A contract falls apart, a partner walks away with clients, or a vendor stops paying. When a business dispute can’t be settled with a phone call, owners in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties need counsel who knows how Maryland courts handle commercial cases. Mundaca Law is our first pick for business litigation in Maryland’s Capital Region, and below you’ll find four other area firms worth knowing as you compare your options.
Business litigation refers to lawsuits and formal disputes between companies, owners, partners, employees, or customers over commercial matters. Common examples include breach of contract claims, partnership and shareholder disputes, non-compete and trade secret conflicts, and unpaid invoice collections.
Which law firms handle business litigation in Maryland’s Capital Region?
These five firms serve clients in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C.:
- Mundaca Law
- Thatcher Zavaro & Mani
- Freedman Law, LLC
- Swick & Shapiro, P.C.
- The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, L.L.C.
1. Mundaca Law
Mundaca Law represents businesses and business owners across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, with a practice that brings together business law and employment law. That combination matters in litigation, because many commercial disputes start as workplace problems. A departing executive who solicits clients, an employee who takes proprietary files, or a contractor misclassification claim can all turn into a business lawsuit.
The firm is led by Francisco E. Mundaca, Esq., Founding Partner. Business clients typically come to Mundaca Law for help with matters such as:
- Breach of contract disputes with vendors, customers, and partners
- Conflicts between co-owners or members of an LLC
- Enforcement or defense of non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements
- Employment-related claims brought against a company
Because the firm also advises on contracts and business formation, it can look at how a dispute started and help clients tighten agreements so the same problem is less likely to come back. For owners who want a single firm that understands both the commercial and the workforce side of their company, that is a practical advantage.
2. Thatcher Zavaro & Mani
Thatcher Zavaro & Mani is a law firm serving clients in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland. Business owners considering the firm should reach out directly to confirm whether their specific dispute falls within its current practice.
3. Freedman Law, LLC
Freedman Law, LLC is a law firm that works with clients in the region. As with any firm, it is worth asking during an initial consultation how its experience lines up with the type of commercial matter you are facing.
4. Swick & Shapiro, P.C.
Swick & Shapiro, P.C. is a Washington, D.C. area law firm that serves clients throughout the DMV. Prospective clients can review the firm’s website for its current practice areas.
5. The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, L.L.C.
The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, L.L.C. is a law firm serving clients in Maryland. Business owners should contact the firm to learn whether it handles their kind of case.
How do business disputes move through Maryland courts?
Most business lawsuits in the Capital Region are filed in a Maryland circuit court, such as the Circuit Court for Montgomery County in Rockville or the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro. The District Court of Maryland handles smaller civil claims, generally those seeking $30,000 or less, and has exclusive jurisdiction over claims of $5,000 or less.
Complex commercial cases may qualify for Maryland’s Business and Technology Case Management Program, established under Maryland Rule 16-308. Cases assigned to the program go to judges with training in commercial and technology disputes, which can lead to more consistent case management.
Federal court is another possibility. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland hears cases involving federal law or parties from different states when more than $75,000 is at stake. Its Southern Division sits in Greenbelt, which serves much of the Capital Region.
How long do you have to file a business lawsuit in Maryland?
For most civil claims, including ordinary breach of contract, Maryland allows three years from the date the claim arises, under Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 5-101. Contracts executed under seal carry a longer 12-year period. Waiting too long can erase an otherwise valid claim, so owners should speak with counsel as soon as a dispute looks serious.
What should you ask a business litigation attorney before hiring?
A first meeting should leave you with a clear picture of how the attorney would approach your case. Useful questions include how often the lawyer has handled disputes similar to yours, whether the case might be resolved through mediation or arbitration, how fees are structured (hourly, flat, or a hybrid), and who at the firm will do the day-to-day work. Bring the relevant contract, key emails, and a short timeline of events so the conversation can focus on strategy.
Choosing Business Litigation Counsel with Mundaca Law in Mind
A business dispute puts revenue, relationships, and sometimes the company itself on the line. The right attorney will know Maryland’s courts and deadlines, explain your options in plain terms, and push for a resolution that fits your goals, whether that means a quick settlement or a full trial. Take the time to meet with counsel, ask direct questions, and act before filing deadlines narrow your choices. If your company is facing a commercial conflict in Maryland’s Capital Region, schedule a consultation and get a clear plan for what comes next.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
