Legal Services

Commercial Litigation and Business Law Services

If your business is facing a dispute or you need counsel on a commercial matter, I welcome the opportunity to connect. Call or email me through my Contact Page to schedule an initial consultation.

Business and Commercial Litigation

When a business dispute heads toward litigation, I provide skilled representation at every stage — from pre-suit demand letters and early case assessment through dispositive motions, discovery, and trial in Virginia state courts, the District of Columbia, and the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.

Breach of Contract and Fiduciary Duty Claims

I represent businesses and individuals in disputes arising from broken agreements and breached duties — including contract non-performance, payment disputes, and claims against officers, directors, and partners who have violated the obligations they owe to their companies and fellow owners.

Partnership ownership legal dispute

Partnership and Ownership Disputes

When business relationships between co-owners, partners, or shareholders break down, I help clients navigate the legal and strategic options available to them — including buyout enforcement, judicial dissolution, accounting claims, and shareholder oppression actions.

Restrictive covenant enforcement concept

Non-Compete and Restrictive Covenant Enforcement

I represent both businesses seeking to enforce restrictive covenants and individuals challenging them, including non-competition agreements, non-solicitation agreements, and confidentiality provisions under Virginia’s evolving restrictive covenant framework.

Payment Claims and Subcontractor Disputes

I represent contractors, subcontractors, and project owners in payment disputes arising from construction and service contracts, including quantum meruit and unjust enrichment claims, subcontract breach claims, and mechanic’s lien matters.

Employment attorney at counsel podium in Court of Law; text reads "COURT OF LAW," "LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT DIVISION," "COUNSEL," and "E. MARTINEZ - EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY."

Employment Disputes

I represent businesses and individuals in employment-related commercial disputes, including wrongful termination claims, wage disputes, and enforcement of employment agreements.

Businesses I Represent

If your business is facing a dispute or you need counsel on a commercial matter, I welcome the opportunity to connect. Call or email me through my Contact Page to schedule an initial consultation.

Business sectors without logos
Construction crew reviewing blueprints beside a steel-frame building

Contractors and Subcontractors

General contractors, specialty subcontractors, and trades contractors in Northern Virginia and the D.C. market facing payment disputes, subcontract claims, quantum meruit and unjust enrichment actions, and project breakdowns.

Family members meeting beneath a timeline labeled THE PETERSON FAMILY BAKERY, EST. 1978

Closely Held Businesses and Family Companies

Partnerships, LLCs, and closely held corporations navigating ownership disputes, buyout disagreements, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and governance breakdowns between co-owners and partners.

Professionals reviewing financial charts during a collaborative office meeting

Professional Services Firms

Accounting firms, consulting companies, staffing agencies, and other professional service businesses dealing with contract disputes, non-compete enforcement, and employment matters.

Employees collaborating in a technology operations center with glass offices

Technology and Government Contracting Companies

Virginia and D.C.-based technology firms and government contractors facing teaming agreement disputes, subcontractor non-payment, ownership conflicts, and business tort claims.

Oakwood Properties office with signs reading “REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT,” “SALES & LEASING,” “RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL,” and “FOR SALE”; two representatives shake hands outside.

Real Estate and Property Management Companies

Developers, commercial landlords, and property management companies involved in contract disputes, business torts, and commercial litigation arising from real estate and property management relationships.

Diverse business team discussing strategy around a conference table

Business Owners and Executives

Individual business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs in Northern Virginia and the D.C. region who need experienced commercial litigation counsel to protect their personal and business interests.

Jacob C. DeRue, Esq.

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Nothing in this blog, or in links provided in this blog, constitutes legal advice or the practice of law. Nor does viewing this blog form an attorney/client relationship between you and any author(s) or their associated law firm(s). All visitors should consult with a qualified legal professional regarding their individual questions, needs, or issues that may be of concern. We are not responsible for any action taken by a reader based upon any information on this site. All of the content on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only. 

Serving Clients in Virginia and the District of Columbia