THE HARMONIE GROUP Transportation & Truck Product Liability Attorneys in Select States Tim Violet, Executive Director (651) 222-3000 www.harmonie.org February 2006
ALABAMA Norman, Wood, Kendrick & Turner Financial Center, Suite 1600 505 20th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 328-6643 Fax (205) 251-5479 Website www.nwkt.com ALABAMA The firm of Norman, Wood, Kendrick, and Turner, has defended hundreds of suits involving trucks and heavy vehicles involving personal injury, wrongful death, insurance coverage, and product liability. We participate in The Harmonie Group 24 Hour Response service. We provide advice to clients immediately after accidents to gather and preserve evidence and to develop theories of defense and mitigation where appropriate. Clients include trucking companies, owner/operators, common carriers, lessors, insurers, original equipment manufacturers, self insureds, and TPA's. We represent Birmingham/Jefferson County Transit Authority, Metro Area Express, Schwan s, and Ryder System, Inc. William C. Wood (205) 259-1033 wood@nwkt.com ALASKA DeLisio Moran Geraghty & Zobel, P.C. 943 West 6th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501-2033 (907) 279-9574 Fax (907) 276-4231 Website www.dmgz.com ALASKA For over 25 years, the firm s practice has been devoted exclusively to litigation and trial practice before various administrative forums and state and federal courts. Mr. Geraghty and other attorneys in the firm have extensive experience in accident litigation, including product liability, insurance coverage, personal injury and wrongful death defense. Michael C. Geraghty (907) 279-9574 mgeraghty@dmgz.com 1
ARIZONA The Cavanagh Law Firm, P.A. 1850 N. Central Avenue Suite 2400 Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 322-4000 Fax (602) 322-4100 ARIZONA The firm has extensive experience in trucking accident litigation as well as personal injury and wrongful death defense. The firm's insurance defense/trucking defense group has tried well over 500 jury trials, which includes personal injury and trucking accident cases. In addition, the firm's members are often contacted to provide advice to trucking companies regarding accidents immediately after accidents have occurred. This ensures that the claim is defended properly, almost from the moment the accident occurs. In addition, the firm has defended claims of airbrake failure, wheel loss, loss of load, and violation of state and federal regulations. The firm has defended a number of clients in trucking accident litigation, including United Parcel Service, US Express, Otto Trucking, and Majesty Transportation, among others. In addition, the firm represents such insurance companies as State Farm, Liberty Mutual, AMEX Assurance, and California Casualty, to name a few. Further, the firm has represented self-insured trucking companies. Frank Fox (602) 322-4000 ffox@cavanaghlaw.com Scott Salmon (602) 322-4000 ssalmon@cavanaghlaw.com Thomas C. Hall (602) 322-4000 thall@cavanaghlaw.com 2
ARKANSAS Barber, McCaskill, Jones & Hale, P.A. 2700 Regions Center 400 West Capitol Avenue Little Rock, AR 72201-3414 (501) 372-6175 Fax (501) 375-2802 Website www.barberlawfirm.com ARKANSAS Robert "Skip" Henry (501) 707-6115 rhenry@barberlawfirm.com Mr. Henry has done product liability defense as a major part of his practice for over 20 years. He has represented major automotive manufacturers, truck manufacturers, machine manufacturers, and chemical manufacturers, among others. He has tried numerous cases to jury verdict wins. Clients include GM, Kenworth, Volvo, IH, Ceiba Geigy, and others. 3
CALIFORNIA Burnham Brown 1901 Harrison Street PO Box 119 Oakland, CA 94604 (510) 444-6800 Fax (510) 835-6666 Website www.burnhambrown.com CALIFORNIA Burnham Brown represents a wide variety of clients in the transportation industry, including motor carriers, inter-modal and maritime shippers, motor coach and bus companies, freight system manufacturers and automobile manufacturers. This experience includes defense of serious injury and wrongful death litigation and cargo cases. In addition, the firm represents clients in transportation product liability litigation, commercial disputes, warranty and design claims and regulatory compliance. The product related actions include cases involving component parts, such as wheels, air brakes, electronic controls, refrigeration and steering devices. A representative sample of transportation clients serviced by Burnham Brown includes: Swift Transportation, Wallace Transport, Millwood Trucking, Shell Oil, North Bay Corporation, John Deere, Ingersoll-Rand, Borg Warner, Monroe, Penske Truck Leasing, Teledyne, Fluor Corporation, Applied Materials, Hobart, Watkins Trucking, Maru Petroleum; Goodyear Tire and Rubber, Tab Transportation. Jury verdict wins include Chayrez v. Kings County Truck Lines (Alameda County); Medina v. Ralph Pipkin Trucking (Stanislaus County) Tom Downey (510) 444-6800 tdowney@burnhambrown.com Manning, Marder, Kass, Ellrod & Ramirez, LLP 660 South Figueroa 23rd Floor, Figueroa Tower Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 624-6900 Fax (213) 624-6999 The attorneys at Manning & Marder defend transportation related claims/suits, accident cases, person injury matters, and product liability cases for corporations, haulers, transportation companies, freight carriers, and respective insurance companies: among their many clients is Frito Lay. Jeffrey M. Lenkov, Esq. (213) 624-6900 jml@mmker.com James Saunders (213) 624-6900 jfs@mmker.com 4
CALIFORNIA, cont. Spile, Siegal, Leff & Goor, LLP Encino Executive Plaza, Suite 610 16501 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91436-1728 (818) 784-6899 Fax (818) 784-0176 Website www.spile-siegal.com Spile & Siegal, which is a member of the 24 Hour Response Team of The Harmonie Group, has defended numerous personal injury claims arising from trucking accidents, in both the state and federal courts. Clients include Kingsway, The Pep Boys, and others. David Gonor (818) 784-6899 dgonor@spile-siegal.com Floyd J. Siegal (818) 784-6899 fsiegal@spile-siegal.com COLORADO Cooper & Clough PC 1512 Larimer Street Suite 600 Denver, CO 80202-1621 (303) 607-0077 Fax (303) 607-0472 COLORADO Members of Cooper & Clough have been representing trucking companies and other carriers, either as self insureds, or through insurance companies directly, or through TPA s for all types of claims, injuries, and losses. Representative clients include Lafarge North America, Lafarge West Inc., Western Mobile, Transport Services Company, Atlas Van Lines, Baird Trucking, Knight Transportation Company, Lancer Insurance Company, Fleming and Hall, Schwan s, Covenant Transportation Inc., among others. John E. Clough (303) 607-0077 jclough@cooper-clough.com Paul Faraci (303) 607-0077 pfaraci@cooper-clough.com Larry S. McClung (303) 607-0077 lmcclung@cooper-clough.com 5
CONNECTICUT Ryan, Ryan, Johnson & Deluca, LLP 80 Fourth Street PO Box 3057 Stamford, CT 06905 (203) 357-9200 Fax (203) 961-9872 Website www.rrjd-law.com CONNECTICUT Ryan, Ryan, Johnson & Deluca defends personal injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of trucking companies. In addition to trucking, the firm has significant experience in other areas of transportation litigation, including the defense of claims against freight and passenger rail carriers. Clients include International Paper, Volunteer Express, Guaranteed Overnight Delivery (G.O.D.), Progressive, CNA Motor Transport, Klingshirn & Sons Trucking, RLI Transportation, and D&L Tractor Trailer. The firm has resolved numerous transportation and trucking cases in state and federal court via trial, mediation and arbitration as well as several defense verdicts obtained on behalf of Metro- North Commuter Railroad Company in train/truck collisions, train/pedestrian accidents, and grade crossing accidents. Robert C.E. Laney (203) 357-9200 roblaney@rrjd-law.com Michael T. Ryan (203) 357-9200 mtryan@rrjd-law.com 6
DELAWARE Smith, Katzenstein & Furlow, LLP The Corporate Plaza 800 Delaware Ave., P.O. Box 410 Wilmington, DE 19899 (302) 652-8400 Fax (302) 652-8405 DELAWARE Smith, Katzenstein & Furlow, which is a member of the 24 Hour Response Team of The Harmonie Group, has defended several personal injury claims arising from accidents involving trucks. Laurence V. Cronin (302) 652-8400 lcronin@skfdelaware.com Robert J. Katzenstein (302) 652-8400 rjk@skfdelaware.com FLORIDA FLORIDA Bunnell, Woulfe, Kirschbaum, Keller, McIntyre & Gregoire, P.A. One Financial Plaza, 9th Floor 100 Southeast Third Avenue, Suite 900 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394 (954) 761-8600 Fax (954) 463-6643 Bunnell Woulfe has been defending transportation companies since the 1970's. During that time we have represented clients in a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death cases arising out of trucking accidents. We have also defended numerous transportation product liability cases arising out of alleged lighting, braking, fuel, and tire defects. Our clients have included Schwan's Food, Ford Motor Company, Daimler Chrysler Insurance, Emerson Electric, Textron, Inc, and Publix Supermarkets. For information with respect to jury verdicts, please contact John Campbell at Bunnell Woulfe. John A. Campbell, Associate (954) 761-8600 jac@bunnellwoulfe.com Charles A. Morehead (954) 761-8600 cam@bunnellwoulfe.com 7
FLORIDA, cont. Fisher, Rushmer, Werrenrath, Dickson, Talley & Dunlap, P.A. 20 North Orange Avenue Suite 1500, P.O. Box 712 Orlando, FL 32802-0712 (407) 843-2111 Fax (407) 422-1080 Ren Werrenrath and several of the partners of the firm have handled literally hundreds of trucking cases involving both collisions and product liability matters over the last 25 years. The firm currently has cases that range from wrongful death arising out of truck collisions, to products liability cases resulting from such things as drive shafts coming apart and bed up cases involving dump trucks. In addition they are the 24 hour response firm for several trucking companies that need accident reconstruction assistance immediately after a truck accident. The firm has represented many trucking companies and businesses with huge truck fleets, such as Hughes Supply, Inc., Pence Land Materials, Evans Delivery, Tropical Auto Transportation, Performance Food Group, Landstar, and Indian River Transport. The firm has successfully defended many trucking cases, involving both collisions and product defects, including a defense verdict in a brain damage case involving a truck without an under ride guard. Reinald Werrenrath, III (407) 843-2111 rwerrenrath@fisherlawfirm.com 8
FLORIDA, cont. Huey, Guilday, Tucker, Schwartz & Williams, P.A. 1983 Centre Pointe Boulevard, Suite 200 P.O. Box 12500 Tallahassee, FL 32317-2500 (850) 224-7091 Fax (850) 222-2593 Website www.hueylaw.com Huey, Guilday, Tucker, Schwartz & Williams, P.A., has represented numerous trucking companies in personal injury and wrongful death litigation for the past 20+ years throughout north Florida, including the I-10 corridor. We have represented both insurance carriers and selfinsured companies in the defense of major and minor accident claims, including numerous wrongful death suits. We have designated attorneys and experts available to respond immediately to the scene of an accident in order to preserve evidence and assist clients in the aftermath of an accident. Representative clients include R&L Transfers, Inc., Anderson-Columbia Co., Inc., Sandco, Inc., CNA Insurance Companies, and Western World Insurance Company. Thomas J. Guilday (850) 224-7091 tom@hueylaw.com Mary K. Simpson (850) 224-7091 kay@hueylaw.com 9
GEORGIA Drew, Eckl & Farnham, LLP 880 West Peachtree Street P.O. Box 7600 Atlanta, GA 30357 (404) 885-1400 Fax (404) 876-0992 GEORGIA Drew, Eckl & Farnham partners have extensive experience advising and defending trucking companies, truck manufacturers and their insurers in matters involving road accidents, alleged product defects, insurance coverage and cargo claims. Over the past 20 years these claims have often involved catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death. Our lawyers are active in state and national defense organizations including the American Bar Association TIPS Commercial Transportation Litigation Committee, Defense Research Institute Commercial Transportation Committee and the Trucking Industry Defense Association. Representative clients include: Wal-Mart, Inc., Millis Transfer, Inc., Marten Transport, Inc., C.R. England, Inc., Averitt Express, McLane Company, Inc., Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., R&L Carriers, and numerous insurance carriers that insure transportation risks. Jury verdict wins include: Verner v. Transport South, Inc. (overturned tractor trailer - Plaintiff recovers 10% of requested recovery); Gail Pope v. Wilson Trucking Corporation and James R. Hughes (lane change, multiple vehicle accident defense verdict); Vivian D. Walker and Howard A. Walker, Jr. v. Ingles Markets, Inc., Thomas & Howard Company, Inc. d/b/a Ingles Markets, Inc. and Larry Wayne Garrett (rear end collision, mis-adjusted brakes liability admitted, tried for two weeks on punitive damages defense verdict on punitives); Parker v. R&L Carriers and Continental Ins. Co. (intersection underride collision - death case - defense verdict affirmed on appeal). Paul W. Burke (404) 885-1400 pburke@deflaw.com Hall F. McKinley, III (404) 885-1400 hmckinley@deflaw.com Steven A. Miller (404) 885-1400 smiller@deflaw.com Randy Moody (404) 885-1400 rmoody@deflaw.com Bruce Taylor (404) 885-1400 btaylor@deflaw.com 10
HAWAII Yamamura & Shimazu Central Pacific Plaza Suite 1770, 220 S. King Street Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 523-6969 Fax (808) 599-5580 HAWAII Paul T. Yamamura (808) 523-6969 pyamamur@gte.net IDAHO IDAHO Hall, Farley, Oberrecht & Blanton, P.A. 702 West Idaho, Suite 700 Key Financial Center Boise, ID 83701 (208) 395-8500 Fax (208) 395-8585 Hall, Farley Oberrecht and Blanton has represented trucking and transportation insurers since the firm was founded. We have extensive experience defending trucking and transportation claims and truck/trailer design and manufacturing claims. We have defended brake failure cases, claimed driver error cases, negligent loading claims and are familiar with the CFR s governing the trucking industry. Representative clients include AIG, Continental Western Insurance Company, Werner Enterprises, Western Trailers, Schwan s, Arlo G. Lott Trucking, CNA and other insurers. We are members of the 24 Hour Response Group within the Harmonie Group. In addition to Donald J. Farley, inquiries can be directed to Raymond Powers of the firm. Donald J. Farley (208) 395-8500 djf@hallfarley.com 11
ILLINOIS Sanchez Daniels & Hoffman LLP 333 West Wacker Drive Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60606-1204 (312) 641-1555 Fax (312) 641-3004 Website www.sanchezdh.com ILLINOIS Robert T. Varney (309) 827-4444 rvarney@varneylaw.com Mr. Robert Varney has successfully handled numerous trucking cases including wrongful death actions on behalf of trucking firms. They also represent Amtrak on a variety of cases including wrongful death. As part of the Harmonie Rapid Response Unit, they are prepared to handle accident investigations on short notice. Clients include Amtrak, Zurich North America, Liberty Mutual, Acme Trucking, Grand Rapids Transport, Inc., and Ravens Trucking. 12
INDIANA Locke Reynolds LLP 201 North Illinois Street, Suite 1000 P.O. Box 44961 Indianapolis, IN 46244-0961 (317) 237-3822 Fax (317) 237-3900 INDIANA Locke Reynolds is the premier automotive industry product liability and warranty litigation firm in Indiana. The chair of our Product and Manufacturing practice group, Randy Riggs, a member of DRI's Board of Directors and a former chair of the prestigious DRI Product Liability Committee. Mr. Milliken, another member of the Motor Carrier Group, is a former president of DRI. The Locke Reynolds Motor Carrier Group provides comprehensive business and litigation services for insured and self-insured commercial carriers, including common and private carriers, lessors and lessees, owners/operators, shippers, brokers and their insurers. Representation in state and federal courts generally takes the form of defending clients in litigation of personal injury, wrongful death, property damage and cargo loss claims. Locke Reynolds has a 24-Hour Emergency Response Team that includes not only Locke Reynolds Motor Carrier Group members, but independent adjusters, two private investigators who are retired police officers, and accident reconstructionists. Clients include Republic Services, Inc., Baldwin & Lyons, Comcar Industries, Vitran Trucking, Frontier Trucking, Tango Transportation, Kingsway Trucking, Wal-Mart, RLI Transport, AI Transport and Markel Insurance Company, and many automobile manufacturers including Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Kia. As to truck product liability clients, Locke Reynolds represents several heavy duty truck manufacturers including International Truck and Engine Corp. (formerly Navistar), Paccar, GM when it was manufacturing heavy duty trucks, and White through its insurer. Jury verdict wins include Chandler v. Wal-Mart; Johnson Circuit Court, Cause No. 41C01-0008-CT-00244 (Wrongful death of 16-year old plaintiff. Defense verdict, and recovery of truck driver s lost wages); Damita James v. J.C. Penney Company, Inc.; Marion Superior Court; Cause No. 49D07-0205-CT-840 (Defense verdict in rear-end accident). Lloyd H. Milliken, Jr. (317) 237-3822 lmilliken@locke.com Nicholas C. Pappas (317) 237-3800 npappas@locke.com Randall R. Riggs (317) 237-3800 rriggs@locke.com Mark J. Roberts (317) 237-3800 mroberts@locke.com 13
IOWA Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. 100 Court Avenue Suite 600 Des Moines, IA 50309-2231 (515) 243-7611 Fax (515) 243-2149 Website www.ahlers.com IOWA Each of the following firm members has extensive experience in various aspects of corporate defense/insurance defense litigation, including personal injury and property damage litigation, Products Liability, Automobile and Trucking liability claims. Representative clients include Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation; Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.; Ice Cream Specialties, Inc.; Ryder Truck; and insured claims through insurance coverages provided through Markel Insurance Company of Canada as well as Crawford & Company. David H. Luginbill (515) 243-7611 dluginbill@ahlerslaw.com David H. Luginbill was born in South Bend, Indiana, on January 31, 1951. He received his B.A. in 1973 from the University of Iowa and his J.D. with honors in 1976 from Drake University. At Drake he was a member of Order of the Coif, National Order of the Barristers, National Moot Court Team, and Case Notes Editor of the Drake University Law Review, 1975-76. He was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 1976. He is the Chair of the Firm's General Litigation department. He is also an authorized Mediator of the American Academy of ADR attorneys. He is a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, American Board of Trial Advocates, Defense Research Institute, the Iowa Defense Counsel, Polk County, Iowa State and American Bar Associations Randy H. Stefani (515) 246-0325 rstefani@ahlerslaw.com Randall H. Stefani was born in Des Moines, Iowa. He received his B.A. in Business in 1978 and his J.D. with distinction in 1981 from the University of Iowa. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1980 and was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 1981. He is a member of the Firm's General Litigation and Education Law departments. He is a member of the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association (Board of Governors 1998-2000), the Polk County, Iowa State and American Bar Associations, and is a fellow in the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers. 14
IOWA, cont. Steve L. Serck (515) 246-0333 sserck@ahlerslaw.com Steven L. Serck was born in Rock Valley, Iowa, on March 7, 1964. He attended the University of Northern Iowa (B.A., with highest honors, 1986) and received his J.D. (with high distinction) from the University of Iowa in 1989. He is a member of the Order of the Coif and was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 1989. He is a member of the Firm's General Litigation and Local Government Law and Employment Law departments. He is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys and the Iowa Defense Counsel, Polk County, Iowa State and American Bar Associations. He has served as chair of the Public Relations Committee of the Polk County Bar Association since 2002. He is the author of Taylor v. Wiebold and Rules of Civil Procedure 48 and 55: Do Statutes of Limitations Still Matter in Iowa? 73 Iowa L. Rev. 975 (1988). James R. Wainwright (515) 243-7611 jwainwright@ahlerslaw.com James R. Wainwright was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 3, 1970. He received his B.A. in 1992 from Boston College and his J.D. (with honors) from Drake University Law School in 1999. While in law school, he clerked for the Honorable Scott D. Rosenberg of the Polk County District Court and also completed a prosecutor internship with the Polk County Attorney's Office. He was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 1999 and is a member of the General Litigation department of the Firm. He is a member of the Iowa Defense Counsel Association, the Defense Research Institute, the Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association, and the Polk County, Iowa State and American Bar Associations. KANSAS KANSAS Wallace, Saunders, Austin, Brown & Enochs, Chartered PO Box 12290 Overland Park, KS 66282-2290 (913) 888-1000 Fax (913) 888-1065 Barry E. Warren (913) 888-1000 bew@wsabe.com 15
KENTUCKY Stites & Harbison, PLLC 1800 Aegon Center 400 West Market Street Louisville, KY 40202-3352 (502) 587-3400 Fax (502) 587-6391 Website www.stites.com KENTUCKY Members of Stites & Harbison have a wealth of experience handling litigation arising from motor vehicle accidents, including accidents involving trucking companies. Their experience includes the handling of wrongful death, personal injury, property damage and cargo claims for regional and national carriers. The firm has defended claims involving complicating factors, including airbrake failure, wheel loss, loss of load or imbalanced load, and violation of federal or state transportation regulations. The firm has represented a number of self-insured trucking companies and insurance companies in the defense of claims asserted against trucking companies. Representative clients include J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., North American Van Lines, Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., Emerson Electric, K & R Express Systems, Global Intermodel Logistics, Bestway Trucking, Inc., American International Group (AIG), Aetna Casualty & Surety Company, Shelter Insurance Companies, Great West Casualty Company and Connecticut Specialty Company. The firm has also represented Mack Trucks, Fruehauf Trailers, and other manufacturers in product liability actions and Emerson Electric in accidents involving its captive fleet. Matt Breetz (502) 681-0487 mbreetz@stites.com Marjorie Farris (502) 587-3400 mfarris@stites.com John L. Tate (502) 587-3400 jtate@stites.com 16
LOUISIANA Cook, Yancey, King & Galloway, APLC 333 Texas Street, Suite 1700 P.O. Box 22260 Shreveport, LA 71120-2260 (318) 221-6277 Fax (318) 227-7850 Website www.cykg.com LOUISIANA The firm represents truck lines, such as Central Freight Lines, Inc., Roadway Express, Inc., and Duncan Thompson Petroleum, Inc. They also represent GM as local counsel and have handled GM fire claims, as well as seatbelt and airbag cases. They represent Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, as well as Cooper Tire Company, in tire-related product claims. They also represent several insurers which write coverage for trucking firms. Clients, in addition to the above, include Davison Transport, Inc., OneBeacon Insurance Group, CGU, and America First Insurance Company, Central Freight Lines, Inc., Roadway Express, Inc., General Motors Corporation, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Cooper Tire Company, Clarendon National Insurance Company, Deep South Surplus Company, American Airlines, Auto Convoy, Contract Trucking, Inc., Haul Risk Management, Inc., UPS, and related subsidiaries. Truck product case clients include International Truck and Engine Corporation, Vanliner, and Cannon Express Corporation. We have several noted jury verdict wins, in our most recent trial of this nature; we successfully defended Goodyear in a wrongful death and survival action case. The trial lasted three weeks, resulting in a defense verdict. In Mathews v. Arkla Lubricants, Plaintiffs brought wrongful deaths claims arising out of an auto-truck accident which killed four people and unborn child. Driver was operating truck without CDL license and issues involved actions of our driver and preemption of intersection. Seven figure demand before trial and judgment for the defendants. Lee H. Ayres (318) 227-7733 ayres@cykg.com Sidney E. Cook, Jr. (318) 227-7721 cook@cykg.com Brian A. Homza (318) 227-7729 homzab@cykg.com Mr. Homza has represented commercial carriers for fifteen years, including commercial trucking accidents and chemical spills, and has done insurance litigation since 1979. John T. Kalmbach (318) 227-7708 kalmbacj@cykg.com Mr. Kalmbach has several years of experience defending product cases for a truck manufacturer. He has several years of experience defending insurance issues in coverage. 17
LOUISIANA, cont. Sutterfield & Webb, L.L.C. 650 Poydras Center Suite 2715 New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 598-2715 Fax (504) 529-7197 Daniel A. Webb (504) 598-2715 Cell (504) 319-7198 Home (504) 832-8025 dwebb@swslaw.com Dan Webb has handled transportation cases ranging from small accidents to multi-vehicle pile-ups. The injuries have ranged from minor injuries to paraplegia. Mr. Webb has also handled death cases. Representative clients include Quality Carriers, Inc, and insureds such as Jubilee Foods, Dupre Transportation and Venture Transport. MAINE MAINE Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy, P.C 477 Congress Street, 5 th Floor Portland, ME 04101-3406 Tel: 207-780-1190 Fax 207-780-1194 Webite www.campbell-trial-lawyers.com Transportation is one of the core industries serviced by attorneys at Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy, P.C. Our clients include vehicle manufacturers, motor carriers, companies that transport their own goods and materials, and the insured s of numerous insurance carriers. Members of the firm have successfully defended a variety of product liability actions and vehicular accident cases that resulted in personal injury or death, property damage and cargo loss. Representative clients include Paccar, Inc., Mitsubishi Motors, Great West Casualty Company, Freightliner Group, Volvo Group, Tyson Foods, Inc., Ford Motor Company, Consolidated Freightways Corp., Marriott International Inc., and General Motors Corporation. Brain P. Voke (617) 241-3042 Bvoke@campbell-trial-lawyers.com 18
MAINE Sulloway & Hollis, PLLC 9 Capitol Street P.O. Box 1256 Concord, NH 03302-1256 (603) 224-2341 Fax (603) 224-2557 Website www.sulloway.com The Sulloway & Hollis firm has extensive experience in handling transportation cases and has handled numerous matters at suit, in mediations, and in arbitrations. Richard Mulhern, Esq. (207) 253-5141 rmulhern@sulloway.com 19
MARYLAND Hodes, Ulman, Pessin & Katz, P.A. 901 Dulaney Valley Road Suite 400 Towson, MD 21204 (410) 938-8705 Fax (410) 321-7044 Website www.hupk.com Hodes Ulman Pessin and Katz, P.A., Maryland's 7th largest law firm, has extensive experience in transporation related litigation. Brian Goodman represented the defendant trucking company through its insurance carrier in the nationally covered bridge collapse case in Maryland from 1999 to 2000. Barry Bach and Pat Lambert also have a great deal of experience in transportation related carriers. Among the firm's clients are insurance carriers for long range truckers, self insured transportation companies, and national railroads. Barry Bach, Esq. (410) 339-6775 bbach@hupk.com Brian S. Goodman, Esq. (410) 938-8705 BGoodman@hupk.com Patricia McHugh Lambert, Esq. 410-339-6759 pmlambert@hupk.com Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP One Charles Center, 16th Floor 100 North Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201-3812 (410) 659-1300 Fax (410) 659-1350 Website www.wcslaw.com Monte Fried (410) 659-1312 mfried@wcslaw.com Stephen F. White (410) 659-1304 swhite@wcslaw.com 20
MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy Professional Corporation One Constitution Center 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02129 (617) 241-3000 Fax (617) 241-5115 Website www.campbell-trial-lawyers.com Transportation is one of the core industries serviced by attorneys at Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy. Our clients include vehicle manufacturers, motor carriers, companies that transport their own goods and materials, and the insured s of numerous insurance carriers. Members of the firm have successfully defended a variety of product liability actions and vehicular accident cases that resulted in personal injury or death, property damage and cargo loss. Representative clients include Paccar Inc., Mitsubishi Motors, Great West Casualty Company, Freightliner Group, Volvo Group, Tyson Foods, Inc., Ford Motor Company, Consolidated Freightways Corp., Marriott International, Inc., and General Motors Corporation. Brian P. Voke (617) 241-3042 bvoke@campbell-trial-lawyers.com James M. Campbell (617) 241-3060 jmcampbell@campbell-trial-lawyers.com 21
MICHIGAN Garan Lucow Miller, P.C. 1000 Woodbridge Detroit, MI 48207 (248) 641-7600 Fax (248) 641-0222 MICHIGAN The Garan Lucow Miller firm provides a 24 hour call-in service in regard to emergency situations to assist our trucking clients. Clients include Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Lombard Insurance Boreal of Canada/AXA, Markel Insurance Company of Canada, Bulkmatic Transport Company Marsh, USA, Inc., Cambridge Transportation Division Meijer, Inc., Carolina Insurance Nova Permits Service, Consolidated Freightways Systems RLI Transportation, Northland/Golf Gainey Transportation, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Old Republic Insurance (USA and Canada), Company of Michigan Royal/Sun Alliance, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance, SRS, Hartford of Indiana, The St. Paul Insurance Company, Farmers Insurance Group, Transamerica Insurance Company, Fireman s Fund Insurance Company, United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company, Gordon Food Service, Inc., US 1 Industries, Great West Casualty Insurance Company, Yellow Freight, The Hartford Insurance Company, Zurich American Insurance Group, John Deere Insurance Company, Zurich Commercial Insurance, Kingsway, Zurich Insurance Company of Canada, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Quality Carriers, Inc., Lindsey Morden, Ltd. Jury verdict wins include Clemens v Thompson Transport in a wrongful death case, McKernin v Thompson Transport in a brain injury case, Peletier v Echo Brook Freight in a wrongful death case, and Heikkila v JR Phillips in a wrongful death case. Richard Holmes (616) 742-5500 rholmes@garanlucow.com Mr. Holmes has successfully tried cases to defense verdicts involving wrongful death, brain injury, paraplegia and quadriplegia for his trucking clients. Mark Shreve (248) 641-7600 mshreve@garanlucow.com Mr. Shreve s experience began in the trucking industry as his father operated a trucking and warehouse business in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Upon becoming an attorney, he became involved in representing trucking companies either through insurance carriers and self-insureds by defending matters involving personal injury, property damage, and cargo loss claims. He has also been involved in representing trucking companies as to matters involving lift axle overweight issues, as well as other overweight charges against trucking companies. His experience also includes representing permit and pilot car organizations as it relates to oversized loads. 22
MINNESOTA Meagher & Geer, P.L.L.P. 33 South Sixth Street Suite 4400 Minneapolis, MN 55402 (612) 338-0661 Fax (612) 338-8384 Website http://www.meagher.com/ MINNESOTA Bradley M. Jones (612) 347-9196 bjones@meagher.com Michael D. Hutchens (612) 338-0661 mhutchens@meagher.com Mr. Hutchens has in excess of 20 years of experience defending a wide range of cases involving truck accidents primarily resulting in severe personal injury or death. He also handles cases resulting in property damage and cargo loss. Clients include several over the road long haul companies and transport operations. Mr. Hutchens has been inducted as an Advocate for the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has also been selected as a fivetime "Super Lawyer" by Minnesota Law & Politics, and as a "Leading" attorney by the American Research Corporation. 23
MISSISSIPPI MISSISSIPPI Butler, Snow, O'Mara, Stevens & Cannada, PLLC 1700 AmSouth Plaza 210 E. Capital St., P.O. Box 22567 Jackson, MS 39225-2567 (601) 948-5711 Fax (601) 985-4500 Website www.butlersnow.com Three generations of Butler Snow attorneys have practiced transportation law. The firm's representation of transportation entities began in the 1930's, through work for bus companies, and has grown to include the representation of trucking companies, pipelines, aviation companies, shippers and receivers, and companies operating private fleets. Two members of the firm have served as president of the Transportation Lawyers Association, an international bar association of attorneys specializing in the representation of transportation entities, and the firm is active in TIDA. Our representation of transportation companies includes business matters such as buying and selling transportation companies and negotiating and drafting transportation contracts between trucking companies and their commercial customers. We also represent transportation clients on regulatory compliance and employee relations issues. We have defended transportation companies in litigation involving truck-trailer and transportation related accidents, personal injury, property damage, and contract disputes and we have also represented transportation equipment manufacturers in products liability matters. In addition, we regularly handle transportation related insurance matters including freight loss and damage claims. Clients include Freightliner, LLC; Total Transportation of Mississippi LLC; Ryder System, Inc.; Detroit Diesel; Empire Trucks; FedEx Ground Package System, Inc.; Monaco Coach Corporation; Damon Corporation; Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc.; Tiffin Motor Homes, Inc.; National RV; Jayco, Inc.; Miller Transporters, Inc.; Coastal Transport, Inc.; Donaldson Company; USA Truck; Dupre Transport, LLC; Sysco; COMCar Industries; FFE Transportation Services; International Truck and Engine Corporation; and Dana Corporation. Significant jury verdict wins include Blackwell v. Tiffin Motor Homes, Inc. (Smith County, Mississippi Defense Verdict 2003); Brandenburg v. Corr- Williams (Rankin Co. Defense Verdict 2003); Magee v. Arthur Lee Evans Trucking Co. (Copiah Co. Defense Verdict 2001); Centennial Ins. v. Ryder, 149 F3d 378 (5th Cir. 1998); Hiltgen v. Sumrall, 47 F3d 438 (5th Cir., 1995); Cole v. Altom, 567 F. Supp. 1084 (N.D. Miss 1983); and Brown & Warfield v. ABF, 433 F2d 351 (5th Cir., 1970). Arthur D. Spratlin, Jr. (601) 985-4568 art.spratlin@butlersnow.com Meade W. Mitchell (601) 985-4560 meade.mitchell@butlersnow.com Richard M. Dye (601) 985-4513 rick.dye@butlersnow.com 24
MISSISSIPPI, cont. Daniel P. Jordan III (601) 985-4576 dan.jordan@butlersnow.com MISSOURI Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass, P.C. 100 South Fourth Street Suite 400 Saint Louis, MO 63102-1821 (314) 421-5545 Fax (312) 421-3144 Website www.rabbittlaw.com MISSOURI Clients include Ryder Truck Rental, Inc./Ryder System, Inc., Werner Enterprises, Inc., Landstar, Inc./Crete Carrier, Inc., Canal Insurance Company/Transportation Claims, Inc., Yellow Transportation, Bi-State Development Agency of Missouri and Illinois, CR England & Sons, and United Van Lines. Recent jury verdict wins include Compton v. Yellow Freight in the City of St. Louis, Stewart v. Crete Carrier in St. Clair County, IL, Yellow Freight v. Starkey in St. Louis County, and Enos v. Ryder in the City of St. Louis. Donald L. O'Keefe (314) 421-5545 okeefe@rabbittlaw.com Mr. O'Keefe's practice is concentrated in the defense of catastrophic truck and bus accident claims and transportation-related insurance coverage issues and litigation. Extensive experience in trucking and common carrier disputes in both Missouri and Illinois. Daniel T. Rabbitt (314) 421-5545 rabbitt@rabbittlaw.com Mr. Rabbitt has represented truck lines and truck lessors in transportation and product liability cases for 25 years and in substantial injury and death cases including many catastrophic injury cases. 25
MONTANA MONTANA Milodragovich, Dale, Steinbrenner & Binney, P.C. P.O. Box 4947 620 High Park Way Missoula, MT 59806-4947 (406) 728-1455 Fax (406) 549-7077 Website www.bigskylawyers.com G. Patrick HagEstad (406) 728-1455 gpatrick@bigskylawyers.com Michael J. Milodragovich (406) 728-1455 bigskylaw@montana.com 26
NEBRASKA Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. Regency Westpointe, Ste. 100 10330 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 397-2200 Fax (402) 390-7137 Website www.eslaw.com NEBRASKA Erickson Sederstrom has over 30 years experience in defending claims involving the transportation industry. This includes large freight and over the road trucking companies, local cargo shippers, bus companies, limo services, farm to market truckers, and specialty transportation. The firm has defended a variety of product liability actions, commercial disputes, warranty claims, and design claims. We have a 24 hour response system in place to get to the accident site and preserve evidence and protect the client. Firm clients include; New Prime Inc., Werner Transportation, AIG Truck Transport, Transportation Claims Inc., Kingsway, Schwan s, Bakers Supermarkets, Zurich Truck Insurance, Federal Express and Arthur Wells Trucking Group Inc. Thomas J. Culhane (402) 397-2200 tjc@eslaw.com Richard J. Gilloon (402) 397-2200 rjg@eslaw.com Jerald L. Rauterkus (402) 397-2200 jlr@eslaw.com NEVADA NEVADA Rawlings, Olson, Cannon, Gormley & Desruisseaux, P.C. 9950 West Cheyenne Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 384-4012 Fax (702) 383-0701 Website www.rocgd.com James R. Olson (702) 384-4012 jolson@rocgd.com 27
NEW HAMPSHIRE Sulloway & Hollis, PLLC 9 Capitol Street P.O. Box 1256 Concord, NH 03302-1256 (603) 224-2341 Fax (603) 224-2557 Website www.sulloway.com NEW HAMPSHIRE The Sulloway & Hollis firm has extensive experience in handling transportation cases and has handled numerous matters at suit, in mediations, and in arbitrations. Edward M. Kaplan (603) 223-2863 ekaplan@sulloway.com Robert J. Lanney (603) 223-2831 rlanney@sulloway.com 28
NEW JERSEY Braff, Harris & Sukoneck 570 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave. Livingston, NJ 07039 (973) 994-6677 Fax (973) 994-1296 NEW JERSEY The Braff, Harris & Sukoneck firm is devoted to litigation defense and trial practice. The firm has extensive experience in trucking accident litigation as well as personal injury and wrongful death defense. The attorneys of Braff, Harris & Sukoneck have provided counsel to trucking companies regarding, among other matters, accident investigation, claim management, settlement options, trial strategies, and accident prevention. Attorneys from the firm are listed on the Harmonie web site 24 Hour Accident Response Directory, and can respond to after hour incidents where immediate investigative and legal services may be needed to ensure that the claim is defended properly, almost from the moment the accident occurs. The firm is capable of defending claims arising from trucking accidents in both the state and federal courts. Among the clients represented by Braff, Harris & Sukoneck are HARCO National Insurance Company, Swift, Keystone Trucking, Lufkin Trailers, International Trucking Co., and Truckers who are insured by Lexington and the AIG. Brian C. Harris (973) 994-6677 bcharris@bhs-law.com Keith Harris (973) 994-6677 Kharris@bhs-law.com Andrew M Lusskin (973) 994-6677 ext. 138 amlusskin@bhs-law.com 29
NEW JERSEY, cont. Margolis Edelstein The Curtis Center, 4th Floor Independence Square Philadelphia, PA 19106-3304 (215) 922-1100 Fax (215) 922-1772 Website www.margolisedelstein.com Colleen M. Ready (856) 869-6713 cready@margolisedelstein.com Colleen Ready leads the Margolis transportation practice group for their New Jersey office with several years of experience handling transportation related matters and has tried several cases in this area. Clients include many significant insurers including AIG, Empire Fire & Marine, Great American, Great West Casualty, John Deere, Lancer Insurance Company, the former Kemper Insurance Group, Republic Western, among others, and many self-insureds such as, Arkansas Best Freight, Bridge Terminal Transport (Maersk), FFE Transportation Services, Inc., Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Pilot Corporation, PJAX Trucking, US Foodservice, Inc. and Yellow Freight, to name a few. We have successfully tried to verdict many transportation matters for clients listed, above, as well as others. Most recently, Rolf Kroll prevailed in a tragic scenario with a Republic Western policyholder. 30
NEW MEXICO NEW MEXICO Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, P.A. 201 Third Street N.W. Suite 2200 Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 765-5900 Fax (505) 768-7395 Patrick M. Shay (505) 768-7255 pshay@rodey.com Mr. Shay received his B.A. from the University of Colorado in 1977 and his J.D. from the University of Virginia in 1981. He joined Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, PA in 1981. He was the leader of the firm s Product Liability/General Liability Practice Group from 2000 through 2005. Areas of concentration: litigation with an emphasis in product liability, personal injury, and general liability claims. Paul R. Koller (505) 768-7241 pkoller@rodey.com Mr. Koller received his B.A. from Benedictine College in 1985 and his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law in 1988. He joined Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, PA in 1988. He is the leader of the firm s Product Liability/General Liability Practice Group. Areas of concentration: litigation with an emphasis in workers compensation, products liability, personal injury, and insurance. David W. Bunting (505) 768-7545 dwbunting@rodey.com Mr. Bunting received his B.A. from Southern Illinois University in 1977 and his J.D. from the University of New Mexico in 1991. Areas of concentration: litigation with an emphasis on construction, surety defense, and defense of architects and engineers. 31
NEW YORK NEW YORK Abrams, Gorelick, Friedman & Jacobson, P.C. 115 Broadway 11th Floor New York, NY 10006 (212) 422-1200 Fax (212) 968-7573 Website www.agfjlaw.com ABRAMS GORELICK has defended bodily injury and property damage transportation claims for several years for self-insured motor carriers as well as insurance carriers and Third Party Administrators. The firm is a member of The Harmonie Group s 24 Hour Response Team. Our principal responders are partners who are former District Attorneys with significant experience in crime scene investigation. Clients include Lombard Insurance Company, Kingsway General Insurance Company and Rockville Risk Management Associates. Glenn A. Jacobson (212) 422-1200 gjacobson@agfjlaw.com Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. 1300 Liberty Building Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 849-8900 Fax (716) 855-0874 Website www.hurwitzfine.com Donna L. Burden (716) 849-8900 dlb@hurwitzfine.com Ms. Donna Burden is a member of the highly selective Trucking Industry Defense Association (T.I.D.A.) which is the only international organization devoted exclusively to the defense of the trucking industry in personal injury, property damage, and worker s compensation claims. She is the Vice Chair of the of DRI (Defense Research Institute) Trucking Law Committee and Program Chair for the DRI Trucking Law Conference in Chicago in 2006 and is a member of the national Harmonie Trucking Law Group." Clients include Federal Express Ground, Inc., Federal Express Express, Inc., Federal Express Custom Critical, Inc., Federal Express Freight, Inc., The Sygma Network, Tyson Foods, CNA, Northland Insurance, USF Holland, Estes Truck Lines, Lincoln General Insurance Company, Progressive (CAIP), RLI Insurance, Lafarge North America, and Protective Insurance. 32
NEW YORK, cont. Molod Spitz & DeSantis, P.C. 104 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018-3617 (212) 869-3200 Fax (212) 869-4242 Website www.molodspitz.com Molod Spitz & DeSantis has represented the trucking industry for over 20 years. They represent both carriers and self-insureds in all aspects of transportation litigation, including personal/commercial automobile, and trucks and common carriers. Molod Spitz & DeSantis expertise in commercial automobile and trucking (including direct leasing and direct renting) makes them attuned to the special needs of carriers, and sensitive to indemnification and other insurance requirements in leasing agreements. In addition, they represent multi-state common carriers. Representative clients include Allstate Insurance Company, Carolina Casualty Insurance Co., Commerce Insurance Company, Guide One Insurance, Kingsway General Insurance Co., Laidlaw Transit, Mendon Leasing Corporation, NYAT Operating Corporation f/k/a New York Apple Tours and Response Insurance Company. For more information on significant jury verdict wins, see: Batista v. Grullon and Chun, Bronx County, Defense Verdict 01/04; McQuilla v. Jewish Education and Samuil Glatman, Kings County, Defense Verdict 01/04; Colon v. Ferreras, Bronx County, Defense Verdict 08/03; Schiavone v. Calcagni, et al., Westchester County, Defense Verdict 11/02; Assarpour v. Burke, Bronx County, Defense Verdict 05/02; Bednarczyk v. Kuriakose, Westchester County, Defense Verdict 01/02; Erwiah v. Silver Star Auto Express, Inc., Bronx County, Defense Verdict 11/01; Tusaneza v. Rivera, Westchester County, Defense Verdict 03/99. Alice Spitz (212) 869-3200 aspitz@molodspitz.com 33
North Carolina Cranfill, Sumner & Hartzog, L.L.P. 225 Hillsborough Street, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 828-5100 Fax (919) 828-2277 Website www.cshlaw.com NORTH CAROLINA Cranfill, Sumner & Hartzog has represented trucking companies and transportation insurance carriers for many years. The firm s Trucking and Transportation Section consists of attorneys with significant experience in the defense of these cases. The firm has represented trucking companies and transportation liability insurance companies, and has experience with a wide variety of trucking cases, including personal injury, wrongful death, cargo damage/loss, insurance coverage issues, etc. Representative clients include American International Group (AIG), Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Kingsway General Insurance Company, J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., Southeastern Freight Lines, Terminal Trucking Company, etc. Cranfill, Sumner & Hartzog attorneys have successfully defended numerous cases involving trucking companies and trucking accidents. These include jury trials in wrongful death cases, brain injury and other catastrophic injuries, and accidents involving less severe injuries. The firm handles litigation in federal and state courts. Rob Griffin (919) 863-8723 rhg@cshlaw.com 34
OHIO Reminger & Reminger Company, L.P.A. 1400 Midland Building 101 Prospect Avenue West Cleveland, OH 44115-1093 (216) 687-1311 Fax (216) 687-1841 Website www.reminger.com OHIO ICC Authorized carriers, as well as most of the major transportation liability insurers, rely upon the Reminger & Reminger s experience to help solve the unique challenges facing the transportation industry in the United States. The firm has more than 40 years of experience in defending both routine and catastrophic cases and in dealing with logo liability, bobtail, deadhead, trip lease and Title 49 issues. Representative clients include YRC Worldwide, Swift Transportation, Overnite Transportation, ABF, Penske Truck Leasing, Great West Casualty, Carolina Casualty, National Indemnity and Protective Insurance, Federal Express Corporation, Tyson Foods, Gainey Transportation, Northland Insurance, Central Transport Companies and AIG. Kenneth P. Abbarno (216) 687-1311 kabbarno@reminger.com Kenneth P. Abbarno has defended trucking accident cases for over 12 years. Over that timeframe, he has tried over 35 cases with the majority of those cases involving various transportation related issues including motor vehicle accidents, property damage claims involving Carmack Amendment Claims, as well as product liability matters. Over the last five years, Mr. Abbarno has obtained successful defense verdicts in a number of cases including a recent defense verdict in a trailer under-ride case involving a negligent free passenger who was killed as a result of the accident. James J. Turek (216) 687-1311 jturek@reminger.com James J. Turek has been handling transportation cases for over 22 years. During that time, he has defended trucking companies and their insurers in over 70 jury trials. Many of these trial involved wrongful death or serious injury claims. In addition, Mr. Turek has performed several hundred on scene truck accident investigations all across Ohio. Mr. Turek participates in mediations on a regular basis, in both state and federal actions. 35
OKLAHOMA Best & Sharp ONE OK Plaza 100 West 5th Street, Suite 808 Tulsa, OK 74103 (918) 582-1234 Fax (918) 585-9447 Website www.bestsharp.com OKLAHOMA Bob James (918) 582-1234 bjames@bestsharp.com Bob James has litigated automotive and trucking cases for more than a decade. He has handled a wide range of cases with injuries ranging from minor property damage to death. Mr. James' transportation practice is dedicated solely to the defense of regional and national carriers, owner/operators, independent contractors, and transportation liability insurers. Clients include Aramark Services, Celadon, Roadshow Services, Transportation Pro Cal, Rhyne Trucking (contractor to Dollar General Stores Inc.), Sartain Trucking, Schwans Foods, and Swift Transportation. 36
OREGON Martin, Bischoff 888 S.W. Fifth Avenue Suite 900 Portland, OR 97204 (503) 224-3113 Fax (503) 244-9471 Website www.martinbischoff.com OREGON Attorneys at Martin Bischoff have extensive experience defending litigation arising from motor vehicle accidents, including accidents involving trucks. The firm regularly represents automotive manufacturers, truck manufacturers and component part manufacturers in product liability matters. Attorneys in the firm have also represented trucking companies. Representative clients within the trucking industry include: PACCAR, Inc., Volvo Trucks, Inc., Rockwell International, and N. Yanke Transfer, Ltd., among others. Vehicle manufacturers represented by the firm include Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and General Motors. Jonathon Hoffman (503) 224-3113 jhoffman@martinbischoff.com John Knottnerus (503) 224-3113 jknotternerus@martinbischoff.com Mary-Anne Rayburn (503) 224-3113 mrayburn@martinbischoff.com 37
PENNSYLVANIA Fine, Wyatt & Carey, P.C. 425 Spruce Street 4th Floor, P.O. Box 590 Scranton, PA 18501-0590 (570) 343-1197 Fax (570) 343-9538 PENNSYLVANIA Fine, Wyatt & Carey has defended trucking companies against personal injury and wrongful death claims in the state and federal court system in central and northeastern Pennsylvania for over 35 years; more recently, we have also successfully utilized various alternate dispute resolution forums to resolve transportation-related litigation. We represent several insurance carriers that write coverage for trucking firms, and strongly advocate early involvement of defense counsel in the investigation and reconstruction of accidents to ensure proper defense of any resulting lawsuits. Richard G. Fine (570) 343-1197 rfine@epix.net Margolis Edelstein The Curtis Center, 4th Floor Independence Square Philadelphia, PA 19106-3304 (215) 922-1100 Fax (215) 922-1772 Website www.margolisedelstein.com Donald Davis, Esq. (215) 931-5813 ddavis @margolisedelstein.com Mr. Davis leads the Margolis transportation practice group for their Philadelphia office with several years of experience in jury cases as well as the resolution of transportation related matters through arbitration and mediation. Clients include many significant insurers including AIG, Empire Fire & Marine, Great American, Great West Casualty, John Deere, Lancer Insurance Company, the former Kemper Insurance Group, Republic Western, among others, and many self-insureds such as, Arkansas Best Freight, Bridge Terminal Transport (Maersk), FFE Transportation Services, Inc., Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Pilot Corporation, PJAX Trucking, US Foodservice, Inc. and Yellow Freight, to name a few. We have successfully tried to verdict many transportation matters for clients listed, above, as well as others. Most recently, Rolf Kroll prevailed in a tragic scenario with a Republic Western policyholder. 38
PENNSYLVANIA, cont. Zimmer Kunz, PLLC 3300 US Steel Tower Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2702 (412) 434-5432 Fax (412) 281-1765 Website www.zklaw.com Zimmer Kunz partners have extensive experience advising and defending trucking companies, transportation equipment manufacturers and their insurers in matters involving and arising out of vehicle accidents, alleged product defects, insurance coverage, and related coverage claims, and frequently provide day-one response handling and investigation guidance and direction. The cases range from all types of personal injury and property damage matters, including fire litigation, to catastrophic injury and wrongful death suits. Our lawyers are active in many state and national defense organizations and Mr. Stewart has been a long-time member of the Trucking Industry Defense Association(TIDA),and has counseled self-insured trucking clients and motor carrier insurers for in excess of twenty years. Mr. Selep, in addition to his work in the transportation field, has extensive trial experience in product liability litigation. A representative sample of transportation clients serviced by Zimmer Kunz in litigation matters in western Pennsylvania and all of West Virginia includes: Arkansas Best Freight(ABF Freightways), Dart Trucking, Rush Trucking, Jupiter Transportation, McQuade Trucking, Watkins Trucking, KLLM Transportation, Ryder Truck Rental/Ryder Transportation Systems, Schwan s, World Shipping/Container Port Group, and Fed Ex Ground. Zimmer Kunz also handles transportation claims through a number of TPA s and transportation industry insurers including American International Group (AIG), Liberty Mutual, Caldwell International, Gallagher Bassett Insurance Services, York Claim Services, Carolina Casualty, and RLI Insurance. In addition, the firm has extensive product liability experience for transportation related equipment product liability claims for various manufacturers. A representative sample includes ATV litigation, handicapped-equipped vehicle components, wheels and tire rims, electronic controls, trailer underride protection and marker lights. Zimmer Kunz also has extensive experience in claims of brake failure/loss, loss of cargo loads and tires, and D.O.T./Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation claims relative to hours of service, forced dispatch, and driver fatigue. Joseph W. Selep (412) 434-5432 selep@zklaw.com George Stewart (412) 434-5432 stewart@zklaw.com Mr. Selep and Mr. Stewart are admitted to practice in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia (state and federal courts). 39
RHODE ISLAND Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy, P.C 123 Dyer Street Providence, RI 02903 Telephone (401) 421-5123 Fax (401) 421-5136 Webite www.campbell-trial-lawyers.com Transportation is one of the core industries serviced by attorneys at Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy, P.C. Our clients include vehicle manufacturers, motor carriers, companies that transport their own goods and materials, and the insured s of numerous insurance carriers. Members of the firm have successfully defended a variety of product liability actions and vehicular accident cases that resulted in personal injury or death, property damage and cargo loss. Representative clients include Paccar, Inc., Mitsubishi Motors, Great West Casualty Company, Freightliner Group, Volvo Group, Tyson Foods, Inc., Ford Motor Company, Consolidated Freightways Corp., Marriott International Inc., and General Motors Corporation. Brain P. Voke (617) 241-3042 Bvoke@campbell-trial-lawyers.com SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA Richardson, Plowden, Carpenter & Robinson, P.A. 1600 Marion Street P.O. Drawer 7788 Columbia, SC 29202 (803) 771-4400 Fax (803) 779-0016 Website www.rpcrlaw.com Richardson, Plowden, Carpenter & Robinson, P.A. hasrepresented a number of self-insured trucking companies and insurance carriers in the defense of trucking and related product liability claims. This experience includes the defense of wrongful death, significant personal injury and property damage claims. Representative clients include Trimac Transportation Services, Pepsi Bottling Group, Pizza Hut of America, SSI Technologies, Inc. and Carolina Casualty Insurance. Steven J. Pugh (803) 771-4400 spugh@rpcrlaw.com 40
SOUTH DAKOTA SOUTH DAKOTA Gunderson, Palmer, Goodsell & Nelson, LLP Assurant Building 440 Mount Rushmore Road, P.O. Box 8045 Rapid City, SD 57709-8045 (605) 342-1078 Fax (605) 342-9503 Website www.gundersonpalmer.com Both Mr. Dan Ashmore and Mr. Chris Palmer have defended a number of commercial carriers and their insurance companies in transportation claims and litigation involving trucking accidents, personal injury and property damage. Both Mr. Ashmore and Mr. Palmer have experience in defending truck manufacturers in truck product liability claims and litigation. Daniel E. Ashmore (605) 342-1078 Cris Palmer (605) 342-1078 cpalmer@gpgnlaw.com TENESSEE TENNESSEE Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC First Tennessee Bank Building 165 Madison Ave., Ste. 2000 Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 577-2256 Fax (901) 577-2303 Website www.bakerdonelson.com George T. Lewis, III (901) 577-2256 blewis@bakerdonelson.com 41
TEXAS Brown Sims, P.C. Tenth Floor 1177 West Loop South Houston, TX 77027-9007 (713) 629-1580 Fax (713) 629-5027 TEXAS Brown Sims, P. C. has represented transportation and trucking companies for over 30 years. We have handled a range and variety of cases, including cargo claims, wrongful death, personal injury, design defect, marketing defect, manufacturing defect, and collision cases. Clients include Empire Truck Lines; Waggoner Trucking; E & H Trucking; Fowler Trucking, Inc. or Heldt Brothers Trucking; Kreilcamp Trucking; Arnold Trucking; Fast Forward Trucking; Harold Ives Trucking; Brothers Trucking, LLC; K Truck Lines; Charles Lamarr Dump Truck Service; ALCO Transportation, d/b/a ALCO Trucking; Roadrunner Freight; International Truck & Engine Corp.; ASAP; Rudolph Miles; Brillis Trucking; Central Moving & Storage; Coy Transportation; Kirk s Truck Services; Hunsucker Truck Lease; Arnold Trucking; Arrow Trucking; Harold Ives Trucking; Houston Prestige Trucking; Arrow Trucking; Sunbelt Works Transportation; Four Truckers; Ray Reich Trucking; Highway Pipeline Truck Company; B. J. Cecil Trucking; Ryder Truck Rental, Inc.; Hodges Trucking; J. A. Gamez Trucking; Valley Trucking; Umthun Trucking; Decker Truck Lines; W. T. Trucking, Inc.; Sea-Land Services, Inc.; Kottke Trucking, Inc.; KIVI Brothers Trucking; Lee s Trucking, Inc.; J. Stupor & Son Trucking & Rigging; Highway Transport, Inc.; Watkins Motor Lines, Inc.; CBSL Transportation Services, Inc.; PWI Beaumont, Inc.; James Carter Service Center; Gulf Coast Transport; Transport Service Co.; Venture Transportation; Builders Transport; Union Transport; Harris Transport; Durham Transportation, Inc.; McAllister Towing & Transportation Co.; Coastal Transporters, Inc.; Esco Transportation; Highway Transport; Transport Service Company; Highway Transport, Inc.; Union Transport. Recent verdicts include a defense verdict in Huckaby and Boyd v. A.G. Perry & Son, a wrongful death suit where the Plaintiffs were killed in a collision involving an eighteen wheeler. The matter was tried to a jury and the jury found no fault on the Defendant. G. Byron Sims (713) 629-1580 gbsims@brownsims.com Jeromy D. Hughes (713) 351-6218 gbsims@brownsims.com 42
TEXAS, cont. Hermes Sargent Bates, L.L.P. Bank of America Plaza 901 Main Street, Suite 5200 Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 749-6522 Fax (214) 749-6100 Website www.hsblaw.com Hermes Sargent Bates has collectively tried hundreds of cases involving the trucking industry, including numerous cases involving serious bodily injury and multiple fatalities. Mr. Sargent heads up the Transportation Section of the firm which has extensive experience in advising and handling such cases for transportation clients. The Transportation Section of Hermes Sargent Bates also handles regulatory issues for members of the transportation industry. Representative clients include Great West Casualty Company, Southwest Truck Insurance Agency, Swift Transportation Inc., FFE Transportation Services, Inc., US Express Inc. and Lancer Insurance Inc. David Sargent (214) 749-6516 david.sargent@hsblaw.com Mr. Sargent represents motor carriers throughout Texas in cases spanning the simple to the most complicated. He has extensive experience in complex litigation matters and defends catastrophic injury and death cases from minutes of the accident through verdict. Mr. Sargent serves as state and national coordinating counsel for a number of motor carriers and insurers. Dwayne J. Hermes (214) 749-6522 dwayne.hermes@hsblaw.com Mr. Hermes has significant experience in the defense of product liability cases for numerous manufacturers and distributors of products and component parts in connection with personal injury and property loss. This experience includes numerous cases involving trucking related equipment. 43
UTAH Snow, Christensen & Martineau 10 Exchange Place P.O. Box 45000 Salt Lake City, UT 84145 (801) 322-9183 Fax (801) 363-0400 Website www.scmlaw.com UTAH For decades, Snow, Christensen & Martineau has been trying cases involving trucking companies. They have defended national and regional carriers in matters that involve wrongful death, quadriplegia, and serious brain injury. The firm defends carriers in complicated claims arising form all facets of truck and carrier operations. The firm represents C. R. England, Inc., Central Refrigerated Services, Inc., Yellow Freight, Dick Simon Trucking, Overnite Transportation, Ryder Truck Rental, Inc., and others, and their insurance carriers. Recent victories included a no cause of action ruling in Sprague v. C. R. England and an Appellate Court reversal of $16.4 million judgment in Gallegos v. Dick Simon Trucking. John R. Lund (801) 521-9000 jlund@scmlaw.com Andrew M. Morse (801) 322-9183 amorse@scmlaw.com 44
VERMONT Paul Frank + Collins P.C. One Church Street P.O. Box 1307 Burlington, VT 05402 (802) 658-2311 Fax (802) 658-0042 Website www.pfclaw.com VERMONT The firm of Paul Frank + Collins has successfully litigated cases involving cargo loss/damage, personal injury and wrongful death. They advise and represent insurance companies with respect to insurance coverage disputes involving transportation losses. Additionally, the firm has experience with the design and operation of captive insurance programs for transportation companies. Representative clients include Sumitomo Marine & Fire Insurance Company of America, Progressive Insurance Company, ING Novex Insurance Company, J.P. Noonan Transportation, Inc. (captive insurance program), A.D. Transport Express, Inc., A.N. Deringer and Reliable Shippers, Inc. For more information on significant jury wins, see Braman v. Barron, Bennington Superior Court, Docket No. SO288-95 BcC (Feb. 27, 1998) (personal injury resulting from car/truck accident, liability admitted); Magnan v. A.D. Transport Express, Inc., United States District Court for District of Vermont, Docket No. 2-03-cv-6 (Dec. 19, 2003) (wrongful death resulting from car/truck accident, liability admitted). William D. Riley (802) 658-2311 wriley@pfclaw.com 45
VIRGINIA Harman, Claytor, Corrigan & Wellman PO Box 70280 Richmond, VA 23255 (804) 747-5200 Fax (804) 747-6085 Website hccw.com VIRGINIA Harman, Claytor, Corrigan & Wellman has developed a regional specialization in the representation of transportation companies and the carriers that insure them. This pertains to all aspects of transportation litigation, including the defense of wrongful death, traumatic brain injury, personal injury, property damage and cargo loss claims. Harman, Claytor also represents transportation and component part manufacturers in the defense of product liability actions, and provides advice and representation to both transportation companies and their insurers with respect to insurance coverage questions and disputes. Members of Harman, Claytor are active in a number of transportation-related organizations, including TIDA, the ABA s Transportation Law Committee, and the DRI s Trucking Law Committee. Representative clients include Criterion Claim Solutions, Robinson Transportation Co., Federal Express Corporation, Seaboard Underwriters, Inc., Fed Ex Freight, Swift Transportation, Inc., Flying J, Inc., TA Travel Centers of America, Great West Casualty Co., Tyson Foods, Inc., National Interstate Insurance Co., Vanliner Insurance Co., Roberson Transportation, and Watkins Motor Lines among others. Members of Harman, Claytor, Corrigan & Wellman have successfully resolved hundreds of transportation related lawsuits through jury verdict, dispositive motions, arbitration and mediation. These matters range from multi-million dollar claims involving multiple fatalities and traumatic brain injuries to property damage and cargo loss claims. Please contact Mike Harman or Stan Wellman for more specific information pertaining to these matters. Michael E. Harman (804) 762-8013 (direct) mharman@hccw.com Stanley Wellman (804) 762-8015 (direct) swellman@hccw.com 46
WASHINGTON Betts, Patterson & Mines, P.S. One Convention Place 701 Pike Street, Suite 1400 Seattle, WA 98101-3927 (206) 292-9988 Fax (206) 343-7053 Website www.bpmlaw.com WASHINGTON Representative clients include Motor Cargo, USF Freightways (USF Reddaway, USF Bestway), Roadway, Yellow Freight, Systems, Overnite Transportation, Covenant Transport, J.B. Hunt, Farwest Freight, Market Transport, West Coast Trucking, CSX Intermodal, CSX Transportation, Columbia & Cowlitz R.R., Port of Chehalis, Port of Olympia, The Prairie Line (cities of Yelm and Roy), Ballard Terminal Railway Company, meeker & Southern, Weyerhaeuser, PACCAR, North Pacific Group and Darigold (West Farm Foods). Steven W. Block (206) 292-9988 sblock@bpmlaw.com Steve Block is a director with 18 years of litigation and business experience. He concentrates his litigation practice on a variety of transportation, customs, business and other matters, including cargo, collision, shipping regulation, international trade and border security law, defense of Jones Act/Longshore and other personal injury claims, employment, insurance coverage, and commercial disputes. Mr. Block is National President-Elect of the Association for Transportation Law, Logistics and Policy, and cochair of the Transportation Lawyers Association's Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee (having previously served on TLA's Executive Committee). He is a Proctor in Admiralty Jody Reich (206) 292-9988 jreich@bpmlaw.com 47
WASHINGTON, cont. Zimmer Kunz, PLLC 206 Spruce Street Morgantown, W. VA 26505 Fax: (304) 292-7529 George N. Stewart stewart@zklaw.com (304)292-8531 (724)493-6224 Cell (724)853-7035 Home Joseph Selep selep@zklaw.com (304)292-8531 Mr. Selep and Mr. Stewart are admitted to practice in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia (state and federal courts). Zimmer Kunz partners have extensive experience advising and defending trucking companies, transportation equipment manufacturers and their insurers in matters involving and arising out of vehicle accidents, alleged product defects, insurance coverage, and related coverage claims, and frequently provide day-one response handling and investigation guidance and direction. The cases range from all types of personal injury and property damage matters, including fire litigation, to catastrophic injury and wrongful death suits. Our lawyers are active in many state and national defense organizations and Mr. Stewart has been a long-time member of the Trucking Industry Defense Association(TIDA),and has counseled self-insured trucking clients and motor carrier insurers for in excess of twenty years. Mr. Selep, in addition to his work in the transportation field, has extensive trial experience in product liability litigation. A representative sample of transportation clients serviced by Zimmer Kunz in litigation matters in western Pennsylvania and all of West Virginia includes: Arkansas Best Freight(ABF Freightways), Dart Trucking, Rush Trucking, Jupiter Transportation, McQuade Trucking, Watkins Trucking, KLLM Transportation, Ryder Truck Rental/Ryder Transportation Systems, Schwan s, World Shipping/Container Port Group, and Fed Ex Ground. Zimmer Kunz also handles transportation claims through a number of TPA s and transportation industry insurers including American International Group (AIG), Liberty Mutual, Caldwell International, Gallagher Bassett Insurance Services, York Claim Services, Carolina Casualty, and RLI Insurance. In addition, the firm has extensive product liability experience for transportationrelated equipment product liability claims for various manufacturers. A representative sample includes ATV litigation, handicapped equipped vehicle components, wheels and tire rims, electronic controls, trailer underride protection and marker lights.zimmer Kunz also has extensive experience in claims of brake failure/loss, loss of cargo/loads and tires, and D.O.T./Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation claims relative to hours of service, forced dispatch, and driver fatigue. 48
WISCONSIN Peterson, Johnson & Murray, S.C. Sixth Floor, 733 N. Van Buren Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 278-8800 Fax (414) 278-0920 Website www.pjmlaw.com WISCONSIN Michael P. Crooks (608) 256-5220 mcrooks@pjmlaw.com Mr. Crooks has successfully handled numerous trucking cases for Walgreen Co., Van Liner and Great West Casualty Company. He is a Board Certified Trial Attorney and was voted by his peers as among the top lawyers in Dane County, WI in 2002 and 2005. Currently, Mr. Crooks is President of CTCW, the defense bar for the state of Wisconsin. He is also a member of DRI and IADC. Terry Johnson (414) 278-8800 tjohnson@pjmlaw.com Mr. Terry Johnson has been defending trucking accident cases for Great West, a trucking specialty carrier, for approximately 20 years. Over the 20 years, he has tried approximately 15-20 cases to verdict for Great West, including several wrongful death cases and two severe brain damage cases. Mr. Johnson has been Wisconsin counsel for J.B. Hunt for approximately 10 years. He has also tried a variety of trucking accident cases for other insurance carriers that insure trucking companies. He has also tried some cases involving trucking defects, including claims relating to lighting and tackle graph. James Murray (414) 278-8800 jmurray@pjmlaw.com Mr. James Murray has handled numerous cases involving transportation equipment including aircraft, farm equipment and golf carts. He has substantial experience with design, engineering and reconstruction experts. Representative clients include British Aerospace, Associated Aviation Underwriters, Textron, John Deere and New Idea. Mr. Murray has obtained multiple jury verdict wins, including aviation accident (federal court, Milwaukee), golf cart accident (state court, Milwaukee), corn picker (state court, Elkhorn, Wisconsin). 49
WISCONSIN, cont. Randy Parlee (414) 278-8800 rparlee@pjmlaw.com Mr. Randy Parlee has handled to conclusion approximately 25 trucking accident cases involving trucks insured by Great West Casualty Company. Three of these cases involved chemical spills, two of them involved claimed personal injury damages in excess of $1,000,000.00. Three of Mr. Parlee s cases with Great West Casualty were tried to verdict. All were defense wins. One was a federal case tried in Milwaukee with potential damage exposure over $1,000,000.00. Ron Pezze (414) 278-8800 rpezze@pjmlaw.com Mr. Ronald Pezze has handled various cases arising out of trucking and products liability, including personal injuries and the mis-delivery of fuels. Representative clients include Shell Oil Company, Great West Casualty Company and Secura Insurance. In October 2004 Mr. Pezze successfully tried a case for USF&G involving mis-delivery of fuel. In the late 1990s, he also tried a case for Shell Oil Company involving the same issue. Timothy J. Pike (262) 857-4520 tpike@pjmlaw.com Mr. Riddle has handled a variety of transportation cases including those involving personal injuries and property damage. Most recently, he defended a local short-haul trucking company whose dump truck collided with another tractor-trailer causing extensive personal injuries and property damage to multiple vehicles. He is a member of DRI and the ABA. Clayton L. Riddle (414) 278-8800 criddle@pjmlaw.com Mr. Riddle has handled a variety of transportation cases including those involving personal injuries and property damage. Most recently, he defended a local short-haul trucking company whose dump truck collided with another tractor-trailer causing extensive personal injuries and property damage to multiple vehicles. He is a member of DRI and the ABA. 50
WYOMING Hirst & Applegate, P.C. 1720 Carey Avenue, Suite 200 P.O. Box 1083 Cheyenne, WY 82003-1083 (307) 632-0541 Fax (307) 632-4999 Website www.hirstapplegate.com WYOMING Hirst & Applegate has defended numerous clients in various commercial motor vehicle accident cases including those specifically in the trucking and transportation industry. These include both self-insured clients as well as those with commercial vehicle insurance coverage. Hirst & Applegate is also a participant in The Harmonie Group s 24 Hour Emergency/Accident Response Initiative. Richard Mincer is a member of TIDA. Representative clients include FedEx Ground, FFE Transportation, Universal Transport, World Trucking, Ford Motor Company, Flying J Transportation, Cooper Cameron Corp., Williams Scotsman Inc., and Trimac Transportation, Inc. Hirst & Applegate is on the Commercial Vehicle Panels for various insurance companies. While most cases are resolved prior to trial via motion or settlement, recent jury verdict wins include Vialpando vs. Cooper Cameron, USDC Wyo. Civil No. 00-CV-012B (2002), aff d 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 1392 (10th Cir. 2004) and Battle vs. Universal Transport, Sweetwater Cnty. D.C., Civil No. CV-02-470R (2004). Richard A. Mincer (307) 632-0541 rmincer@hirstapplegate.com Richard G. Schneebeck (307) 632-0541 rschneebeck@hirstapplegate.com 51
For more information on the Group contact: Tim Violet, Esq. Executive Director THE HARMONIE GROUP 634 Woodbury Street St. Paul, MN 55107 Office: 651-222-3000 Cell: 612-875-7744 Fax: 651-222-3508 Email: tviolet@harmonie.org The Harmonie Group provides NATIONAL ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE. The defense firms in our network handle complex and difficult high stakes litigation for corporations, third party administrators and insurance companies. The process of looking for counsel can be time consuming, uncertain, and difficult. Harmonie is a by invitation only network where the firms are subjected to a rigorous review process to meet our standards, ethics and values before they are invited to join. The Harmonie Group is pleased to provide on line access to our NATIONAL DIRECTORY on our web site at www.harmonie.org. DISCLAIMER The Harmonie Group is a not-for-profit corporation whose members comprise a national network of autonomous independent law firms. Harmonie member firms are independent, they do not practice jointly, and its members are not liable for the actions of other member firms. The Harmonie Group is not a law firm, does not practice law, and nothing contained in its materials or on its website should be construed as providing legal advice or establishing an attorney-client relationship. Harmonie provides access to its member firms and does not charge for access services. The attorney client relationship is with the specific firm you engage. Users of the network accessing Harmonie member firms should not rely solely on materials concerning the member firms: they should do their own due diligence prior to engaging a law firm to perform legal services. Harmonie does not have formal relationships with users of its network unless reduced to writing. Users of the network are not members of the organization. The Harmonie Group materials--printed, online, or produced in another medium-- are provided as general information and should not be relied on as legal advice. These materials do not constitute legal advice or the establishment of an attorney-client relationship. Viewers are encouraged to seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney before utilizing any information. The Harmonie Group makes no representations or warranties with respect to any information, materials or graphics used, all of which is provided on a strictly "as is" basis, and makes no warranty of any kind, expressly disclaiming all warranties including all implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. Each of the Group s member firms is governed by the rules of professional conduct established for the states in which they practice, including rules about advertising. Many states for example, require statements on publications promoting legal services such as: THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. Finally, permission is granted to member firms for the use of The Harmonie Group logo solely for membership recognition purposes. 52