Commercial transactions and business relationships often go bad and turn into disputes, resulting in costly litigation. Unable to resolve the dispute through negotiations or discussions between the parties, one party may find that litigation is the only way to end the matter. Unfortunately, litigation is often a fact of modern business life.
Commercial litigation is a general term that applies to any type of litigation or controversy related to business issues. Examples of areas included under the general heading of commercial litigation include:
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Contract disputes, including breach of contract
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Tortious interference with contracts or business relationships
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Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) disputes
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Shareholder and partnership disputes
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Breach of fiduciary duty cases
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Disputes over corporate management and control
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Business dissolutions
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Employment disputes
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Disputes over non-compete agreements
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Franchise disputes
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Antitrust and trade actions
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Consumer fraud and consumer protection issues
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Debt collection actions
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Civil RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) actions
The list gives you an idea of the broad scope of commercial litigation. It also provides an idea of how commercial litigation matters can range from relatively simple, uncomplicated matters, to highly complex matters that could take several years to resolve. Improperly handled litigation can lead to additional, unnecessary expense for you and your business. If you lose, you may be subject to a large damages award. In addition, even if you are successful, the amount of money and time you spent fighting may exceed the amount of damages you are ultimately able to collect. Further, protracted litigation can have a negative impact on the operations of your business.
Appellate work is a complex area of law that requires specific and expert knowledge of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Generally, a notice or intent to appeal must be filed within thirty days of the final judgment. It is imperative that one contact an attorney immediately after a conviction at trial or an unfavorable sentencing pursuant to a plea to the court.
The attorneys at the Hancock Law Firm have done criminal appellate work in the Court of Appeals of Arkansas, the Arkansas Supreme Court, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. It is very rare that a case would be heard at the United States Supreme Court, but the firm has an attorney licensed to practice and argue cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
The attorneys at the Hancock Law Firm have had serious felony cases dismissed at the appellate level, and sent back to the trial court for a new trial.
The attorneys at the Hancock Law Firm have been engaged in criminal appellate work for over ten years.
Civil right claims brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983 are a unique blend of tort and Constitutional law. A high level of experience is required to effectively handle this area of practice, the limits of which, unlike more traditional claims, are constantly evolving. The unique nature of civil rights litigation demands attorneys who have devoted a significant portion of their practice to this area of law.
The Hancock Law Firm has more than twenty years of experience in suing both governmental entities and their individual employees for Section 1983 claims, including those related to police liability, such as claims of improper search and seizure, excessive use of force and illegal government policies, customs and practices. The Hancock Law Firm's two decades of experience allows us to provide the most efficient, effective and innovative representation to our clients.
We seek to obtain the most efficient and effective resolution of our cases at the earliest appropriate stage. When early resolution is not possible, our experienced trial attorneys will effectively and aggressively pursue our client's rights at trial. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their specific needs are met throughout each stage of the litigation process until the matter is resolved.
Hancock Law Firm, PLLC handles in severe injuries, because we know the devastation that such injuries can cause- the life-long hospital and medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, lost income from being unable to work and daily pain and suffering. Whether your accident has been caused intentionally, or by carelessness, recklessness, or malpractice, you may be entitled to be compensated for loss and damage suffered. If you have lost a loved one as a result of an accident we can help you. If you would like information about how to obtain compensation on behalf of a family member who has suffered a catastrophic injury, them we can advise you of how to proceed.
For every type of claim, certain legal criteria must be met in order to successfully win your case. Our attorneys can explain to you exactly what the law is, and what evidence you will need to establish a claim for compensation. Regardless of the specific legal standard applied, every personal injury claim has two main components that must be established: liability and damages. Liability basically means that the plaintiff (that is, the person seeking the compensation) has to prove that their injuries/damage are the result of somebody else's negligence. Once liability is proven, the question is how much compensatory damages will you get? If you can prove the extent of the injuries suffered, you can be awarded compensation for your losses. The amount you will receive will depend on a whole variety of factors, including the severity of the damage and injuries you have suffered and the nature of ongoing needs and expenses you will have.
If you have suffered damage that is the result of an accident or the fault of another person, you may be entitled to get compensation for loss of income (wages), hospital expenses, medical treatment expenses, rehabilitation, assistance with domestic and personal care needs, pain and suffering.
Our attorneys are compassionate, honest, highly experienced and committed to fighting for your rights. We can help you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
There are various limitation periods for bringing personal injury accident claims. Limitation periods vary according to the type of accident claim. It is best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible, whilst the evidence is still available and the circumstances of the case are still "fresh" in your mind. Don't leave it until it is too late to make a claim.
CRIMINAL
LAW
The Hancock Law Firm designates a large percentage of its practice to criminal law. Our experienced criminal law attorneys practice in both State and Federal Courts in Arkansas. We defend violations, misdemeanors, and felony charges.
If you have been arrested, or have been designated a "person of interest"/suspect you should understand that law enforcement personnel and prosecutors are in place to convict you of the offense - not to help you.
It is usually not in your interest to make any statements or answer any questions; you should certainly never make a statement without the advice and counsel of an attorney.
PERSONAL
INJURY
CIVIL
RIGHTS
The Hancock Law Firm designates a large percentage of its practice to criminal law; this includes Habeas Corpus proceedings.
Habeas corpus, a Latin term meaning "you have the body," refers to the right of every prisoner to challenge the terms of his or her incarceration in court before a judge.
A Habeas challenge can be made in State and/or Federal Court (depending on the circumstances) if a person is being held illegally, without due process, or without jurisdiction of the holding court.
HABEAS
CORPUS
CRIMINAL
APPEALS
DOMESTIC
RELATIONS
At the Hancock Law Firm we are committed to helping families deal with the legal, emotional and financial difficulties associated with divorce. As a small law firm, we are able to provide individualized legal services on matters ranging from divorce and custody to child support and adoption.
Legal matters related to divorce and post-divorce modifications are highly emotional. We approach each case with a sensitivity and compassion for the adults involved, but especially for the children. Our experienced lawyers strive to help families avoid court while resolving divorce disputes and post-divorce modification matters regarding the following:
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Child support
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Custody/visitation
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Property division
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Spousal support/alimony
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Mediation
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Child and Family Investigator
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Divorce that includes businesses
We are experienced litigators, and when litigation is necessary we have the skill to effectively and aggressively represent our clients' interests.
The Hancock Law Firm represents a wide spectrum of transportation clients including large and small shippers; common, contract, and private carriers; brokers; and freight forwarders, and public transit authorities. In addition, we represent clients in federal and state court litigation involving transportation matters.
We provide a full range of services intended to cover the interface between the transportation industry and the laws and regulations governing transportation nationwide and internationally. These include:
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preparation and review of transportation documents, including contracts of carriage, schedules of rates and charges, rules for transportation, brokerage and freight forwarding agreements, bills of lading, and other shipping papers;
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pursuing and defending cargo loss, damage, and delay claims, including claims governed by international treaties;
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counseling and representation involving property brokers and freight forwarders, including structuring relationships to avoid unexpected liability;
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advice and representation in disputes involving classification of drivers as employees or independent contractors;
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consulting with and representing carriers in DOT safety matters such as inspections, appeals, and litigation;
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disputes with insurance carriers involving cargo, liability, and bobtail insurance;
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fuel tax and interstate carrier tax apportionment matters; and
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employment issues involving hirings, firings, and promotions, employment contracts, restrictive covenants, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, workers compensation, Employment Security Commission disputes, Americans with Disabilities Act issues, and employee handbooks and policy and procedure manuals
In addition to representing clients involved in ongoing disputes, we counsel clients in structuring their transportation and business arrangements to avoid controversy and litigation in the future.
TRANSPORTATION
LITIGATION
COMMERCIAL
LITIGATION
POST-CONVICTION
PROCEEDINGS
The Hancock Law Firm designates a large percentage of its practice to criminal law; this includes post-conviction or Rule 37 proceedings.
Post-Conviction or Rule 37 proceedings usually allege that the trial or appellate counsel provided ineffective assistance of counsel. Rule 37 proceedings are a mix of criminal and civil law, and require knowledge of the filing deadlines, pleading formats, and the specific type of relief that can be had.
This area of the law is disliked by Judges and the Appellate Courts; a serious Petitioner should engage an attorney to prosecute any post-conviction request.
The attorneys at the Hancock Law Firm have represented clients in post-conviction proceedings - both at the trial court level and on appeal.