys’ fees.

 

Team
Jonathan L. Adler
Founding Partner & Managing Partner
Adam J. Stein
Founding Partner
Noam Besdin
Partner
Alissa C. Donovan
Alissa C. Donovan
Associate
Casey Hail
Casey Hail
Counsel
Aaron M. Kleinmann
Aaron M. Kleinmann
Of Counsel
Ellene Ko
Associate
Adina C. Levine
Partner
Jacob Lewin
Jacob Lewin
Partner
Michal Palagi
Associate
Matteo J. Rosselli
Matteo J. Rosselli
Of Counsel
Melanie A Sarver
Melanie A. Sarver
Counsel
Nelida M. Lamboy
Paralegal