OVERVIEW
ST&R’s Litigation Group has earned its reputation for excellence based on a
track record of success. For over three decades, companies involved in complex
private party or governmental disputes have looked to ST&R’s Litigation Group
for representation. We understand that resolution of litigation and other
adversarial actions dictates using experienced and mature lawyers. We consult
carefully with our clients and work to achieve their goals within sensible
financial parameters.
ST&R’s litigators are internationally regarded and represent clients in diverse
areas of the law throughout the United States. We practice in federal and state
trial and appellate level courts and before administrative agencies. Our
approach is a team-oriented one and we involve members of our other practice
areas whose expertise can aid in obtaining successful outcomes for our clients.
With experienced attorneys in Miami, Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, San Francisco
and Los Angeles, we can provide our clients with timely litigation support nationwide.
We also take advantage of cutting edge technology and litigation
tools from the leading software vendors to enable our Group to function
effectively, while at the same time keeping a cap on hidden costs that too often
inflate the costs of litigation.
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Customs and International Trade
- Transportation and Cargo Claims
- Commercial Disputes
- International Dispute Resolution
- Civil Detention and Forfeiture
- Intellectual Property
- Surety and Insurance Matters
- Bribery and Boycotts
- Administrative Proceedings
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
PRIMARY CONTACTS
MEET OUR TEAM
MEET OUR TEAM
Steve Bucklin
T. Randolph Ferguson
Nicole Kehoskie
Tiffany Martinez
Michelle Mejia
Olga Tretyakova
Customs and International Trade – Our Litigation Group represents parties in the U.S. Court of International
Trade and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, highly specialized
federal courts that oversee matters involving U.S. customs and trade laws. Our
attorneys have handled numerous cases involving all matters within the
jurisdiction of these courts such as classification, value, penalties,
licensing, antidumping and countervailing duties, and broker licensing.
Transportation and Cargo Claims – A major component of our practice involves
litigation arising from the movement of cargo into, within and from the United
States. We handle cases under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, the Warsaw
Convention, the Carmack Amendment and related regulatory regimes. Our clients
include shippers, carriers, customs brokers, warehousemen, freight forwarders,
NVOCCs and third-party logistics providers.
Commercial Disputes – Businesses today face a host of complex legal issues.
ST&R represents clients in complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes in numerous
areas. Our lawyers have handled cases involving business torts, sales disputes,
contracts, debt collection actions, INCOTERMS, letters of credit, joint
ventures, unfair trade practices (including antitrust litigation) and other
issues on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants. Any litigation may have a serious
impact on your business, and a seasoned commercial litigator can provide the
advice and representation that your company needs.
International Dispute Resolution – Almost every business has entered the
global arena, and this surge has sparked substantial growth in international
litigation. Non-U.S. entities conducting business domestically or companies that
have U.S. affiliates or subsidiaries must adhere to U.S. law just as U.S.
companies operating overseas must consider the legal implications of their
activities abroad. Each civil dispute or criminal investigation involving an
international organization or international transaction generates complex
substantive, jurisdictional and procedural issues concerning the application and
enforcement of U.S. and foreign law.
The expansion of international trade has also brought about an increase in the
use of dispute resolution panels under bilateral, regional and multilateral
trade agreements and organizations. But there is a crucial difference between
these panels and those of the past – today’s arbiters often have the ability to
force violating countries to change their practices or face potentially severe
penalties. ST&R’s attorneys and professionals have a wealth of experience in
this area, from representing the interests of private industry and foreign
governments before such panels to monitoring the latest developments to help our
clients avoid potential pitfalls. ST&R’s 30 years of international litigation
experience has enabled us to develop a network of foreign attorneys with whom we
work closely to protect your interests.
Civil Detention and Forfeiture – Federal law enforcement agencies
increasingly rely on civil forfeiture statutes to enforce U.S. trade laws. ST&R
is highly experienced in navigating the complex provisions of these laws and
securing the return of property detained and/or seized by the government.
Intellectual Property – In our 21st century economy, patents,
trademarks, copyrights, trade names, trade secrets, industrial designs, domain
names and other intellectual property are among the most important assets of any business.
Working with our Intellectual Property Practice Group, our Litigation Group
regularly represents clients in the full range of IP litigation, including the
Trademark and Trial Appeal Board. ST&R is also a member of the International
Trademark Association.
Surety and Insurance Matters – Since its inception, ST&R has represented
surety companies in countless cases before the U.S. Court of International
Trade, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and various district
courts involving highly specialized bond litigation, such as customs and
transportation bonds. In addition, ST&R has been a leader for the transportation
and logistics industry in errors & omissions and regulatory defense work, as
well as general subrogation work.
Bribery and Boycotts – The U.S. maintains strict laws against companies
providing monetary contributions or compensation to foreign governments and
officials or participating in boycotts of other countries’ products and
services. We can evaluate your interactions with suppliers, vendors, customers
and governments to ensure that no violations of these laws are occurring. If a
problem is discovered, we’ll help you respond to any government investigations
and defend against any charges.
Administrative Proceedings – With government enforcement of U.S. import and
export laws and regulations on the rise, so too is the possibility that a
dispute will end up in court. And not just for issues traditionally handled by
U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the Department of Commerce; an increasing
number of lawsuits involve matters administered by agencies like the Consumer
Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental
Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission and the departments of
Agriculture and Homeland Security. Working with attorneys who, like ours, have
substantial experience within these agencies as well as in the private sector
can be of great value in developing and implementing an effective litigation
strategy. ST&R has decades of experience successfully representing clients at
all levels of the federal court system, earning the firm a reputation as one of
the premier providers of litigation services to the trade community.
Alternative Dispute Resolution – Our attorneys are experienced in all
aspects of ADR, including drafting and enforcing arbitration clauses and
representation in arbitrations in a variety of venues. Several of our attorneys
also regularly serve as arbitrators for the American Arbitration Association and International Dispute Resolution Center, providing added insight into the nuances of these proceedings.