Achieving Success through Strong Client Relationships

By Edward D. Shapiro

On behalf of the entire Litigation & Dispute Resolution group at Much Shelist, I would like to wish you a year of good health and prosperity. For those of you who are clients, we are grateful for having had the opportunity to help you achieve your business goals in 2007.

As we look forward to the challenges of a new year, I would like to share with you just a few of the positive results we were fortunate enough to obtain in 2007. These successes would not have been possible without the close working relationships we were able to develop with our clients.

Arbitration/Mediation

• On behalf of a national bank, we obtained an arbitration award worth over $7 million in a case involving the valuation of a 30-year rent stream under a 100-year ground lease on commercial property in New York City.
• We obtained an arbitration award permitting a physician to participate in the National Resident Matching Process for the physician's chosen fellowship specialty.
• We represented a large land developer in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit arising from allegations of diverted real estate opportunities. After an extensive mediation, we successfully negotiated a settlement to resolve the lawsuit entirely.

Class Action Defense

• On behalf of a client in the retail clothing industry, we settled a Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) class action for a nominal amount. If the case had proceeded, the liability could have exceeded $200 million. 
• We obtained dismissal of class action claims in a Title VII sexual harassment case seeking a nationwide class action against a Fortune 500 defendant.
• We helped negotiate a settlement of a multimillion-dollar toxic tort class action for a small fraction of the claim. In addition, we were able to require the insurer, through settlement after extensive litigation, to fund the settlement.

Fraud Claims

• On behalf of a national bank and broker-dealer, we obtained a trial verdict denying the plaintiff any recovery in a case involving fraud and breach of fiduciary duty claims.
• On behalf of a national provider of employment marketing services, we obtained a very favorable settlement of claims brought under the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act.

Insurance Coverage

• We obtained summary judgment for a nationwide warranty corporation against an insurer on a coverage dispute in an Illinois construction defect case.
• We obtained full insurance recovery for a manufacturing company for damage to plant, inventory and equipment due to fire loss and water damage.
• We obtained reinstatement of life insurance policies following an insurer's legally deficient notice of non-renewal.
• We obtained full insurance coverage for a food product manufacturer, including the insured's choice of defense counsel, for a product liability lawsuit.
• We won a declaratory judgment lawsuit brought by an architect's insurance company, resulting in full coverage for the defense of a personal injury lawsuit.
• We obtained substantial insurance recovery, without litigation, for a consumer products distribution company for loss due to employee dishonesty.

Intellectual Property

• On behalf of a large company in the automotive industry, and on the eve of a large injunction hearing, we obtained a very favorable settlement in a case involving stolen trade secrets.
• On behalf of a company in the motor oil business, we obtained early resolution of a case involving claims of theft of trade secrets.

Labor & Employment

• We obtained summary judgment on behalf of an executive against his former employer for breach of contract in not awarding severance pay.

Whether through informal settlement negotiations, mediation, arbitration or trial, our focus is on helping clients resolve problems in ways that meet their business needs. We look forward to serving you in 2008 and helping you obtain the positive results you desire.

Edward D. Shapiro focuses his practice on the efficient prevention, management and resolution of disputes for commercial entities, organizations and individuals. Serving as Chair of the firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group, Ed advises and represents clients in state and federal court, before administrative agencies, and in mediation and arbitration in a full range of business matters. He can be reached at 312.521.2421 or eshapiro@muchshelist.com.

This alert should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances.

© 2008 Much Shelist Denenberg Ament & Rubenstein, P.C. All rights reserved.