Practice Areas

Commercial & Business Disputes

HarrisWinfield’s lawyers have decades of experience in handling business disputes of every size and character. We have tried to a verdict cases involving hundreds of millions of dollars involving complicated areas of the law such as ERISA and antitrusts; but also handled simple and straightforward business disputes. We have appeared in state courts throughout North Carolina and in all three federal districts, as well as in state and federal appellate courts.

Breach of Contract

Over the years, we have litigated every type of contract from the handwritten 1899 lease of the railroad line stretching from Morehead City to Charlotte, to the most recent licensing of high technology. We know how to enforce your rights and how to defend you against a claim that you may have violated the terms of your agreement. If there is a fair compromise available, we will help you to reach that; if not, we will go all out to see that your rights are protected.

Business Torts

Unfair Trade Practices

We have litigated every angle of North Carolina laws affecting unfair trade practices, fiduciary duty, or fraud and misrepresentation from both the plaintiff’s and the defendant’s perspective. If you have been treated unfairly, or are accused of having been unfair, we know how to put your case in its best light and achieve the best result possible whether through mediation, arbitration, settlement, or trial.

Covenants Not To Compete

We represent both companies enforcing covenants to protect their trade secrets and goodwill as well as employees faced with a court order limiting their right to work. Whatever your situation, we will put your case in its best light and maximize the chances that your position will prevail.

Misappropriation of Trade Secrets

Dispute Resolution

While we are fully prepared to take your case through the court system to a successful conclusion, we also recognize there is often a more economical and timely way to resolve your disputes. Our litigators include a certified mediator and arbitrators. Whenever possible, we will help you reach a satisfactory conclusion through negotiation, mediation or arbitration.

Technology Litigation

Products Liability

The attorneys at Harris, Winfield, Sarratt, & Hodges, LLP have decades of collective experience handling a variety of products liability cases. We have represented both companies and individuals relating to products liability, and we understand the specific legal analysis that is required to successfully defend or prosecute a products liability case. We have handled cases involving industrial vehicles, fuel lines, control panels, generators, and other commercial products.

In the past three years, our firm has placed particular emphasis on representing individuals injured by the failure of artificial hip components, as we wrote about in Depuy Orthopaedics “ASR” Hip Component Recall. When a hip or other joint component fails, the individual must often undergo painful revision surgery, and we recognize that such an ordeal takes an enormous physical and emotional toll on the victim; we are therefore relentless once we agree to represent an individual in a products liability case. Call us today for a free consultation.

Employment Contracts

Computer & Software Licensing

Copyright Litigation

Wage and Hour Claims

As an employee, you are entitled to full compensation for every hour you work. Federal and state laws protect your right to compensation and allow you to bring claims against employers who violate your rights. The Fair Labor Standards Act is a federal statute that requires employers to pay employees a minimum wage, as well as overtime for hours worked over forty hours in a seven-day work week. The law applies to all employees, whether United States citizens or not. North Carolina also has a wage and hour law which provides most of the same protections as the Fair Labor Standards Act and includes additional protections. Employees may bring private lawsuits under state or federal law, or both, to protect their rights to fair and full compensation. If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-866-WAGES-NC (1-866-924-3762).

Serious Personal Injury

We represent individuals and family members who have suffered serious personal injury or wrongful death. We recognize that being injured through the negligence of others takes an enormous physical and emotional toll on the victim, and we are therefore relentless once we agree to represent a client in a personal injury or wrongful death case. If you have been the victim of the negligence of a person or a corporation, please call on us today to review and analyze your case. The consultation is free.

Wrongful Death

Appellate Law

Members of our firm have handled complex appeals in state and federal court. We will bring this experience to bear on your appeal as we navigate the appellate process for you and position your appellate arguments for the best likelihood of success. Please call on us today for an initial consultation regarding your appeal.

Education Law

Our firm represents school systems in North Carolina on a variety of education law issues. Prior to practicing law at HarrisWinfield, Clay Hodges represented school systems throughout the state at the law firm Tharrington Smith. Mr. Hodges currently represents the Wake County Public School System, and handles certain legal matters for the Durham Public School System. In addition, our firm represents parents and their children in a select number of cases representing the rights of students against school systems and colleges throughout North Carolina.