Successfully Litigating Business Fraud Matters for Over 23 Years.
Stephen Hammers has represented local and international businesses in a wide range of business disputes, from unfair competition, fraud and trade secret matters to commercial litigation and partnership disputes. He has counseled and defended directors and officers in shareholder derivative actions, litigated antitrust and franchise matters on behalf of national manufacturers and suppliers, represented the interests of food processing companies in recall litigation and many others. Where necessary, Mr. Hammers has also represented both debtors and creditors in loan workouts and bankruptcy.
Mr. Hammers’ business clients have included National Banks and Fortune 500 Companies, as well as small businesses and local entrepreneurs.
In the area of business fraud, Stephen and the attorneys at Price, Crooke, Gary & Hammers have provided clients with legal assistance on both sides of litigation, plaintiff and defense. The business fraud matters handled by the firm involve a vast number of industries, including purchase and sale of real estate, procurement and investment in rare art and coins, the food processing and manufacturing industries, and many others. In one recent matter, Stephen obtained millions in a judgment against a group of rare coin brokers who had defrauded investors in the valuation and purchase of numismatic coins. In another, Stephen successfully defended a majority interest in a restaurant chain where several shareholders alleged a continuing scheme by the company’s officers to take improper salaries. Stephen and the attorneys of Price, Crooke, Gary & Hammers have an extensive case list which they would be happy to share with prospective clients.Fraud has a high burden of proof in our Courts. Allegations of fraud must be alleged with great specificity in a pleading, and the burden is equally high at trial. Examples of fraud in the business place are numerous, some involving simple misrepresentation about the quantity or a quality of a product, and others involving far more extensive claims regarding the sharing of profits and dividends.