When a contract falls apart, a partner walks away with clients, or a former employee takes confidential data to a competitor, a business owner in Washington, D.C. needs a litigator who understands both the courtroom and the commercial stakes. Mundaca Law is one of several firms in the District that companies turn to in those moments. Below are five D.C.-area firms worth knowing, followed by practical guidance on filing deadlines, court options, and what to ask before you hire anyone.
This list is not a ranking based on any objective measurement, and no firm here is certified as a specialist in business litigation by any state bar.
Business litigation firms in the D.C. area to consider:
- Mundaca Law
- Thatcher Zavaro & Mani
- Swick & Shapiro, P.C.
- Solomon Law Firm, PLLC
- Graham Law Group
1. Mundaca Law
Mundaca Law represents businesses and business owners in disputes throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The firm is led by Francisco E. Mundaca, Esq., Founding Partner, and handles business, employment, and federal employee matters, which gives it a useful vantage point when a commercial dispute overlaps with workplace issues.
That overlap comes up more often than many owners expect. A breach of contract claim against a former executive may also involve a non-compete, a severance agreement, or allegations of misused trade secrets. Having one firm that works in both business and employment law can keep the strategy consistent instead of splitting the case across separate counsel.
Businesses typically contact Mundaca Law about matters such as:
- Breach of contract disputes with vendors, customers, or partners
- Conflicts between co-owners, shareholders, or LLC members
- Enforcement or defense of restrictive covenants and confidentiality agreements
- Claims involving misappropriation of trade secrets or client lists
- Pre-litigation demand letters, negotiated settlements, and mediation
The firm’s approach generally starts with a close review of the governing documents, because the contract itself often decides where a case can be filed, whether arbitration is required, and what remedies are available. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter.
2. Thatcher Zavaro & Mani
Thatcher Zavaro & Mani is a law firm that serves clients in the Washington, D.C. area. Businesses and individuals researching legal representation in the region may come across the firm during their search.
3. Swick & Shapiro, P.C.
Swick & Shapiro, P.C. is a D.C.-area law firm representing clients in legal matters in the region. Readers comparing options can review the firm’s own materials to learn more about the work it handles.
4. Solomon Law Firm, PLLC
Solomon Law Firm, PLLC provides legal services to clients in the Washington metropolitan area. It is one of several firms a business might encounter when looking for counsel in the DMV.
5. Graham Law Group
Graham Law Group is a law firm that works with clients in the D.C. region. Prospective clients can contact the firm directly to find out whether it handles their type of matter.
How long does a business have to file a lawsuit in D.C.?
For most breach of contract claims in the District, the statute of limitations is three years, under D.C. Code § 12-301. A statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a claim; miss it, and the court will usually dismiss the case regardless of its merits.
The clock generally starts when the breach occurs, not when you discover the financial damage. Contracts under seal can carry a longer period, and some claims, such as fraud, may follow different rules. Waiting until the final months also limits your leverage in settlement talks.
Which court will hear a D.C. business dispute?
Most business cases in the District go to the Civil Division of the D.C. Superior Court. Claims of $10,000 or less can proceed in the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch, which uses simpler procedures.
A case may belong in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia instead if it involves a federal question, such as a claim under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, or if the parties are from different states and more than $75,000 is at stake. Superior Court also runs the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division, which offers court-connected mediation that many civil cases pass through before trial.
Are non-compete agreements enforceable in D.C.?
Only in limited circumstances. The Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Amendment Act, which took effect October 1, 2022, prohibits non-competes for most workers in the District but allows them for highly compensated employees. The compensation threshold was set at $150,000 when the law took effect and is adjusted each year.
Even for covered employees, the agreement must meet specific requirements, including a maximum duration of 365 days and advance written notice. Companies drafting these agreements, and employees challenging them, should check the current threshold before relying on one.
What should a business ask before hiring a litigation firm?
Start with questions about fit and cost. Ask how the firm bills (most business litigation is billed hourly or through a retainer, while contingency arrangements are less common), who will actually work on your file, and how often you can expect updates.
It also helps to ask whether the attorney sees early resolution as realistic. A good litigator will tell you when a well-drafted demand letter or mediation makes more sense than filing suit.
Choosing Counsel for Your Business Dispute
Business disputes rarely resolve on their own, and filing deadlines keep moving whether or not you act. Gather your contracts, correspondence, and financial records, then speak with a few firms before committing. If your dispute touches both commercial and workplace issues, Mundaca Law is a practical place to start that conversation. Reach out to schedule a consultation and get a clear picture of your options.
Attorney Advertising. This article provides general information and is not legal advice.