Litigation

With decades of experience in business litigation matters, the attorneys at Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C. have an in-depth understanding of simple and complex disputes alike, including construction, employment, breach of contract, and all manner of commercial disputes.  Our lawyers represent insurance companies and business clients in state and federal trial and appeals courts in Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville, and throughout central Illinois.

Insurance Defense

Litigating insurance disputes requires knowledge of contract provisions and investigation of the facts that establish coverage and liability. The litigators at Giffin, Winning work with numerous nationally-recognized insurance companies, litigating cases involving coverage disputes, personal injury, and malpractice claims.  Most recently, our firm was selected by several national insurance associations to prepare and draft an Amicus (Friend of the Court) brief for the Illinois Supreme Court.

Commercial Litigation

Sometimes a new business needs to address potential disputes with a prior employer or predecessor in business.  Even an established company will find itself met with contract interpretation and enforcement issues and other disputes throughout the life of the business.  Breach of contract and other disputes are an inevitable fact of doing business; the key is to resolve those disputes quickly and efficiently, without taking up the time or financial resources of the business and business owners and all the while protecting their rights and interests throughout the litigation.  Our attorneys regularly represent parties in business disputes, including breach of contract, corporate governance, real estate, and numerous other issues. 

Securities Fraud

The laws surrounding the buying and selling of stocks and commodities are complex, and the behavior of stockbrokers is highly regulated.  If you have been induced to trade stocks based on fraud or misrepresentation, or are the victim of a pyramid or Ponzi scheme, you may have recourse through a civil action to recover the money you lost and other damages.

Construction

Giffin, Winning has a long-standing reputation for excellence in construction law.  Our cases involve commercial, industrial, public construction, and residential projects.  The firm represents a wide variety of clients in all aspects of the construction process, including: owners; lenders; developers; architects and engineers and other design professionals; general contractors; subcontractors; and suppliers.  Our attorneys are highly skilled in contract negotiations and preparation, contract administration, and construction claims and disputes.

Our capabilities also include:

• Preparation and negotiation of construction contracts, professional services contracts, and related construction documents
• Negotiation and resolution of disputes during the design and construction process
• Assistance in the preparation, analysis, negotiation, and resolution of construction claims
• Preparation of and foreclosure of construction liens and claims on payment bonds
• Defense of professionals in claims for negligence or malpractice
• Arbitration and litigation of construction disputes

Motorcycle Accidents

The attorneys of Giffin, Winning assist clients who have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver or defective equipment.  While not all injuries call for a lawsuit, our lawyers will help you evaluate your case to determine whether you are eligible for compensation from the party or parties responsible for the harm you have suffered.

No case is a guaranteed success.  However, because of our extensive experience as counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants, we can help you maximize your recovery.

Employment Law

Businesses often encounter a wide range of claims from current or former employees.  Our firm regularly defends businesses in all types of employment matters.  This area of law encompasses:

• Age, sex, and race discrimination claims
• Workplace harassment claims
• Unemployment insurance protests
• Worker's compensation claims
• Retaliation and whistle-blower litigation
• Non-compete clause, confidentiality, and breach of employment contract claims
• Wage and hour claims
• Benefits litigation
• Disability, family, and medical leave claims

Appellate Litigation

Giffin, Winning has extensive experience handling appeals in both state and federal courts.  Several of the firm's attorneys served as judicial law clerks for appellate judges prior to joining the firm, experience that has served us in handling numerous appeals before all five appellate courts in Illinois, as well as before the Illinois Supreme Court and the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago.  In addition, our lawyers are admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and have responded to Petitions for Certiorari before the high court.

Since the firm's founding in 1911, Giffin, Winning has represented clients in hundreds of appeals before state and federal courts.  Since 2001, approximately 20 reported appellate opinions in state and federal courts show an attorney from Giffin, Winning representing a party on appeal.  In addition, during that period, the firm has represented clients in dozens of appeals that did not result in a published opinion.

Seek Experienced Representation

From a breach of contract case in county circuit court to a contested tax matter before the Internal Revenue Service and Illinois Department of Revenue, the lawyers at Giffin, Winning continue to provide effective representation to insurance companies and businesses throughout central Illinois, as they have for nearly 100 years.  Contact Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C. for advice and representation with your business litigation matter.