Northern Virginia Law Firm Focused on Business Litigation, Defamation & I.P.

BerlikLaw LLC

201-F Royal Street, SE
Leesburg, Virginia 20175
USA

(703) 722-0670

(888) 772-0161

www.BerlikLaw.com

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Law Firm Overview

BerlikLaw LLC is a litigation boutique devoted entirely to trial practice and the resolution of business disputes. The firm does not employ entry-level attorneys. Rather, it staffs each case with experienced, skilled trial lawyers, most of whom have backgrounds with large law firms in D.C. and Northern Virginia. Here, we put a premium not only on results but on winning efficiently and cost-effectively. While the firm's commitment to winning is unyielding, it is tempered by business sense. We thoroughly analyze our clients' goals and approach each piece of litigation with a carefully considered strategy designed to maximize results at a minimum of expense. Whether we are representing a Fortune 500 business or a single-member LLC, we counsel all our clients in identifying the risks, determining a course of action, and managing the litigation costs.

BerlikLaw focuses on obtaining favorable results for its clients, both inside and outside the courtroom. Lead by AV-rated Virginia trial lawyer Lee E. Berlik, the firm is ranked in the top 3% of United States litigation firms. The firm is included in Best Attorneys Online and was selected in 2011 as one of the best intellectual property law firms in the Washington region. Clients trust us for advice in matters ranging from pre-litigation strategies and solutions to advice with respect to when and how to try cases. The philosophy at BerlikLaw is to approach each case as though it will be tried, not settled. While most cases should, in fact, be settled, early trial preparation tends to lead to better results whether at the settlement table or in court, and sends a message to the other side that the outcome of the case will be guided by sound business considerations, not by the fear of trial that other litigation firms have.

The firm is a leader in innovative, win-win billing arrangements. Clients want to resolve their lawsuits expeditiously, economically and efficiently. Most large law firms cannot accomplish these objectives because they insist on billing their clients by the hour and at astronomical rates. The firm recognizes and appreciates that the traditional billable-hour arrangement provides no predictability of cost for the client, often does not reflect the best value to the client, and can result in itemized bills that tend to report mechanical functions rather than the value of progress made in the case. To remedy these shortcomings, the firm offers (in appropriate cases) blended rates, volume discounts, flat fees, contingency fees, capped fees, safety valves, success fees, and more. When the firm does bill by the hour, it does so at very reasonable rates.

At BerlikLaw, we believe that effective communication is vital to a successful attorney-client relationship. We take your calls and respond promptly to your emails, usually within one business day. Our clients receive reliable, responsive service and are involved at every step along the way. We answer your questions, provide frequent status updates, and take full ownership of the matters you entrust to us. We deliver personalized service and top quality work at very reasonable rates. Give us a try and reduce your company's legal costs. Serving clients is what we do.

Year this Office was Established: 2009

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: Fraud Litigation; Business Conspiracy; Partnership Disputes; Infringement; False Advertising; First Amendment; Creditors' Rights.

Practice Areas Description

BerlikLaw LLC offers legal representation and services in the following areas of practice:

- Business Litigation

BerlikLaw LLC's civil litigation lawyers, based in Fairfax County, Virginia, are experienced advocates who will vigorously protect your legal rights and business interests. We have successfully represented both businesses and their constituents, both as plaintiffs and defendants, in a wide range of litigation matters, including contract disputes, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, intellectual property matters, theft of trade secrets, business fraud, and conspiracy. Whether we litigate to protect our clients' proprietary interests or defend them, our clients know that our straightforward analysis of their legal problems will allow them to make an informed business decision regarding litigation strategy and the direction and management of the case. If going to trial is advisable or required, we waste no time in putting our extensive trial experience to work for you.

- Contract Disputes

At BerlikLaw, we have in-depth experience in a wide range of breach of contract disputes, including: Commercial contracts and general business contracts; Buy/Sell agreements; Shareholder controversies; Operating agreements and partnership agreements; Sales contracts; Employment contracts; Contracts for the sale of real estate; Non-compete agreements; Confidentiality agreements; Service agreements; Warranties and guaranties; Insurance contracts; Construction contracts; Consumer contracts. Another option we offer our business clients, when available, is to submit their contract dispute to mediation, arbitration, or other alternative dispute resolution procedure. Oftentimes a confidential, inexpensive, and agreeable resolution can be reached through ADR, allowing the parties to continue transacting business with each other on favorable terms.

- Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is a critical differentiator among businesses today for companies of all industries and sizes. Virginia businesses, including small businesses and traditional brick-and-mortar shops, need to develop sound IP strategies to acquire, protect, and leverage their intangible business assets, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. In today’s competitive marketplace, business viability may depend on careful management and protection of IP assets. The IP litigation practice at BerlikLaw ranges from patent litigation to litigation involving trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks, false advertising, unfair competition, and cybersquatting. At BerlikLaw, we ensure your case is brought before the appropriate state or federal court as expeditiously as possible, often in the Eastern District of Virginia’s “rocket docket” in Alexandria.

- First Amendment and Defamation

At BerlikLaw, we are very familiar with these rules and exceptions and use them to protect the rights of our clients. Our practice includes both litigation and counseling on a wide variety of media law and First Amendment issues, including defamation, privacy, newsgathering, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), challenges to governmental and private regulations of speech, commercial speech, advertising, copyright, and Internet and e-commerce. We also offer advice to our business clients on commercial disputes and trade libel claims raising these kinds of issues. We represent both plaintiffs and defendants in defamation cases. When approached by prospective plaintiffs who feel they have suffered damage to their reputation, we assess the validity and practical impact of the allegations and offer advice with respect to how to mitigate the harm, whether a cause of action exists, and the practical consequences of bringing suit.

- Internet Law and Technology

BerlikLaw represents e-commerce businesses, government contractors and subcontractors, and numerous other technology companies involved in high-tech fields such as website development, software programming, and information technology ("IT"). Our Virginia law firm is based in Fairfax County, which has a higher concentration of high-tech businesses than Silicon Valley and is home to the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the largest technology trade association in the United States. Our Internet lawyers practice throughout Virginia, often dubbed the "Internet Capital of the World". Because we understand your business and culture, we are better positioned than most law firms to formulate a practical approach to addressing your particular legal concerns.

- Employment Law

The Firm represents employees across Virginia and the District of Columbia in employment-related matters including sexual harassment, discrimination, defamation, battery, retaliation, wrongful termination, and covenants not to compete. We also negotiate severance packages for clients who are leaving their employment. At BerlikLaw, we understand the unique economic and personal power an employer has over an employee and that trauma that can result from wrongs in the workplace. We fight to ensure the judge and jury is presented with a full picture of the financial, emotional and reputational damage done in these situations, using expert testimony as needed. If you have been the victim of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct based on your race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identification, national origin, age (if you are 40 or older), disability (mental or physical), or sexual orientation, or if you believe your employer retaliated against you for voicing opposition to discriminatory practices or treatment, we can help.

- Real Estate Litigation

Real estate disputes cannot always be resolved out of court, despite the best intentions of the parties. When it becomes necessary to resort to the courts, Fairfax and Loudoun property owners often turn to Firm lawyer Lee Berlik for assistance. Lee provides diligent, sensitive, and responsive assistance to clients having disputes in which real estate or development rights are at issue. Services offered by the Firm include:

* Boundary, easement and restrictive covenant disputes
* Breach of contract
* Lease disputes and landlord-tenant actions
* Issues relating to government “takings”
* Condemnation and eminent domain actions involving roads, sewers, water, and public parks
* Zoning and other land use matters
* Surface water diversion and flooding problems
* Commercial and residential real estate disputes and evictions

- Consumer Litigation

Consumer litigation focuses on the rights of individual consumers and may involve claims relating to unfair and deceptive trade practices, credit cards, privacy issues, insurance coverage, lemon laws, car fraud, car warranty, fair debt collection practices, vehicle repossession, truth in lending, and other disputes under state and federal consumer protection laws. The protections for the consumer stem from both common law and statutory schemes. This unfolding area of the law has evolved in response to the unfortunate way many large corporations have decided to treat their customers. Consumers often need competent legal counsel to stand up to abuse by massive companies concerned only with making a profit. While BerlikLaw is always prepared to take a case to trial, our first priority is to pursue our clients’ objectives. In many cases our strategies have led to negotiated settlements that are cost effective and consistent with our client’s goals, eliminating the need for litigation altogether.

- Mediation and Arbitration

Firm lawyer Lee Berlik is a strong believer and proponent of the benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) proceedings such as mediation and arbitration. The Firm routinely suggests to its clients that they consider ADR when circumstances may be conducive to such proceedings. ADR often allows dispute resolution strategies that are consistent with business objectives that minimize the time company executives are called away from their day-to-day management duties, and that achieve results more quickly and less expensively than would be possible in litigation. Lee Berlik has experience guiding commercial disputes through arbitration before both the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and JAMS at locations across the United States.

- Creditors' Rights

The goal of civil litigation is usually to obtain monetary recovery for damages suffered. Obtaining the judgment, however, may only be half the battle. Even if you are successful in litigation and obtain a judgment for monetary damages, you still need to enforce the judgment and collect the award. Honorable defendants pay a judgment voluntarily. Many, however, do not. That is where we come in. The Firm engages in debt collection, interstate enforcement of judgments, issues involving fraudulent transfers, veil-piercing, alter ego, and successor corporation liability. Lee Berlik is a seasoned litigator who regularly prosecutes and defends matters involving collections, detinue (property recovery), garnishments, attachments, levy, and mechanics’ liens in state and federal courts throughout Virginia. He has prosecuted actions seeking relief from the automatic stay provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, as well as adequate protection of cash collateral and other relief against Chapter 7, 11, and 13 debtors.

- Personal Injury

Car accident claims and personal injury lawsuits are an unfortunate but frequent occurrence in Northern Virginia. Car accident cases usually involve litigation against a negligent party who caused an accident and injured one or more people, resulting in personal injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In Virginia, personal injury claims can sometimes be defeated by defenses of contributory negligence and/or “assumption of the risk.” BerlikLaw founder Lee Berlik knows how to position auto collision cases for maximum trial advantage and to argue the law persuasively, defeating these defenses where possible and increasing the likelihood of a high damages award. When you are seriously injured in an auto collision or other accident as the result of someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to be compensated not only for your medical expenses, but for your physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, rehabilitative expenses, lost income (including income that you will lose in the future), permanent impairment and permanent disfigurement.