Experience

Defeated Actions Against $72 Million Apartment Development in Missouri

Defeated actions for a declaratory judgment and a writ of mandamus that permitted the construction of a $72 million residential apartment tower in Clayton, Missouri, that was upheld by the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District.

Property Acquisitions, Disposals and Management

Advised a multinational conglomerate wholesaler on numerous property acquisitions, disposals and management, with cross-border elements.

Successful Defense of Real Estate Developer at Federal Jury Trial and on Appeal

Represented real estate developer in several mechanic’s lien suits and federal jury trial alleging breach of contract and violation of Illinois statutes concerning securities, consumer fraud, and condominiums. Obtained early dismissal of securities claim and part of a team that secured jury and bench trial verdicts entirely in client’s favor. Successfully defended challenged rulings on appeal to the Seventh Circuit.

Redevelopment of Blighted Industrial Area

A blighted industrial area of St. Louis, strategically located near several major institutions, required assistance to redevelop. We structured and gained approvals for a complex, multi-phase redevelopment project supported in part by tax increment financing. Roughly five years in, over $600 million has been invested in construction, creating 5,000 jobs and completely transforming a 167-acre area.

Citations Vacated for Client in Fatality Involving Construction Crane

Defended company in an OSHA evidentiary hearing involving a fatality on a crane. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge vacated all citations.

Positive Result for Multiple LLCs in Construction Defect Litigation

Obtained a positive result for a number of independent LLCs within a business center in complex commercial litigation claiming a variety of construction defects.

Summary Judgment for General Contractor in $8 Million Breach of Contract, Negligence Case

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of general contractor regarding real estate developer’s claims of breach of contract and negligence seeking damages in excess of $8 million dollars with respect to alleged construction defects.

Citations Vacated for Client in OSHA Evidentiary Hearing

Defended company in OSHA evidentiary hearing in which company asserted that installation of wood trusses constituted steel erection. Administrative Law Judge agreed and vacated the citations.

Obtained Favorable Judgment for General Contractor

Obtained judgment in favor of general contractor regarding hotel owner’s claims of defective construction.

Obtained Judgment Permitting Grocery Chain Development After Five-Day Trial

Represented a grocery chain in a five-day trial in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, over changes in municipal zoning. Obtained a judgment that upheld the zoning and permitted the development of a grocery store.

No Negligence in MSHA Mine Fatality

Persuaded MSHA to make a determination of no negligence in a mine fatality in which the employee was struck by equipment being hoisted.

Six-Figure Verdict After One-Week Jury Trial

Won a six-figure verdict in a civil conspiracy/fraud/breach of contract case, including punitive damages, for a construction company after a one-week jury trial.

Successfully Defended Contractor in Arbitration Against Seven-Figure Claim

Defended general contractor in seven-figure claim brought by an asbestos contractor in arbitration. Arbitrator’s award to asbestos contractor was 5% of the amount sought and was less than the general contractor had offered in settlement.