REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Michael S. Nelson
Commercial Disputes
Defended a major dishwasher manufacturer in nationwide class actions alleging breach of warranty
and consumer fraud; all cases dismissed without client payment.
Represented an international appliance manufacturer in five class actions; all dismissed
following disqualification of plaintiff’s liability expert after a Daubert hearing.
Served as first-chair trial counsel for a Fortune 100 technology company in a breach of
employment compensation dispute; verdict entered for client after plaintiff’s perjury was
revealed.
First-chair trial counsel for a Fortune 100 technology company in an IP licensing dispute;
resolved favorably after trial through a mediated settlement that included a new cross-licensing
agreement.
Represented a Fortune 100 manufacturer in multiple take-or-pay contract disputes; all resolved
successfully.
Represented a manufacturer of industrial equipment in a dispute alleging breach of express and
implied warranties that was resolved favorably after limited discovery.
Insurance Coverage and Asbestos Bankruptcy
Secured US$1.7+ billion in the In re Pittsburgh Corning Chapter 11 case from 40+ domestic
and foreign primary, umbrella, and excess insurers.
Appointed as special insurance counsel for an American supplier of paints, coatings, and
specialty materials, UGL, and current debtors in Aldrich Pump and Murray Boiler.
Drafted and enforced key channeling injunction and insurance neutrality provisions in multiple
Chapter 11 reorganizations.
Secured favorable coverage-in-place agreements and policy buybacks for an international
distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases facing silica personal injury lawsuits.
Successfully resolved a claim brought by an insurer for breach of indemnity agreements without
the need for protracted litigation.
Negotiated policy buyouts for a supplier of building materials for commercial and industrial
applications named as a defendant in asbestos litigation.
Represented a steel manufacturer in litigation over coverage for remediation of environmental
damage at sites across the northeast that was settled after appeals to the Second Circuit.
Successfully resolved a claim brought by a major commercial laundry and drycleaning business for
property damage and business interruption damages sustained after a major fire at its facility.
