Much Shelist: Thinking Business and Practicing Law on the Class Action Front
By Anthony C. Valiulis
Benjamin Franklin (and many people after him) once said that nothing is certain except death and taxes. In today's world, that aphorism should be amended to include getting sued. While we can debate which is worse—taxes or getting sued—there is no doubt that litigation is a major headache, especially for small businesses. Even worse is being sued by an entire class of individuals. Indeed, class action litigation has become the bane of the corporate world.
Although class actions generally affect large corporations and insurance companies, smaller businesses are not immune. In fact, recent consumer protection laws (prohibiting the use of facsimiles in advertising and requiring companies to protect consumer privacy when issuing credit card receipts, for example) have led to a wave of class actions that affect businesses of every size. Much Shelist has represented a number of mid-sized and smaller companies in defending consumer-related class actions, and we have a highly experienced practice group ready to help clients that face this type of litigation.
As part of a business law firm dedicated to serving the middle market, our Class Action Defense group has significant experience with the types of businesses that are often targeted by consumer-oriented class actions. Moreover, our attorneys are well versed in the class action field on both the plaintiff and defense side. We also have a strong Policyholders’ Insurance Coverage practice, an important advantage when difficult insurance-related negotiations are necessary. These attorneys are often called upon to go head-to-head with carriers regarding coverage of class action claims or payment for a related settlement or judgment.
We are also sensitive to clients’ financial concerns and are proud to offer efficient, high-quality class action defense at a cost that is appealing both to clients and the insurance carriers that may foot the bills.
Here are brief profiles of the senior members of our Class Action Defense group. Click on any of their names to view a complete bio.
Anthony C. Valiulis
A principal at Much Shelist since 1979, Tony has been litigating for almost 35 years, and chaired the Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group for more than 25 years. His practice encompasses complex business and financial litigation, concentrating in (1) class action defense; (2) non-compete agreements; and (3) insurance coverage. Tony can be reached at 312.521.2691 or tvaliulis@muchshelist.com.
Steven P. Blonder
Steve is a well-regarded business counselor whose practice focuses on complex business litigation. He possesses a record of consistent success in motion and trial practice (both jury and non-jury) in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration. Steve has represented directors, officers and corporations in defending class actions alleging securities fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, consumer fraud and product liability. Steve can be reached at 312.521.2402 or sblonder@muchshelist.com.
Melinda J. Morales
Melinda represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a range of complex commercial litigation matters in state and federal courts. Her practice encompasses a wide variety of civil trial and appellate matters involving general business litigation, insurance coverage issues and class actions. Melinda can be reached at 312.521.2434 or mmorales@muchshelist.com.
Anthony C. Valiulis is an accomplished litigator with 32 years of experience in a broad range of state and federal civil trial and appellate matters. A principal of the firm since 1979, Tony served as Chair of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution group for more than 20 years. His practice encompasses all types of complex business litigation, concentrating in three major areas: business disputes, non-compete agreements and insurance coverage. Tony represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a myriad of areas, including business fraud, unfair competition, labor-related litigation, intellectual property matters and business torts. Tony can be reached at 312.521.2691 or tvaliulis@muchshelist.com.
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