
Areas of Focus:
Breach of Contract & Related Actions
When agreements break down, the consequences ripple across your entire operation. We litigate breach of contract claims and related disputes – from vendor and supply agreements to operating agreements and commercial leases – to protect the commitments your business depends on.
Restrictive Covenant Litigation
Non-compete, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure agreements are only as strong as their enforcement, and Florida is among the most favorable states in the country for enforcing them. We litigate restrictive covenant disputes on both sides: enforcing valid agreements against departing employees and the competitors who hire them, and defending clients against covenants that overreach. These cases move fast and often turn on early injunctive relief, so we act quickly to protect your position
Trade Secret Misappropriation
Your proprietary information is often your most valuable asset. We pursue and defend trade secret claims involving misappropriation, unauthorized disclosure, and theft – including emergency injunctive relief to stop the harm before it spreads.
Unfair Competition
When competitors cross the line, the damage compounds quickly. We pursue and defend unfair competition claims to address the harm and restore a level playing field.
Partnership Disputes & Business Divorce
Disagreements between partners can stall growth and strain relationships built over years. We resolve partnership disputes and "business divorces" through negotiation where possible, and litigation when the situation demands it.
Shareholder Disputes
In an era of shareholder activism and heightened scrutiny, corporate leaders face real personal exposure. We defend directors and individual executives against allegations of misconduct, including claims involving the duty of care, the duty of loyalty, self-dealing, and "corporate waste.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Anyone entrusted with fiduciary obligations is held to a high standard. When that trust is broken, we hold responsible parties accountable and pursue meaningful remedies, including accountings, disgorgement of profits, and recovery of losses.
Business Torts
Claims involving fraud, tortious interference, and unfair trade practices often turn on complicated facts and competing legal theories. We handle these intricate matters from early investigation through trial.
Fraud
Fraud cases demand careful investigation and decisive action. Whether the matter involves securities, consumer, or commercial fraud, we work to safeguard your financial interests against deceptive conduct.
Arbitration & International Commercial Arbitration
Many commercial relationships now require disputes to be resolved in binding arbitration rather than in court. We handle domestic and international commercial arbitration, including cross-border matters tied to Florida's role as a gateway for trade with Latin and South America, resolving high-stakes disputes with the speed and discretion that arbitration is meant to deliver.

LET'S GET STARTED
Whether you're a Tampa Bay company facing a dispute, a partner heading toward a "business divorce," or an out-of-state business pulled into litigation here, the earliest decisions often matter most. Call us at 813.358.1607, or click below to speak with an experienced, Florida-licensed business litigation attorney.

GET THE LEGAL HELP YOU NEED
Strategic Advocacy for High-Stakes Business Disputes in Florida
At The Duarte Firm, we focus our practice on complex, high-stakes business and commercial disputes. We're based in Tampa and regularly represent clients across the Tampa Bay region, West and Central Florida, and when a dispute calls for it, throughout the state.
As a boutique litigation firm, we keep our caseload selective, ensuring your case receives the attention it deserves. We don't just react to lawsuits; we build proactive strategies to protect what you've built, whether you're a startup, investor, executive, or an established company.
