Jeff is a partner in the firm’s Global Commercial Disputes Group and leads the firm’s higher education team. He frequently serves as lead attorney or second chair in managing complex, high-profile, and highly contentious cases in multiple industries in Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and across the nation.
Experience
Representative matters
Representative matters
Trial victory for Duquesne University in lawsuit filed by former tenured faculty member alleging damages related to suspension imposed as a result of faculty member’s history of angry confrontations with colleagues. Surrat v. Duquesne University (CCP Allegheny County)
Ongoing representation of multiple schools including Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh in COVID-19 refund class action litigation.
Representation of The Pennsylvania State University in litigation and related matters involving multimedia rights agreements.
Trial victory for Duquesne University in lawsuit filed by former tenured faculty member alleging damages related to suspension imposed as a result of faculty member’s history of angry confrontations with colleagues. Surrat v. Duquesne University (CCP Allegheny County)
Ongoing representation of multiple schools including Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh in COVID-19 refund class action litigation.
Representation of The Pennsylvania State University in litigation and related matters involving multimedia rights agreements.
Representation of multiple colleges and universities in response to Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigations into allegedly discriminatory scholarships, and Title IX and ADA compliance concerns.
Ongoing advice and counselling to schools including University of Chicago, Allegheny College, Point Park University and Carnegie Mellon University on COVID-19 and CARES Act issues.
Representation of the University of Pittsburgh in successful resolution of suit involving discrimination and breach of contract claims by former member of women’s basketball team. Thomas v. University of Pittsburgh (W.D. Pa.)
Representation of several higher education institutions in matters involving athletics, faculty tenure, student affairs and employment issues.
Successful resolution of multiple lawsuits and injunction proceedings against higher education institutions alleging breach of contract and violations of Title IX in connection with the implementation of policies related to discriminatory and sexual harassment, including Doe v. Allegheny College (W.D. Pa.), Baskan v. Allegheny College (W.D. Pa.) and Doe v. Carnegie Mellon University (W.D. Pa.).
Obtained dismissal with prejudice of federal court lawsuit against Allegheny College asserting constitutional discrimination and common law tort claims against College’s Public Safety department. Pinkney v. Allegheny College (W.D. Pa.)
Ongoing representation of Allegheny College in Title IX and discrimination lawsuit by former female member of the College’s football team. Simonetta v. Allegheny College (W.D. Pa.)
Ongoing representation of private university in connection with intellectual property and wage and hour dispute involving student employee.
Ongoing representation of private college in connection with alleged violent sexual assault on campus.
Ongoing representation of pharmaceutical wholesaler in nationwide opioid litigation.
Defense of financial services client from claims of fraud and indemnification by a private equity plaintiff following plaintiff’s acquisition of client’s portfolio company.
Defense of financial services client in contract action that involved precedent-setting issues of spoliation of evidence by plaintiff real estate developer resulting in dismissal of plaintiff’s suit.
Defense of financial services client in two class action fraud lawsuits brought by plaintiff homeowners who purchased properties in failed luxury housing developments.
Representation of clients in multiple contentious disputes involving family-owned real estate development business.
Representation of health insurance company in numerous high-profile disputes with a hospital system involving contract, network access and reimbursement issues.
Representation of medical device manufacturer in a series of related lawsuits involving alleged misappropriation of software trade secrets.
Representation of numerous clients in restrictive covenant and trade secret disputes with former employees.
Recognitions
- Selected through peer review for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for Commercial Litigation, 2021-2025
- Selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2018
Credentials
Education
Education
- Boston University School of Law, 2008, J.D., Administrative Editor, International Law Journal
- Allegheny College, 2005, B.A., English, magna cum laude; Phi Beta Kappa
Professional admissions & qualifications
Professional admissions & qualifications
- Pennsylvania
Court admissions
Court admissions
- U.S. District Court - Western District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania
News
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Media mentions
Insights
Blogs
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