Dispute Resolution

Although it is our hope that your business will grow without facing major disputes, in this day and age it is best to have counsel that both knows and handles your business, and can also adeptly assist in resolving disputes raised by your business against others, or vice versa. Our litigation professionals can represent clients in litigation, mediation, and appellate work.

George C. Deptula heads up the dispute resolution practice and manages and performs mediation and litigation services.

  • 35 years in experience in disputes and conflicts ranging from major policy issues, U.S. Supreme Court cases to trial, appeals, settlements and negotiations
  • Vigorous pursuit of cost-effective, positive settlements and creative solutions
  • Trials and appeals undertaken with passion, common sense, good communications skills and techniques and principled advocacy

TRIALS AND APPEALS

Business Claims:

Examples include:

  • $7M product liability defense with no payment by our client
  • Lender liability claims resulting in jury verdicts of $2M and $3M
  • $4.5M verdict and settlement of building design defect claims
  • $2M settlement over failure to deliver manufacturing equipment
  • $1.3M settlement after trial concerning lease rights.

Property, Construction and Environmental: Environmental cases up through the U.S. Supreme Court, multiple oil contamination, construction and real estate claims, insurance coverage.

Professional Neglect: Multiple cases with strong successes and landmark decisions for plaintiffs and defendants – medical, legal, accounting, architect/engineering, banking.

Employment, Corporate Management and Personal: Partnership or corporate governance disputes, leading sexual harassment case in construction industry; fraud cases, IP non-compete and employment cases.

MEDIATION, ADR AND NEGOTIATION

Mediation has benefits in a global economy – it is quick, cost-effective and not limited by constraints of adjudication or law. A “proactive” process promoting “win-win-win” solutions works best for the parties and the common good. We provide a full range of services as negotiator, mediation counsel, or as mediator or other ADR provider, for internal or external disputes.

LITIGATION AND DISPUTE MANAGEMENT

Businesses and particularly foreign corporations doing business in the United States, those self-insured, some insurers, and high litigation risk businesses can benefit from outside assistance in:

  • Litigation avoidance mechanisms, such as early negotiation, mediation or “ombudsman” services; or
  • “Litigation management” – choosing counsel in multiple jurisdictions, regulating costs and rates, preparing experts or executives, complex document productions, or taking a second or independent look at disputes, similar to one conducted by a jury consultant, or in a due diligence review or compliance audits.

Attorneys: George Deptula / Don Furman