Contract Lawyer in New York County (Manhattan), NY
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced contract law representation in New York County (Manhattan), NY. A breach of contract lawsuit must be filed within six years under N.Y. CPLR § 213. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses a case-specific approach to handle contract disputes, drafting, and enforcement matters for clients throughout Manhattan.
In New York, contract disputes are governed by statutes like the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR).
New York Contract Law Statutes
New York contract law is primarily based on common law principles and specific statutes. The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), particularly Article 2 for sales of goods and Article 9 for secured transactions, applies to many commercial contracts. The statute of limitations for most written contracts is six years under N.Y. CPLR § 213. The New York Court of Appeals has established that the fundamental purpose of contract damages is to put the injured party in the position they would have occupied had the contract been performed.
Last verified: March 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Contract Case Process in Manhattan Courts
Contract disputes in Manhattan can be heard in one of three courts based on the amount in dispute: Small Claims Court (up to $10,000), Civil Court (up to $50,000), or New York County Supreme Court (unlimited jurisdiction). The Supreme Court’s Commercial Division handles complex business contract cases. Full discovery under the CPLR is required in Supreme Court cases, which includes document production, interrogatories, and depositions.
- 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 any consequential damages that were foreseeable.
- File a summons and complaint: File your lawsuit in the correct court (Small Claims, Civil Court, or Supreme Court) depending on the amount in dispute.
- Complete discovery: Exchange documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions as required under New York’s CPLR rules.
- Attend settlement conferences: Participate in court-mandated settlement conferences, which are common in New York contract cases before trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: Present your case at trial before a judge or jury if a settlement cannot be reached.
Contract Law Penalties and Remedies
In New York County (Manhattan), a breach of contract can result in compensatory and consequential damages, but punitive damages are generally not awarded unless an independent tort is involved.
| Remedy | Description | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Compensatory Damages | Money to cover direct losses from the breach. | Goal is to put non-breaching party in position if contract was performed. |
| Consequential Damages | Compensation for indirect losses that were foreseeable. | Must be within contemplation of parties at contract formation. |
| Specific Performance | Court order requiring party to fulfill contract terms. | Available when monetary damages are inadequate (e.g., unique property). |
| Attorney’s Fees | Recovery of legal costs. | Only if contract specifically provides for it or a statute allows. |
Results may vary. The outcome of any contract case depends on the specific facts and evidence.
Our Contract Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to contract disputes and business law matters. We focus on a case-specific approach for each client in Manhattan.
Our Approach to Contract Cases
We focus on understanding the specific business relationship and contract terms involved in each case. Our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation in New York courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contract Lawyer Near New York County (Manhattan)
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts. We represent 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
By appointment only.
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 in New York.
Can I recover attorney’s fees if I win my contract case in New York?
Only if your contract specifically provides for it. New York follows the ‘American Rule,’ meaning each party pays their own fees unless a statute or the contract itself states otherwise.
What courts handle contract disputes in Manhattan?
Three courts: Small Claims (up to $10,000), Civil Court (up to $50,000), and New York County Supreme Court (unlimited amount). The correct court depends on the amount in dispute.
What are the typical damages for a breach of contract?
Compensatory damages to put you in the position you would have been in if the contract was performed. Consequential damages may be available if they were foreseeable. Punitive damages are rarely awarded.
How long does a contract lawsuit take in New York Supreme Court?
Typically 18 to 36 months. The timeline depends on court scheduling, case complexity, and whether the Commercial Division handles the case, which can be faster.
Related Legal Services
- New York Contract Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Albany County Contract Lawyer – Serving a sibling locality.
- Business Lawyer in New York County (Manhattan) – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.