General Representative Matters
* Represented nation's 3rd largest public school system under federal consent decree mandating compliance with federal special education laws for 600-plus school system.
* Mediation of $1 billion insurance coverage claim involving two simultaneous actions in Illinois circuit and Texas bankruptcy courts brought by multiple corporate plaintiffs against (20) defendant insurers.
* Negotiated numerous favorable settlements of multi-jurisdictional insurance coverage suits involving decades of alleged environmental contamination, product failures and asbestos related claims.
* Obtained reversal in Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals of $5M jury verdict for breach of contract and deceptive trade practices on behalf of global trucking company. PFT Roberson, Inc. v. Volvo Trucks North America, Inc., 420 F.3d 728, 2005 WL 2036243 ( C.A.7 2005).
* Obtained reversal in Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals of dismissal of client bank’s mortgagee interests in property subject to federal criminal forfeiture proceedings. U.S. v. Grossman, 501 F.3d 846, 2007 WL 2580429 (C.A.7 2007).
* Defended president of Real Estate Investment Trust holding and managing properties throughout the U.S. in action by 50% owner of partnerships alleging breach of fiduciary duties, conspiracy, violation of corporate by-laws, share value diminution and presenting shareholder derivate claims.
* Defended global delivery company against employment discrimination and employer liability claims in 10 states.
* Defended aviation-related companies against crash-related and product liability claims.
Individuals / Municipal / Small Business
* Managed litigation and defense strategy for U.K. corporate insolvency expert in international trademark infringement action seeking $150M in joint and several liability. Coordinated defense in U.S. with concurrent action against client brought by same plaintiff in London, England. Obtained complete dismissal with prejudice in both jurisdictions.
* Prosecuted fraud and deceptive practice claims against general contractor on behalf of several homeowners seeking recovery of $300,000 in down payments and related damages for negligent construction.
* Prosecuted fraud and breach of contract claims for London-based investor against California-based film production company. Facilitated settlement of claims and development of action against primary wrongdoers in later filed U.K. action.
* Represented City of Geneva to negotiate film production agreement with DreamWorks LLC for production of Road to Perdition. Agreement governed all aspects of production including changes to city structures, intellectual property protections, city personnel issues, and insurance during filming.
* Prosecuted defamation and invasion of privacy claims for individual member of board of directors.
* Defended franchisee of national food chain against claims tortuous interference with contract and trade mark infringement claims by franchisor.
* Defended numerous homeowners against personal and premises liability claims, including individual airplane owner in negligence action by decedent in plane crash.
* Prosecuted architectural firm's infringement claims against former employee for misappropriation and counterfeiting of firm's intellectual property and client lists.
* Defended web-based produce company against cyber-squatting and trademark infringement action.
Contracts and Client Counseling
* Counsel to several business on incorporation, business development strategies and related legal issues.
* Drafted and negotiated commission sales agreements for U.S. steel company's domestic and Mexico-based sales agents, including attention to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act obligations, customs and foreign tax laws.
* Drafted and negotiated licensing agreement for individuals appearing as subject of film documentary on WWII airplane exploration in South Pacific.
* Performed risk and insurance coverage assessments under general and comprehensive liability policies for corporate clients.