When a business dispute threatens what you’ve built, you need attorneys who are prepared to fight for you in court, not push you toward a quick settlement that leaves money on the table.
Combined experience
Trial Lost in Over 20 Years
Commercial disputes don’t follow a clean timeline. What starts as a contract disagreement or a partner conflict can quickly grow into something that puts your finances and your reputation at risk.
Business owners in St. George often face situations like:
Waiting too long to get legal help makes these situations harder to resolve. The earlier you talk to an attorney, the more options you have.
At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, we represent businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes throughout the greater Baton Rouge area, including the City of St. George. We bring the same trial-ready preparation to commercial cases that we apply to every matter we take on. Our three named partners bring over 50 years of combined legal experience to every case we accept.
We don’t take every commercial case that comes through the door. We carefully evaluate each matter to make sure we can dedicate the time and resources needed to get the best possible result. When we take your case, we’re committed to it.
Our commercial results include a $16 million judgment in a consumer fraud class action, a $1.5 million settlement in an antitrust price coordination case, and millions recovered in a trade secrets case involving public officials who misappropriated a client’s proprietary technology over 13 years of litigation.
We represent clients in a wide range of business-related legal matters. Whatever the nature of your dispute, we have the experience to evaluate your options and pursue the outcome you’re looking for.
When a party fails to honor their contractual obligations, we pursue the remedies you're entitled to.
We protect your proprietary business information and intellectual property when it's been misappropriated.
We handle both defensive and offensive patent-related disputes for businesses of all sizes.
We fight anti-competitive conduct that has put your business at an unfair disadvantage.
When you've been defrauded, we pursue full recovery through litigation.
We handle a variety of business-related legal disputes beyond the categories listed above.
If your situation doesn’t fit neatly into one of these categories, reach out anyway. We’ll tell you honestly whether we can help.
Our commercial clients often come to us through referrals from past clients and other attorneys who trust us to handle complex, high-stakes matters. That trust comes from results.
You won't be handed off to a junior associate. A named partner manages your case from start to finish.
We prepare every case as if it's going to trial. That preparation is often what brings the other side to a fair settlement.
We've secured millions for clients in antitrust, fraud, and trade secret cases. We know this area of law.
When you hire one of our partners, you get the knowledge of the entire firm behind your case.
We know that commercial litigation can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to run a business. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
We listen to the details of your situation, ask the right questions, and give you an honest assessment of your options. No charge, no obligation.
We carefully review the facts and legal issues involved to determine whether we can pursue your matter effectively.
If we take your case, we develop a litigation strategy tailored to your specific goals and circumstances.
We gather documents, retain expert witnesses when needed, and build the strongest possible version of your case.
We pursue a fair resolution through negotiation when possible. If the other side won't settle fairly, we take the case to trial.
Commercial cases are complex and take time. We’ll set realistic expectations from the start and keep you informed at every stage.
You communicate directly with the partner handling your case, not a receptionist or paralegal acting as a gatekeeper.
We'll tell you what we think your case is worth and what challenges you're likely to face, not just what you want to hear.
With only one trial loss in 20 years, our record in the courtroom gives opposing counsel reason to take you seriously.
Our partners pool their expertise, so complex matters benefit from multiple perspectives.
Our attorneys have handled some of the most complex commercial disputes in Louisiana. These results reflect what’s possible when you work with a firm that prepares every case for trial.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is evaluated on its own facts and circumstances.
Commercial litigation cases are handled on a fee basis determined during your consultation. Unlike personal injury cases, commercial matters are not handled on contingency. During your free initial consultation, we’ll discuss your situation in detail and explain how our fees work so you can make an informed decision.
There are no upfront costs just to speak with us. Your initial consultation is completely free.
What the consultation covers:
"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."
"Great people who really care about your situation. They did everything possible to take care of my family. I would highly recommend Jason, Robert, and the whole team. Top notch."
"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."
We’ve earned the trust of clients and referring attorneys across the greater Baton Rouge area through consistent results and honest, direct communication.
Our partners have litigated before Louisiana state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Middle, Eastern, and Western Districts of Louisiana, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Our commercial litigation work has taken us into federal courts in Georgia, Texas, California, and New York, which gives us a read on how these disputes actually get resolved that most local firms do not have.
Jason handles the firm’s most complex business disputes. He secured a $16 million judgment in a consumer fraud class action, a $1.5 million settlement in an antitrust price coordination case, and millions in settlements in a trade secrets case that ran for 13 years. He is a Super Lawyer (2018-2021) and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Robert co-founded the firm in 2005 and brings two decades of courtroom experience to the cases we take. He earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, where he served on the Moot Court Staff and was one of five finalists in the J. Sanford Levy brief writing competition. He is admitted in all Louisiana state courts and in federal district court.
Lee became a partner in 2022 after working with the firm since its founding. He manages the day-to-day progress of our cases, so document review, filings, and deadlines stay on schedule. He graduated magna cum laude from Southern University Law Center and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Between the three of us, we have more than 50 years of combined experience and one trial loss in 20 years. The partner who takes your case is the partner who tries it.
The answer depends on the strength of your claim, the amount at stake, and the cost of litigation relative to likely recovery. During your free consultation, we’ll give you an honest breakdown so you can make a well-informed decision. We only take cases we believe we can win.
It varies significantly based on the complexity of the dispute and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simpler contract disputes may resolve in months. Complex multi-party cases can take years. Our trade secrets case, for example, spanned 13 years. We’ll give you a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your matter.
When you hire Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, you don’t just hire one attorney. You get the collective expertise of the entire firm. We’ve gone up against large, well-funded defense teams and won. Our trial record reflects that.
 A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a valid agreement. Whether you have a viable claim depends on the terms of the contract, the nature of the breach, and the damages you’ve suffered. We’ll help you sort through the details during your consultation.
Not necessarily. In some cases, you can seek injunctive relief to stop ongoing harm before financial damage fully materializes. The right approach depends on the nature of your dispute.
Depending on the case, we retain financial experts, industry specialists, intellectual property experts, antitrust economists, and other qualified professionals. Expert witnesses played a key role in several of our most significant commercial results.
We prepare every case for trial from the start. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re ready to take your case to the courtroom. Our trial record demonstrates that’s not an empty promise. And if a verdict goes against you and there are grounds for appeal, our firm also handles appellate litigation at the state, federal, and U.S. Supreme Court levels.
Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno is based in Baton Rouge and serves clients throughout the surrounding parishes and communities. If you’re in St. George or anywhere in the greater Baton Rouge area, we can help with commercial litigation matters ranging from breach of contract to complex antitrust claims.
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 unsure whether we serve your area, give us a call. Chances are, we do. You can also contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Get a free consultation with a partner-level attorney who will take the time to understand your situation and give you honest advice.
Hours:
Mon-Thu: 8:30am – 4:30pm | Fri: 8:30am – 3:30pm