Commercial Litigation

Effective, Thorough and Practical Commercial Litigation Services

Michael J. Betts LLC, has extensive experience addressing a wide range of commercial litigation, business litigation and business disputes. Mr. Betts has handled numerous lawsuits and litigation matters in the federal and state courts in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania, as well as matters submitted to arbitration before the American Arbitration Association (AAA), the Financial Industry Regulatory Association (FINRA) and other dispute resolution administrators.

Mr. Betts has represented a diverse range of business clients, from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations and large financial institutions, and in cases where the amount in controversy ranges from smaller matters to millions of dollars.

Banking litigation: Attorney Michael Betts has many years of experience in private practice handling litigation involving banks, and he previously served as senior litigation counsel for PNC bank. Mr. Betts is knowledgeable concerning many types of banking litigation, including fiduciary litigation, lender liability claims, account and check fraud cases, and claims arising under Articles 3, 4 and 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Breach of contract / claims under the Uniform Commercial Code: Mr. Betts can review commercial contracts and provide advice concerning their contractual rights and duties, as well as representing clients in litigation in breach of contract actions. Mr. Betts also has experience with claims arising under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Business torts: We represent clients facing many business torts issues, including claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, interference with existing and prospective contractual relations, commercial disparagement and slander, conversion, misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair competition.

Consumer litigation: We handle many claims filed under various consumer protection statutes, including the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and various federal statutes such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Truth in Lending Act.

Employment litigation: Mr. Betts represents employees and employers facing workplace disputes, including claims of discrimination and wrongful termination. We also represent clients in claims alleging the violation of restrictive covenant and “noncompete” provisions.

Franchise litigation: We have experience with contractual and other disputes between franchisors and franchisees, including intellectual property protection, royalty claims, enforcement of noncompete restrictions, franchisee claims arising out of the sale of the franchise and franchisee class action suits.

Insurance litigation: We can represent you in litigation related to insurance policies, including insurance coverage litigation, claims for bad faith, and claims alleging fraudulent and deceptive practices in connection with the sale of life insurance policies, annuities and other insurance products.

Restrictive covenant / noncompete claims: There has been considerable litigation in recent years filed for the purpose of enforcing (or avoiding) noncompete provisions found in employment contracts. Our firm can analyze the enforceability of these provisions under Pennsylvania case law and handle litigation brought to enforce restrictive covenants, or in the defense of such claims.

Shareholder and partnership disputes: We can guide you through litigation arising under shareholder and partnership agreements. In these cases, the rights of the parties and the obligations they owe each other (and to the business entity) are defined by contract, as well as by statutes under Pennsylvania law.

Trade secret litigation: Our firm has resolved many cases involving claims alleging the misappropriation of trade secrets. In Pennsylvania, these claims generally arise under the Pennsylvania Uniform Trade Secret Act (“PUTSA”), but also require analysis under the extensive body of Pennsylvania case law that has developed in this area. These cases also frequently involve claims alleging breaches of restrictive covenants and noncompetition provisions found in employment agreements.

Unfair competition: We can represent you in commercial litigation matters that include claims for unfair competition. Such claims can take a variety of forms and may involve misuse of a trademark, trade name, confidential information and other related concerns.

Hands-On. Cost-Efficient. Practical.

Michael J. Betts LLC, provides sophisticated and thorough representation in an efficient and cost-effective manner. In addition to the personal, hands-on approach that can be provided by small “boutique” litigation firms, our many years of commercial litigation experience enables us to handle matters in a practical way, sensitive to the real-world needs and concerns of our clients.

While we pursue the zealous representation of our clients in litigation matters, we also recognize the needs of our clients to manage the risk and uncertainty of litigation, and throughout any litigation matter we attempt to identify opportunities for resolving business disputes in a manner that will best serve the interests of our clients..

Serving The Role Of Co-Counsel

While we normally serve as lead counsel for our commercial litigation clients, we also partner with other law firms and lawyers in the role of co-counsel or “local counsel.” With our knowledge of the members of the local judiciary and the rules and practices prevailing in our local courts – the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County – as well as our commitment to efficiency and cost-effectiveness, we are an ideal fit for businesses, law firms and lawyers who are in need of Pittsburgh-based counsel to support the handling of commercial litigation matters and business disputes pending, or anticipated to be filed, in the federal or state courts in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania.