Navigating the Waters of Commercial Contracts: Jury Finds Client Not Guilty after Complex Breach of Contract Trial.
Typically, business acquisition contracts have multiple contracts covering different elements of the purchase. The assets, liabilities, employment, and incentives are important. Sometimes the purchaser gets buyer’s remorse after the acquisition. Employees or top management retained after the acquisition may feel unfairly treated or are let go. Bruised feelings are common.
Jury trials in commercial litigation, even on simple contracts, can be complex. The evidentiary rules and the need for jury instructions cause much of this complexity. In the trial that just concluded with victory, our opponent filed 39 motions in limine. They were designed to keep certain evidence away from the jury. The jury instruction conference lasted four times as long as the court and parties originally estimated.
Nevertheless, the trial resulted in a not guilty verdict in favor of our client. Allegations were typical of these cases. Breach of contract and other related theories went to trial. Wrongful termination, denial of bonus, and elimination of partnership opportunities were all part of the case as originally filed.
“Our huge collection of jury instructions from other cases helped us efficiently prepare the case,” said Tom Patterson. He tried the case along with Kathryn Walker to verdict.
“The length of the trial kept our client away from his work for many days. After the favorable verdict, he called up and said he was bored. He asked if we needed his help on any of our other cases. We both had quite a chuckle about that.”
To learn about similar services we offer visit our practice areas page. Patterson Law Firm takes a variety of cases. If you have a case similar to the one above or in one of our other practice areas, contact us at (312) 223-1699 or click here.
