Civil Litigation

Tenacious Legal Advocate Serving Boston Area Clients

At the Law Office of George N. Papachristos, we understand that a civil dispute can interrupt both your personal life and your business. Attempting to resolve the dispute on your own can take time away from your personal life and your work. Boston civil litigation attorney George N. Papachristos is a skilled negotiator and litigator who can take charge of your legal issue so you can focus on other areas. Our civil litigation practice includes representation of both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of areas. We are happy to work for individuals as well as business clients.

Negotiation

We believe in trying to find a mutually agreeable solution to legal disagreements. We will attempt to build a positive relationship with the other side to work toward the resolution that is best for all parties. We work with our clients to determine if alternative dispute resolution is appropriate in their case. Our clients’ needs and interests always come first, however, and if we are unable to reach an agreement with the other side, we are willing to take a case to court.

Litigation

Mr. Papachristos has nearly a decade of legal experience and has spent a great deal of time in the courtroom. His previous work as a prosecutor has given him extensive time before the court. He is comfortable aggressively pursuing or defending his clients’ cases in front of judges and juries.

Massachusetts Contract Law

Contract disputes are a large part of our civil litigation practice. An important aspect of analyzing a contract dispute is determining if a valid contract even exists. Formation of a contract generally requires an offer, acceptance of the offer, and consideration from both parties. Although oral contracts are often valid, there are some contracts that must be written to be enforceable under Massachusetts law. Contracts for the sale of land and agreements that are not to be performed within one year from the formation of the agreement, for example, must be in writing to be enforced by the courts. M.G.L. c. 259 s. 1.

When the agreement at issue is a valid and enforceable contract, it is important to understand the terms. Disputes may arise when parties disagree about the terms of the agreement. This type of dispute can arise when the contract is poorly drafted, contains complex language, or is vague. A knowledgeable Massachusetts attorney can assist in interpreting the contract and provide advice on what the contract requires of the parties.

Contract disputes are generally based on an allegation by one party that the other has breached the agreement. If one party fails to honor the terms of a contract, the other may have the right to a remedy. The remedies for a breach of contract claim depend on the terms of the agreement and the nature and extent of the breach. Potential remedies may include recovery of monetary damages, specific performance, and/or termination of the contract.

Occasionally, a party may find that breaching a contract is financially better for that party than performing the contract. Any party who may be in that situation should consult with an attorney for advice on the best way to proceed.

Massachusetts Tort Law

Many criminal cases can also have civil ramifications to the parties involved that may include civil liability based on a criminal act, even if the person charged is found innocent in a criminal case. Many of the same elements in the criminal charges of Battery and Assault can be found in civil law under intentional torts to persons. For example, there is a criminal charge of assault and battery, and the tort of battery which is usually defined as the intentional and unpermitted or offensive touching of another. Many of the same defenses found in the criminal charge of battery can be found in the tort, such as self-defense, defense of others, or defense of property. Even if a defendant in a claim of battery is found to be responsible, the Court may take into account evidence of the plaintiff’s conduct of abusive language or insolent behavior at the time of the attack, and may mitigate or lessen the damages awarded to the plaintiff. Comeau v. Currier.

Mr. Papachristos’ extensive litigation experience as a former prosecutor instilled a strong comprehension of the procedural, substantive, and finite aspects of the law that he is able to utilize when pursuing or defending his clients’ rights in court.

Personalized Legal Representation

Boston civil litigation lawyer George N. Papachristos will work with his clients to provide them with the legal representation and approach that is best for them. He is a skilled negotiator who will work hard to resolve a case without litigation if that is in his client’s best interests. He is also experienced in the courtroom and is prepared to go to trial when appropriate for the client. If you are facing a contract dispute or need a civil litigation attorney in the Boston, Quincy, Dedham, and surrounding areas, please call the Law Office of George N. Papachristos at (704) 897-7533 or contact us online and let us help you with your case.