Partner-led representation for businesses and individuals in contract disputes, fraud cases, trade secret theft, and antitrust matters. Our attorneys have secured results including a $16 million judgment and a $1.5 million antitrust settlement.
Combined Experience
Lost one trial in 20 years
Commercial disputes can threaten your revenue, your intellectual property, and business relationships built over years. Most business owners aren’t prepared for how quickly these matters escalate once the other side retains counsel.
Without experienced trial counsel in your corner, businesses often settle for far less than they’re owed.
At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, we represent businesses and individuals in commercial disputes throughout Baker and the surrounding region. Our track record in this area includes a $16 million consumer fraud class action judgment and a $1.5 million settlement in an antitrust price coordination case. We have handled multi-year litigation involving trade secret theft, public officials, and corporate misconduct.
Every commercial case we accept is managed directly by a named partner. You won’t be handed to a junior associate once the engagement is signed. We evaluate each matter carefully before agreeing to take it on.
We have experience across the full range of business disputes, from contract disagreements to complex multi-defendant litigation. Here’s what we take on:
When a vendor, partner, or counterparty fails to honor a written or oral agreement and causes you financial harm.
Protecting technical designs, marketing strategies, and proprietary systems from misappropriation by competitors or insiders.
Pursuing or defending claims where patented technology or intellectual property has been used without authorization.
Challenging price-fixing schemes, vertical coordination arrangements, and other anti-competitive conduct under state and federal law.
Recovering losses from coordinated deception, fraudulent misrepresentation, or concealment that caused measurable financial damage.
Tortious interference, civil conspiracy, unfair competition, and other business-related tort claims outside traditional contract law.
Every matter we accept is evaluated on its merits and on our realistic ability to pursue it successfully.
One of our named partners manages your case from intake through resolution. You're not passed to associates after signing.
We've secured millions in results across fraud, antitrust, and trade secret cases. These weren't easy matters.
We build every case as though it will go to trial. That preparation produces real leverage in negotiations.
We evaluate commercial cases carefully before accepting them. If we say yes, we're committed.
Our three partners have over 50 years of combined experience across personal injury, commercial litigation, and appellate work. They’ve litigated in Louisiana state courts, federal district courts, and before the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Commercial litigation is a multi-step process that can span months or years. Here’s what working with us looks like from start to finish:
We review the facts, ask clarifying questions, and give you an honest assessment of your options and realistic outcomes.
If we accept the matter, we develop a litigation strategy tailored to your business interests and the specifics of the dispute.
We gather documents, identify witnesses, and retain expert opinions needed to build the strongest possible position.
We handle all pre-trial filings, including dispositive motions where appropriate, to put your case in the best position.
We pursue a fair settlement when it's in your interest. If a reasonable resolution can't be reached, we go to trial.
Commercial cases require patience and sustained effort. We’ll give you realistic expectations and keep you informed at every stage.
You speak directly with the partner managing your case. No intermediaries, no waiting on callbacks from someone unfamiliar with your file.
Opposing counsel responds differently when they know a case is genuinely trial-ready. We've only lost one trial in 20 years.
When you hire one attorney at Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, you get the collective knowledge and experience of the entire firm behind your case.
We’ve handled high-stakes commercial matters for Louisiana businesses and individuals, delivering real results across a range of case types.
On behalf of approximately 67,000 Louisiana consumers charged illegal service fees by an insurance company.
Challenged a vertical price-fixing scheme in the coal-ash market after defeating summary judgment motions.
Recovered across 13 years of litigation involving public officials and corporate competitors.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
We offer a free initial consultation for commercial litigation matters. During that meeting, we’ll review your situation, assess the strength of your case, and give you a clear picture of your options.
Commercial litigation does not always follow a contingency fee structure the way personal injury cases do. Fee arrangements depend on the nature and complexity of the matter. If we accept your case, we’ll discuss the appropriate structure during the consultation. We’re upfront about costs and realistic about what it takes to pursue a commercial dispute.
What you can expect from us:
"Great experience. They were very professional and were there whenever I called or needed them. My settlement was well worth the wait. I recommend them to anyone needing legal services. They will fight for you and get you what you deserve for your injuries. I didn't just gain good legal representation I also gained friends and a law firm that cared.
"I couldn't be more pleased with choosing Jason and all of the associates at Melancon & Rimes. I was told by several people throughout the duration of my litigation that I was in good hands with one of the best attorneys in Louisiana, and the results did not disappoint. A very efficient group that worked diligently to win my case and keep me well informed along the way."
"Jason and his entire staff are terrific. They are honest, thorough, meticulous and totally professional. You could not ask for more from a law firm. Highly recommended."
Clients and referring attorneys throughout the greater Baton Rouge area have trusted Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno with their most important legal matters.
Our three partners combine five decades of courtroom and appellate experience with rigorous academic credentials and a shared track record of meaningful results for clients in commercial and personal injury matters across Louisiana and federal courts.
Our partners have practiced across commercial litigation, personal injury, appellate work, and more, handling cases from contract disputes to multi-year class actions.
Admitted in all Louisiana state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Middle, Eastern, and Western Districts, the U.S. Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Jason Melancon has received Super Lawyer and Rising Star designations. All partners are members of the Louisiana Association for Justice.
Our firm has litigated cases involving engineering evidence, electronic data, financial records, and expert testimony. We know how to handle technically complex commercial matters and present them clearly to judges and juries.
We represent businesses of varying sizes, from individual business owners to companies with substantial operations. Our experience includes matters involving contract disputes, fraud, trade secret theft, antitrust violations, and other business torts. We’ve handled cases on behalf of distributors, technology companies, and individual business owners whose partners or competitors acted wrongfully. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, a free consultation is the fastest way to find out.
Commercial cases vary significantly in length depending on the complexity of the dispute, the number of defendants, and whether the matter goes to trial. Straightforward contract disputes may resolve in one to two years. More complex matters involving trade secrets, fraud, or multiple defendants can take considerably longer. One of our trade secret cases required 13 years of active litigation. We’ll give you a realistic timeline estimate based on the specifics of your situation during the consultation.
Settlement ends the dispute by agreement without a court ruling. Trial produces a verdict from a judge or jury. We don’t approach cases with a built-in preference for one or the other. We build every file for trial from the start, which gives us real leverage in settlement negotiations. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re ready to try the case. In 20 years of practice, we’ve only lost one trial.
Fee arrangements for commercial litigation are discussed during the consultation and depend on the nature and size of the matter. Commercial litigation doesn’t follow a standard contingency structure the way personal injury cases do. We’re transparent about how we approach fees for each specific matter, and we’ll give you a clear picture of the cost structure before you commit to anything.
Strong cases generally have clear documentation, a direct link between the other party’s conduct and your financial harm, and a damages figure that justifies the time and expense of litigation. Commercial cases require significant attorney hours, expert witnesses in many instances, and years of sustained effort. During the consultation, we’ll assess these factors honestly and tell you whether we think the case is worth pursuing.
Yes. Our attorneys are admitted to practice in all three federal districts in Louisiana and before the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Jason Melancon is also admitted before the U.S. Supreme Court. We have handled commercial matters at the federal level, including cases involving federal antitrust law and intellectual property claims.
Bring any contracts, communications, financial records, or other documents relevant to the dispute. The more context we have upfront, the more useful our initial assessment will be. If your materials aren’t fully organized yet, that’s fine. Call us, and we can help you identify what’s most important to bring.
Our office is located in Baton Rouge, and we regularly represent clients from Baker and the communities throughout East Baton Rouge Parish and the surrounding region. We practice in Louisiana state courts and federal courts across all three Louisiana districts.
East Baton Rouge | West Baton Rouge | Ascension | Livingston | Iberville | Pointe Coupee | West Feliciana | East Feliciana | St. Helena
Baton Rouge | Port Allen | Denham Springs | St. George | Central | Baker | Zachary | Plaquemine | St. Gabriel | Addis | Brusly | Shenandoah | Village St. George | Oak Hills Place | Inniswold | Gardere Place
If you’re in Baker or anywhere in this region and facing a commercial dispute, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
LSU Law School (Juris Doctor), Senior Associate with the Louisiana Law Review. Recognized as a Super Lawyer (2018-2021). Admitted to U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court.
Loyola University School of Law (Juris Doctor), Member of Moot Court Staff, finalist for J. Sanford Levy best brief writing competition.
Southern University Law Center (Juris Doctor, magna cum laude), Senior editor of Southern University Law Review. Admitted to U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.