SIGNIFICANT CASES

Xinren Empire Landlord, LLC v. Oak City Retro, LLC, et al

On March 9, 2026, the Firm represented a prominent Raleigh landlord, obtaining a default judgment in the amount over $57,000.

E. Fudd Empire, LLC v. Miami Selfie, LLC et al

On March 9, 2026, the Firm represented a prominent Raleigh landlord, obtaining a default judgment against guarantor Andrii Butenko in the amount over $211,000 and over $31,000 in attorney fees.

Timothy Haynes et al v. James Thach et al

On November 6, 2025, the Firm successfully defended individual and business client in a commercial litigation suit, involving breach of contract and unfair and deceptive acts and practices alleging over $120,000 in damages. After a bench trial, the judge only allowed nominal damages of $3.00.

Mason Farms Estates, LLC, v. Damian Caldwell Construction of the Carolinas, Inc. et al

On May 20, 2024, the Firm tried a commercial litigation matter, in which the court awarded $900,000 plus $135,000 in attorney fees against a corporate defendant and the husband and wife owners (under a piercing the corporate veil theory).

Web Formations Inc v. Equity Capital Partners, LLC, et al

On March 26, 2024, the firm renewed a judgment against Defendants for $1.3 Million in business dispute case.

Ashton Lloyd v. James Michael Griffin, et al

On December 29, 2023, the Firm, along with the Levine Law Group and Mauney Law, obtained a jury verdict in the amount of $4,527,433.00 in business dispute case, involving breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud and conversion.

First Recovery, LLC, et al v. Keith D. Sanders

On August 31, 2023, the Firm obtained a $1.3 Million judgment against Defendant in an adversarial proceeding in Bankruptcy Court, holding that the Defendant had committed fraud and his debt is non-dischargeable.

Hisham Sabha v. Mary Okofo

On July 13, 2023, the Firm obtained a default judgment in an amount in excess of $94,000, based on defendant’s fraud in obtaining a loan.

Landover Energy, LLC, v. Mountainside Coal Company, Inc, et al

On January 24, 2023, the Firm obtained a judgment over $357,000 with an additional $66,000 in attorney fees at summary judgment in a commercial litigation dispute.

Blue Sky Services Commercial Construction, LLC v. First Aid Painting, Inc.

On January 22, 2019, the Firm obtained a commercial litigation default judgment in the amount of excess of $495,000, including treble damages due to unfair and deceptive acts and practices.

Keeler et al v. Zhitov et al

The firm represented former tenants of the Wilmont Apartrments because of the substandard condition of their apartments. Tenants obtained a settlement with the former landlord which included a note and deed of trust against property owned by the Nikita Zhitov and Zhitov Resources, LLC. Attorney John Austin obtained a judgment against the principals and Zhitov Resources, LLC, in the amount of $61,754.74 for the former tenants in November 2010.

Raleigh Bonded Empire, LLC v. Furniture & Rug Outlet, LLC

When a landord discovered its tenant had abaondoned the leased premises to set up shop in a new name down the road, the landlord hired Attorney John Austin to enforce the lease and enjoin the sale of the inventory of the tenant and the new company. Attorney John Austin successfully petitioned the court for a temporary restraining order that froze the new company's assets. After the TRO was issued, the parties settled in September 2010.

NC Cemetery Commission v. Aegis Surety Insurance Company

The firm represented Aegis Surety Insurance Company against three bond claims asserted by the North Carolina Cemetery Commission. The North Carolina Cemetery Commission, represented by the Attorney Generals Office of the State of North Carolina, asserted claims totally $570,000.00. After the close of the Commissions case, Attorney John Austin argued the Motion for Directed Verdict. After considering the arguments and evidence of records, the court dismissed all claims against Aegis on January 9, 2009.

Theeratweet v. Louangxonikone

Attorney John Austin represented plaintiff Thai nationals who had pooled their money and provided it to an employment agency owned by Aaron Louangxonikone and Keingkham Inthisane to provide H-2A work papers for workers from Thailand. Attorney John Austin was able to obtain a judgment against the principals of the employment agency in the amount of $215,750 on August 30, 2008.

United Leasing v. Joseph F. Guthrie

Attorney John Austin represented United Leasing Corporation to present its claims against Guthrie. After the court entered a default judgment against Guthrie for $500,000, Guthrie appealed. The North Carolina Supreme Court remanded the case for a damages hearing. After the damages hearing, the Court awarded United Leasing Corporation $1.5 million dollars.

Rich Plan Foods of North Carolina v. Rich Plan Corporation

Attorney John Austin represented Defendant Rich Plan Corporation against claims made by a North Carolina franchisee in a case filed in the Eastern District of the North Carolina Federal Court. Plaintiff claims included a demand in excess of $1,000,000.00. After Plaintiff had presented its case, Defendants Rich Plan Corporation and the individual board member defendants, represented by Tharrington Smith, moved for a directed verdict. The Court granted verdict for the Defendants, and Plaintiff received nothing.