Breach of Contract Lawyer Manhattan | SRIS, P.C.
Breach of Contract Lawyer in Manhattan, NY — What Are Your Legal Options?
A breach of contract in Manhattan can disrupt your business and finances. Under New York law, including the UCC and CPLR, you may seek damages and specific performance. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for contract disputes. Our firm, founded in 1997, has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
What Is a Breach of Contract in New York?
A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform its duties under a valid agreement without a legal excuse. In New York, the legal framework for these disputes is found in the New York Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) for sales and secured transactions, and the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) for procedure. The statute of limitations for filing a contract violation lawsuit in Manhattan is generally six years under CPLR § 213.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New York contract law, refer to the New York Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). For court rules and procedures, visit the New York County Supreme Court website.
Handling a Breach of Contract Claim in Manhattan Courts
Manhattan contract disputes are heard in different courts based on the amount in controversy: Small Claims (up to $10,000), Civil Court (up to $50,000), or Supreme Court (unlimited). The Supreme Court’s Commercial Division handles complex business disputes. Full discovery under the CPLR is available in Supreme Court, which is a critical phase for gathering evidence.
- Review the Contract and Facts: Gather all documents and communications related to the agreement and the alleged breach.
- Send a Formal Demand: A clearly written demand letter, often drafted by your lawyer, can sometimes resolve the dispute without litigation.
- File a Complaint: If the demand is ignored, your attorney will file a summons and complaint in the appropriate Manhattan court to initiate the lawsuit.
- handle Discovery: Both sides exchange relevant documents, answer written questions (interrogatories), and conduct depositions.
- Pursue Settlement or Trial: Most cases settle through negotiation or mediation. If not, your case proceeds to a bench or jury trial for a final decision.
Potential Outcomes in a Manhattan Contract Case
In Manhattan, a successful breach of contract claim can result in compensatory damages, consequential damages, and in some cases, specific performance to enforce the contract’s terms.
| Remedy | Purpose | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Compensatory Damages | To put the non-breaching party in the position they would have been in had the contract been performed. | Lost profits, cost of cover, unpaid amounts. |
| Consequential Damages | To cover indirect losses that were foreseeable at the time of contract formation. | Lost business opportunities, reputational harm. |
| Specific Performance | A court order requiring the breaching party to perform their contractual duties. | Used when monetary damages are inadequate, such as in real estate or unique goods contracts. |
| Attorney’s Fees | Recovery of legal costs. | Only awarded if provided for in the contract itself or by specific statute. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Business Contract Disputes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a strategic, detail-oriented approach to contract law, informed by over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We understand that a broken agreement claim can threaten your business’s stability, and we work to resolve disputes efficiently, whether through negotiation or assertive litigation.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable resolutions for clients in business disputes. While specific results depend on the unique facts of each case, our approach is consistently thorough and client-focused. We prioritize understanding your business goals to tailor our legal strategy effectively.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Manhattan Breach of Contract Lawyer
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients with matters at Manhattan courts. We are accessible via major highways and transit lines. We represent clients from neighborhoods across Manhattan, including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, the Upper East and West Sides, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, the East Village, the Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood. For a breach of contract lawyer Manhattan residents can consult, call for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are by appointment only.
Breach of Contract Lawyer Manhattan FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for a breach of contract in New York?
Six years. Under CPLR § 213, you generally have six years from the date of the breach to file a lawsuit for a contract violation in New York. There are exceptions for certain contracts, like those under seal, so consulting a lawyer promptly is crucial.
Can I recover attorney’s fees if I win my contract case?
It depends. New York follows the “American Rule,” meaning each side pays its own fees unless the contract specifically includes an attorney’s fees clause. A well-drafted agreement with such a clause can significantly shift the cost burden to the losing party.
What is the difference between a material and minor breach?
A material breach is a failure to perform a core part of the contract, which excuses the other party from their duties and allows them to sue for damages. A minor (or immaterial) breach is a slight deviation that does not defeat the contract’s main purpose; the non-breaching party can still sue but usually only for the value of the unperformed part.
What court will my Manhattan contract case be in?
It depends on the amount of money involved. Claims up to $10,000 go to Small Claims Court, up to $50,000 to Civil Court, and over $50,000 to the New York County Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s Commercial Division handles complex business contract disputes.
What should I do first if a contract is broken?
First, gather all documents related to the contract and the breach. Then, contact a lawyer to review your options. Often, the first formal step is sending a demand letter from your attorney, which can lead to a resolution without the need for a full contract violation lawsuit.
Related Legal Services in Manhattan
If you are dealing with a business dispute, you may also want to learn about our services for business law in Manhattan or civil litigation in Manhattan. For other practice areas we serve, see our New York contract lawyer hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.