BUSINESS DISPUTES

Obtained over $1 million in compensatory damages and over $3 million in punitive damages against managing member of an Illinois LLC for fraud and breach of fiduciary duty claims relating to mismanagement of funds in property ownership venture. Affirmed on appeal: Tully v. McLean, 409 Ill. App. 3d 659, 948 N.E.2d 714 (Ill. App. Ct. 2011)

Obtained over $800k in compensatory damages, $900k imposed as a constructive trust, and over $1 million in punitive damages on behalf of limited partners on breach of fiduciary duty claims against managing partners in a night club venture. Affirmed on appeal: Caparos v. Morton, 364 Ill. App. 3d 159, 845 N.E.2d 773 (Ill. App. Ct. 2006)

When a Miami based commercial aircraft maintenance facility filed a lien and impounded an MD-80 aircraft hat was being leased to an operator in Paris, we were able to recover the aircraft for the lessor by filing an “in rem” injunctive action in Miami and persuading the court to  order the maintenance provider to release its lien and the aircraft to the lessor who recovered it in Paris. The case involved litigation in Paris and Miami, and the application of complex international treaties and conventions regarding leased aircraft. Commodore Aviation, Inc. v. Sanwa Bus. Credit Corp. Inc., 728 So. 2d 363 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1999)

INSURANCE DISPUTES

Represented plaintiff “innocent insureds” in coverage litigation concerning insured airplane parts and engines following collapse of co-insured airline. Fleet Bus. Credit L.L.C. v. Global Aerospace Underwriting Managers Ltd., 646 F. Supp. 2d 473, 475 (S.D.N.Y. 2009)

Represented manufacturer of asbestos-containing products in coverage action against its primary, excess, and umbrella insurers seeking to determine coverage obligations under their policies for underlying asbestos-related claims against manufacturer. John Crane Inc. v. Admiral Ins. Co., 391 Ill. App. 3d 693, 910 N.E.2d 1168 (Ill. App. Ct. 2009)

Represented corporate successor in lawsuit pertaining to indemnification obligations arising out of stock purchase agreement for asbestos related claims in nationwide lawsuits. Flowserve Corp. v. Burns Int’l Servs. Corp., 423 F. Supp. 2d 433, 436 (D. Del. 2006)

ATTORNEY FEE DISPUTES

Successfully defended law firm’s receipt of fees, pursuant to a class settlement of over $89 million, against co-counsel’s claim of entitlement to additional fees. Daniel v. Aon Corp., 2011 IL App (1st) 101508, 952 N.E.2d 638 (Ill. App. Ct. 2011)

ESTATE AND TRUST DISPUTES

Obtained judgment over $1.6 million on breach of fiduciary duty claim against trustee for mismanagement of trust funds on behalf of trust beneficiary. Affirmed on appeal: Woolard v. Woolard, 547 F.3d 755 (7th Cir. 2008)

Represented revered dancer Rudolph Nureyev during his lifetime, and represented his estate an charitable foundation following his death, including complex estate litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Rudolf Nureyev Dance Found. v. Noureeva-Francois, 7 F. Supp. 2d 402 (S.D.N.Y. 1998)

CLASS ACTIONS

Served as lead class counsel for a class of Illinois consumers in a complex consumer class action against manufacturer of diet drug dexfenfluramine (Phen/Fen). The Illinois class was one of only six classes certified in the United States. In re Diet Drugs Products Liab. Litig., 401 F.3d 143 (3d Cir. 2005)

Obtained settlement of over $5 million on behalf of class of insurance customers based on class claim for unlawful receipt of undisclosed broker commissions. Hogan Marren Ltd v Hub International Ltd et. al. (Cir. Ct. Cook County)

Presently serving in “Executive Committee” of lead class counsel in commodities customers multi-district class action suit arising out of the collapse of MF Global, Inc. Deangelis v. Corzine, 11-cv-7866 (S.D.N.Y)

Presently acting as lead class counsel in pending conspiracy class action brought on behalf of all Illinois parents and guardians of children who have obtained statutorily mandated lead toxicity blood tests. Lewis v. Lead, 00 CH 9800 (Cir. Ct. Cook County)

PENSION MATTERS

Succeeded in the Illinois Supreme Court in obtaining reversal of an Illinois Appellate Court ruling in controversial pension case brought by the Illinois Attorney General against former Chicago Police Lieutenant, Jon Burge. People ex rel. Madigan v. Burge, 2014 IL 115635 (Ill. Sup Ct. 2014)