Litigation

No one wants to be in litigation. We know this. So we work hard and creatively to solve problems before they result in litigation. When litigation is necessary we are creative, tenacious and efficient.

We handle most types of business disputes, including matters in bankruptcy. Our litigators regularly try cases and argue appeals in state, federal and bankruptcy courts in Connecticut and other jurisdictions. We have an excellent track record in winning or favorably resolving complex cases. Our clients have also learned they can rely on us to handle their routine litigation needs responsively and cost efficiently.

It has been said that the law is a seamless web. This truism is the basis of our litigation philosophy. Our litigators have significant exposure to business and transactional law. We do not recognize rigid boundaries between litigation and transactional law or among litigation sub-specialties. This requires hard work. It also helps that we like new challenges. Our approach may not be for everyone. But it works for us, and we think it makes us better litigators and better lawyers.

Our litigation clients include businesses entrepreneurs, of all types, national and local, including real estate owners and developers and financial institutions. We also frequently represent non-profit organizations and governmental bodies. Examples of some of the matters we have recently handled include:

• Representation of a shopping center developer in an intra-partnership dispute involving eight figure claims, resulting in a favorable jury verdict;
• Real estate-related litigation between two public companies, involving eight figure claims, arising from a corporate spin-off transaction, which resulted in a favorable settlement;
• Representation of a major national financial institution in a complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy in which our client was a key member of the committee of unsecured creditors;
• Numerous claims arising from the construction of a regional shopping mall;
• Representation of both a public body and property owners in a number of contested eminent domain matters, some involving unsettled issues concerning the legality of takings;
• Various intra-partnership disputes involving real estate development projects;
• Representation of banks, other financial institutions and portfolio purchasers in numerous matters involving foreclosures, receiverships, Article 9 secured party sales, bankruptcies, and problem loan work-outs and restructurings.

• David S. Hoopes
• Robert J. Caffrey
• Elizabeth A. Cipriano
• Peter J. Royer