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Attorney Awards
About Attorney Awards
Commercial and Business Litigation
Commercial litigation can undo a business. And while winning a case is paramount, litigation costs must be controlled effectively in order for a “win” to not be a “loss.”
WSHB combines years of trial experience with in-depth and wide-ranging business knowledge to successfully handle commercial matters. We focus on middle market companies and are sensitive to a business’ reputation within an industry, the need to preserve existing relationships and the potential to resolve litigation for long-term benefits.
Our philosophy is to use strategies such as mediation and other alternative-dispute-resolution options. But, when necessary, we don’t hesitate to take a case to trial. Our fee structure delivers greater flexibility in managing smaller matters, allowing clients to avoid resolving disputes based solely on litigation costs.
WSHB’s attorneys include several MBA’s, a licensed general contractor and several licensed real estate brokers. It is often this experience outside the courtroom that leads to successful results in court.
We handle a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including enforcement of clients’ contractual, statutory, and common-law rights against other entities:
Breach of contract
Licensing disputes
Interference with contract
Other business torts
Labor and employment matters
Real property
Intellectual property
Secured transactions
Insurance
Defense against claims
Representative Matters for Commercial and Business Litigation
Obtained a complete defense verdict following a two week jury trial involving allegations of intentional interference with contract involving two competing businesses.
Successfully represented major developer against hundreds of plaintiffs alleging SEC violations in the sale of condo-hotel real estate development
Obtained defense verdict for large window and blind manufacturer against claims brought by a competitor for fraud, trade secret violation, employee “raiding” and interference with business.
Obtained multi-million dollar settlement for the creator of a successful infomercial who had been wrongfully cut out of the profits.
Successfully negotiated a significant increase in lease payments and partial payment of our attorneys’ fees on behalf of our client, a commercial landlord. The defendant tenant was a large multi-state bank that disputed its obligation to pay for utilities under the terms of the parties’ lease.
Successfully handled both civil and criminal allegations made against our client, a developer of office facilities for public agencies, arising out of a failed joint venture. After we successfully filed a number of motions challenging the sufficiency of plaintiff’s complaint, the lawsuit was dismissed.
Obtained defense verdict for our client, a commercial developer, accused of discrimination, breach of lease agreements and habitability claims by dozens of retail tenants.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of a client sued for breach of contract by a commercial real estate broker.
Defended a client against a former employee who sued over multiple theories after deciding to go out on his own. Plaintiff originally sought in excess of $1.2 million from our client; case settled during deliberations for $75,000, well below the last offer before trial of $200,000.
Insurance, Commercial and Business Litigation, Transportation, Construction, Professional Liability, Employment, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, Complex Tort and Casualty, Arbitration
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Commercial and Business Litigation, Transportation, Product Liability, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Medical Malpractice and Healthcare Law, Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices, Complex Tort and Casualty
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Product Liability, Transportation, Professional Liability, Commercial and Business Litigation, Corporate, Real Estate and Land Use, Hospitality, Complex Tort and Casualty, Automobile Accidents, Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Insurance
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5.0/5.0
Review for
Janice Michaels
by a Managing Partner
on 08/02/14
in Construction Law
Janice is a tribute to the legal profession. She invariably exhibits professionalism and decorum. She is always well prepared and has a compelling presence in the courtroom and elsewhere.
Janice is a tribute to the legal profession. She invariably exhibits professionalism and decorum. She is always well prepared and has a compelling presence in the courtroom and elsewhere.
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5.0/5.0
Review for
Melanie L. Thomas
by a Attorney
on 06/04/20
in Medical Malpractice
Ms. Thomas is a brilliant attorney. she understands rules, and the law perfectly, and her application is daunting to opposing counsel. I am proud that she is a member of our bar.
Ms. Thomas is a brilliant attorney. she understands rules, and the law perfectly, and her application is daunting to opposing counsel. I am proud that she is a member of our bar.
Read less
Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity
and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service.
Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.
At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.
At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.
At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.
A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him
or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP got this award in 2026
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A,
publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.
Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.
