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Civil Rights, Consumer and Class Action Cases

The Firm represent plaintiffs and defendants in government investigations and private litigation involving Civil Rights Act claims, Consumer Protection Act claims, False Claims Act claims, and class action cases. Our work includes qui tam actions, in which a private party brings an FCA claim on behalf of a government entity and is entitled to share in any recovery. We also represent plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving federal RICO claims, which present complex and unique issues, in part because the relevant statutes allow for treble damages and an award of attorneys’ fees. Our past work includes a matter in which we obtained a RICO judgment of more than $20 million on behalf of a client and successfully defended the judgment on appeal. We counsel clients from the earliest stage of a dispute, before a claim has been filed, through trial and appeal if necessary.

How to Have Your Case Reviewed

The Firm is very selective in the cases it accepts and highly values its relationships with its clients. Before accepting a case, the Firm’s attorneys and paralegals meet with the potential client and often their families to learn the details of what happened and to discuss the potential client’s options for recovery. There is no fee or charge for the initial meeting. Most often, the first meeting is at the Firm’s offices. However, when individual circumstances make it more appropriate, a meeting may be arranged at a location outside the office, by internet or by phone.

Deadlines Applicable to Civil Rights, Consumer Claims, False Claims Act, Qui Tam, and Class Action Cases

Deadlines and notice requirements applicable to these types of cases are often set by laws or contract terms which must be strictly followed. Otherwise, rights and remedies in this type of case may be lost, limited or waived. Also, to be handled effectively, claims must be properly researched and investigated. Evidence is harder to find and preserve as time passes. For these reasons, it is important that businesses and persons involved in these types of matters consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the loss or event occurs. Any delay in retaining an attorney may result in a significant disadvantage in the case.

How the Firm is Paid for its Work

The Firm is committed to helping its clients obtain the most efficient and cost-effective results possible in civil rights, consumer, and class action cases. Often, clients prosecuting claims prefer for the Firm to work on a contingency fee. Clients defending claims usually request that the Firm bill for its work on an hourly basis. However, each case and each client’s needs are unique and the Firm will consider fixed fee and alternate arrangements on an individual basis. In every case, the Firm’s agreement for fees and expenses is confirmed in writing at the beginning of the work.

The Firm’s Culture, Work Ethic, and Work with Referring Attorneys

The Firm work is client-focused and results oriented, recognizing that each case is unique and the work and strategy must be specific to each client’s goals. Aggressive representation, detailed investigative work and research, consistent communication, and accessibility are central to the Firm’s culture. The Firm’s attorneys enjoy a long standing, well-earned reputation for their work ethic and understand that when a case is successfully resolved before trial, it is most often because the attorneys have committed the work and resources necessary to be ready for trial. The Firm’s partners have tried many cases to verdict, both jury trials and bench trials. When consistent with the best outcome for its clients, the Firm also has secured successful resolutions of cases through mediation and other means of alternative dispute resolution. The Firm is often referred cases from other attorneys and when appropriate, welcomes the opportunity to work with referring attorneys on cases.