Representative Matters

• Solo-chaired trial in commercial loan enforcement matter in Illinois state court resulting in entry of $1.3 million judgment in favor of client and complete defeat of defendant’s defenses and counterclaims related to breach of fiduciary duty, self-dealing, and promissory estoppel.

• Defended general contractor in Illinois state court lawsuit filed by developer challenging mechanics lien and related work at mixed-use construction project in Chicago’s Gold Coast. Developer’s claims included breach of contract, slander of title, and fraud. After extensive discovery leading to client’s filing of motion for summary judgment, the matter settled very favorably for client due to substantial leverage created by pending dispositive motion.

• Successfully defended former executive of real estate development/management company at trial in lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court alleging violations of the U.S. False Claims Act and retaliation.

• Represented mid-market bank in successful replevin action filed in Illinois state court to repossess and liquidate food processing and packaging machinery and equipment pledged as loan collateral.

• Successfully represented manufacturer of consumer power tools in U.S. District Court and in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in an action brought by a terminated distributor alleging violation of state franchise/distributor protection laws, common law torts, and breach of contract.

• Solo-chaired trial on behalf of owner/operator of real estate development company sued by former executive in Illinois state court for alleged violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act on account of purported unpaid bonus compensation. Judgment entered in client’s favor on all counts, exonerating client of all alleged liability.