Contract Lawyer in New York County (Manhattan), NY
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced contract dispute representation in New York County (Manhattan). A breach of contract lawsuit must be filed within six years under N.Y. CPLR § 213. The New York County Supreme Court handles high-value commercial disputes, while Civil and Small Claims Courts address smaller claims. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses a case-specific approach to protect your business interests.
Contract Law in Manhattan
Contract law in New York is governed by both common law and the New York Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). The UCC, specifically Article 2, applies to contracts for the sale of goods, while common law principles govern service agreements, real estate contracts, and other transactions. The statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is six years (N.Y. CPLR § 213).
Last verified: March 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New York contract statutes, review the New York State Legislature website. For court procedures and forms, visit the New York County Supreme Court official website.
Handling a Contract Case in Manhattan
Contract disputes in Manhattan can be filed in Small Claims Court (up to $10,000), Civil Court (up to $50,000), or the New York County Supreme Court for unlimited amounts. Each court has different procedures and timelines.
- Review the contract and identify the breach: Gather all contract documents, communications, and evidence showing how the other party failed to perform their obligations.
- Calculate your damages: Document all financial losses directly resulting from the breach, including lost profits and any costs incurred.
- File a summons and complaint: Initiate the lawsuit by filing the required papers with the New York County Supreme Court clerk and paying the index number fee.
- Proceed through discovery: Exchange relevant documents and information with the other side according to the New York CPLR rules.
- Attempt settlement or proceed to trial: Many contract cases settle during mediation or pre-trial conferences. If not, your case will be scheduled for trial before a judge.
Potential Outcomes in a Contract Case
In New York County (Manhattan), a breach of contract case can result in an award of compensatory damages, and sometimes consequential damages, but punitive damages are rarely awarded for breach alone.
| Remedy | Description | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Compensatory Damages | Money to put the non-breaching party in the position they would have been in if the contract was performed. | Standard remedy for breach. |
| Consequential Damages | Compensation for indirect losses that were foreseeable at the time of contract formation. | Must be proven as foreseeable. |
| Specific Performance | A court order requiring the breaching party to perform their contractual duties. | Available only when money damages are inadequate (e.g., unique real estate). |
| Attorney’s Fees | Recovery of legal costs. | Only if provided for in the contract or by specific statute. |
Results may vary. The outcome of any legal matter depends on the specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to contract disputes in Manhattan’s complex business environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for a breach of contract in New York?
Six years. Under N.Y. CPLR § 213, you have six years from the date of the breach to file a lawsuit for most written contracts.
Can I recover attorney’s fees if I win my contract case?
Only if your contract specifically provides for it. New York follows the ‘American Rule,’ meaning each party pays its own fees unless a statute or the contract itself states otherwise.
What court hears contract disputes in Manhattan?
It depends on the amount. Small Claims (up to $10,000), Civil Court (up to $50,000), and New York County Supreme Court (unlimited) all hear contract cases.
What are the typical damages in a breach of contract case?
Compensatory damages to put you in the position you would have been in had the contract been performed. Consequential damages may also apply if they were foreseeable.
What is the UCC and does it apply to my contract?
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) governs sales of goods. If your contract involves the sale of movable items, Article 2 of the NY UCC likely applies and provides specific rules.
Local Contract Lawyer Near You
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts, accessible via all subway lines, FDR Drive, and the West Side Highway. We are a contract lawyer near Manhattan’s Financial District and Midtown business centers. We serve clients throughout Manhattan, including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
By appointment only.
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our New York contract lawyer hub page. We also assist with business law matters in Manhattan and civil litigation in New York County. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance on your contract dispute.