Representative Experience

SmithAmundsen defended a home remodeler against a negligence claim in Cook County after a child was allegedly injured while trespassing on the client’s property during the renovation. The court granted summary judgment in favor of the home remodeler, finding that it owed no duty to the minor plaintiff under the Kahn doctrine and that the plaintiff failed to prove proximate cause.

We have successfully prepared documentation and legal arguments on behalf of Medicaid providers in response to Medicaid draft audit findings, reducing the state’s demands for repayment from more than one million dollars to as little as zero dollars.

SmithAmundsen represented a client during a Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigation into various alleged HIPAA violations. The representation expanded into other complex issues requiring diplomacy, legal analysis, and development of new policies to achieve resolution. OCR concluded the complaint investigation in favor of the client.

SmithAmundsen defended a health care entity against a False Claims Act (FCA) complaint involving the client’s Medicaid billing practices. We obtained dismissal of the complaint by successfully arguing that the relator plaintiff failed to plead fraudulent conduct with sufficient particularity.

SmithAmundsen defended a skilled nursing facility (SNF) against a False Claims Act (FCA) complaint brought by the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) involving certain state licensing requirements.  We successfully negotiated a resolution of that matter. The MFCU initially sought fines and penalties in excess of $1M and the matter was resolved for less than $100k. 

SmithAmundsen represents a nonprofit health care provider that needed to obtain rezoning and a special exception allowing the client to establish a residential treatment facility for recovery from addictions. We successfully represented the client before the city council and board of zoning appeals (BZA) to obtain the required zoning approvals. We then defeated the remonstrators’ petition for judicial review seeking to overturn the BZA decision. 

As COO and general counsel of a nonprofit women’s health care provider, Suzannah Overholt negotiated and led a merger with a provider in a neighboring state. She oversaw licensing of new facilities as well as ongoing compliance obligations of existing facilities.

SmithAmundsen defended a car dealership in a Cook County negligence case brought by a late-night trespasser who was allegedly struck by a security guard’s vehicle while being asked to leave the premises. We obtained a verdict at arbitration in favor of the dealership.

SmithAmundsen defended the owner of a vehicle transport company following an accident between a company vehicle and a vehicle traveling dangerously below the speed limit on a rural interstate with an equipment malfunction after its driver, the claimant, was instructed by police not to drive the disabled vehicle on the interstate.

Henry Twomey successfully defended a nationwide convenience store and gas station chain against premises liability claims filed in Wisconsin state court. Following unsuccessful settlement negotiations, the case went to a jury trial. Henry served as first chair trial counsel and ultimately obtained a defense verdict. The jury found that the plaintiff was 75% at fault for the accident, resulting in a total bar to recovery.

Henry Twomey successfully defended a municipality in Wisconsin against unlawful tax and excessive assessment claims brought by an American retail company. Henry served as second chair trial counsel in a four day court trial where ultimately the judge ruled that the plaintiff did not meet its burden of proof, resulting in dismissal of all claims asserted against Henry’s client.  

SmithAmundsen obtained summary judgment in favor of a hospital as to actual and apparent agency claims regarding the co-defendant orthopedic surgeon in a case involving a delayed diagnosis of osteosarcoma and a $26 million settlement demand. The motion was granted in its entirety and the hospital was dismissed from the case.

SmithAmundsen successfully defended a hospital in a premises liability case involving an alleged slip and fall in the hospital lobby. The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed her case in response to the filing of the hospital’s motion for summary judgment.

Successfully settled matter involving allegations made by the mother of an autistic young adult claiming that her son was lured into an empty hotel room by a hotel employee. The claim was that the hotel employee should not have had access to room keys. The allegations were found to be largely false, but settlement resulted for minor costs of defense.

SmithAmundsen received dismissal of a matter brought by parents of a minor tenant (apartment complex) who was involved in a sexual relationship with one of the staff landscapers. The allegations centered on the apartment building’s failure to conduct a background check on the landscaper and failure to secure common areas.

Successfully settled matter involving allegations against a minor who sexually assaulted four other minors who lived in the same apartment complex. The minor offender’s mother was sued for negligent supervision of her child. 

Obtained dismissal in matter involving allegations that plaintiff was sexually assaulted by her masseuse. Allegations centered on the company’s failure to conduct a criminal background check (which would have revealed no criminal arrests or convictions) and failure to have a system in place where patrons could be monitored and not left alone with a masseuse of the opposite sex.

Handled a matter involving the sexual assault of a 32-year-old mother by four minor offenders who made entry into her home. One of the minors was on probation and wearing an electronic home monitoring bracelet. It is alleged that the county employees were improperly trained in how to monitor the offender. We represented the distributor of the electronic monitoring device and software that provided training on the system to probation officers.

Handled a matter that involved the brutal sexual assault of a female who was a resident of a large apartment building.

Obtained a defense verdict in a defamation/false arrest lawsuit that required the appellate court's review of certain decisions before the surviving counts were remanded for trial. After 8 days of testimony and 6 hours of deliberation, the jury accepted truth as an absolute defense to the claims despite the fact that $2 million was asked for along with a demand for punitive damages.

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a national beverage corporation in a personal injury matter where the plaintiff tripped on an exposed pallet under a display at a grocery store allegedly containing the defendant’s products.

Defended a farm produce client in connection with an FDA investigation and voluntary recall of farm produce (cantaloupes) following an outbreak of salmonella associated with the crop. Multiple lawsuits were filed alleging product liability, breach of warranty, and negligence seeking recovery of money damages associated with the alleged tainted produce.

SmithAmundsen successfully established a new business plan for a large regional general construction contractor to effectively establish and utilize both union and non-union subcontractors on the same job sites throughout the Greater Chicagoland area. 

Margaret Firnstein handled a matter involving the alleged sexual assault of a female hotel patron by a hotel security staff employee. Allegations focused on the negligent hiring of the security guard, including failure to conduct a background check.

SmithAmundsen secured a restraining order and injunction against a school district for unfairly trying to sway construction work away from the lowest bidder (a non-union contractor) and give it to the 2^ndlow bidder (a union contractor).

Jeff Risch secured a reversal of the New Jersey Department of Labor's 7-figure tax assessment against a national publishing company’s business model that relied on engaging thousands of independent contractors. Following a multiple day trial, spanning several months, the Office of Administrative Law determined the individuals at issue were bona fide independent contractors under the notorious A-B-C Test.

Mike Van Someren closed a $30M construction loan on the borrower’s side that included a number of unique deal points including a reduction in personal guaranties are milestones are hit; an allowance that equity continue to be raised so long as all of it was raised by the time of the first loan disbursement; and an allowance that builder’s risk insurance not be required until the project goes vertical in construction.

Mike Van Someren handled a $27M loan on the lender’s side for the acquisition of an industrial real estate project.

Margaret Firnstein Gebhardt and Michael Schlechtweg represented a large architectural glass and aluminum fabricator after a rear end accident.

Claire McDonough successfully received the requisite authority from the court for a hospitality business to continue operation out of an estate during a probate administration.

Ken Perry defended a large engineering firm in 7-figure claim brought by third-party, non-client for property and personal injuries.

Claire McDonough made recommendations on how to accommodate their children as well as one spouse’s children from a previous marriage.

Brian Randall and Claire McDonough’s work on the transfer the business more valuable to potential buyers.

Ken Perry defended multiple third party medical insurance administrators for negligent administration and allegations of misrepresentation and fraud.

Ken Perry obtained a dismissal of a matter at trial court for a an insurance professional accused of negligence, conspiracy and spoliation.

Ken Perry represented a large insurance broker in claims of wrongdoing by an insurance carrier.

Ken Perry defended multiple miscellaneous professionals such as massage therapists and those in the property preservation field for various torts and allegations of wrongdoing.

Ryan Spott represented a home remodeling company in the reorganization of its company and affiliates to prepare for future business transactions.

Ryan Spott provided counsel to a client on acquisition of a multi-unit commercial property involving a commercial condominium, tenants in common interest and 1031 exchange.

Laurie Meyer and Aaron Benz achieved summary judgment for the client.

We represented two home remodeling companies in two separate transactions for the sale of their nearly $50 million businesses to private equity buyers.

The judgment was affirmed on appeal to 7th Circuit, cert and denied by US Supreme Court.

The suit alleged failure to accommodate and wrongful termination in violation of the ADA.

We counseled a self-storage facility with respect to land-use and zoning matters, and the eventual sale of its multiple property portfolio.

Laurie Meyer achieved dismissal of an action against a large auto dealer group, with claims of sexual harassment, sex discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, and retaliation. 

We provided counsel to an organization on the ground lease structure and eventual sale of its multi-family apartment condominium complex.

Laurie Meyer achieved dismissal of an age discrimination case against a mid-size auto dealer.

Ryan Spott assisted with the multi-million dollar sale of an electronics manufacturing company.

Laurie Meyer won summary judgment in federal action against a cable company. The action alleged employment discrimination, racial harassment, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Laurie Meyer achieved dismissal of an arrest and conviction record action against a fraternal service organization.

Laurie Meyer achieved summary judgment in race discrimination case against a large retailer. Summary judgement was affirmed by 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Laurie Meyer achieved dismissal of race discrimination and harassment claims against a national bakery. 

Carrie Hill served as issuer counsel for private placement of more than $90 million of preferred stock.

Laurie Meyer achieved summary judgment in a federal race discrimination case in favor of a national airline.

Carrie Hill represented an Indiana savings and loan holding company in the acquisition of an Illinois bank holding company.

Carrie Hill represented the seller in the sale of a manufacturing company and counseled the seller in negotiations and execution of a related lease agreement.

Carrie Hill represented an Illinois financial institution in a $5 million tender offer to repurchase its shares.

Michael Barnes obtained summary judgment for a hardware store in a premises liability action where the plaintiff allegedly tripped and fell over a folded mat in the store, but nobody witnessed the fall and the plaintiff himself did not see the alleged fold before tripping.

Michael Barnes negotiated early settlement in a wrongful death and survival action on behalf of a defendant alleged to have negligently loaded a tractor-trailer prior to a collision resulting in the driver’s death prior to any oral discovery taking place.

At the outset of the plaintiff alleged a slip and fall on snow and ice, but in an amended pleading after the statute of limitations expired alleged she slipped on water on the floor of the aisle in a store. The court determined that the new allegations did not relate back to the initial complaint and were therefore untimely.

Michael Barnes secured summary judgment for an exterior construction contractor from a lawsuit brought by a townhome owner who slipped and fell on ice that formed from runoff from gutters and downspouts on the home.

The appellate court affirmed the summary judgment ruling while providing favorable case law for defendants in future construction negligence claims.

Michael Barnes prevailed on a motion for summary judgment and subsequent appeal on behalf of a general contractor in premises liability and construction negligence claim brought by roofer who slipped and fell from residential roof, including successful defense against novel theories based on Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act.

Craig obtained a seven-figure settlement on behalf of a physician who was wrongfully terminated.

He helped them separate from a larger group and incorporated them as independents.

He assists with their employment, corporate and contracting work for Fortune 500's across the country.

Craig represented an NFL football club in arbitrations before the Commissioner of Football on two occasions. One of the cases resulted in a change to the rules regarding how NFL contracts are drafted and interpreted.

Sherry successfully resolved most matters, arising out of easement maintenance work, for an electric utility company through direct negotiation with landowners, landowners’ counsel and through mediation.

Sherry Coley represented the lender of a hotel property being renovated with historic tax credit funding, traditional financing and TIF funding.

Laura Bonadies secured these panel opinions, which found in the client’s favor for cases involving allegations of complex medical conditions, including cardiac arrest, hypoxia, pressure injuries, and falls with injury. 

With the support of a unanimous favorable medical review panel opinion and a physician expert report, we sought and received summary judgment to dismiss the state court claim.

After a lengthy hearing, the court issued an order compelling arbitration and staying the state court claim pending resolution pursuant to the arbitration agreement.

When the plaintiff failed to timely tender his submission of evidence to the medical review panel, we sought and secured dismissal as a sanction for failure to comply with the applicable statutory requirements.

After a hearing and judge’s in camera review of the documents at issue, the trial court granted the protective order.

Laura Bonadies assisted the client  through the requisite patient and Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”) notifications.

From receipt of the motion to compel, we advised the client and filed pleadings on behalf of the client, and monitored the third-party dispute for decisions that may implicate the client.

We represented the parties from answering the complaint and through discovery, and successfully retained dismissal of the claims at the summary judgment stage.

Tiffany Woelfel represented the prisoner as a pro bono upon recruitment by the federal district court.

We advised the client from the filing of the administrative procedure, through dispositive motions and an evidentiary hearing before the administrative system.

We counseled the client to protect their legal rights and avoid entanglement in the ongoing litigation.

We successfully defeated the claim at the motion to dismiss stage, and this decision was affirmed by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

The defense was against a participant who claimed they contracted Hepatitis C from a dirty needle.

The patient claimed the emergency physician failed to detect a retained piece of wood in the leg of a minor requiring in excess of 16 debridements.

The patient who was a child developed necrotizing fasciitis and underwent a fasciotomy and 16 debridements. Plaintiff sought in excess of $1 million.

The finding determined that the company did not have any duty to the plaintiff and did not control the construction area.

The plaintiff alleged that the defendants failed to stop at a stop sign resulting in a collision. The plaintiff's medical specials were $258,000 for a fused spine.

The plaintiff alleged that the defendants, including an emergency physician, failed to diagnose an infection of the ankle following surgery. The plaintiff required several surgeries for an infected joint.

The plaintiff alleged that the defendants, including the emergency physician, failed to diagnosis and treat toxic shock syndrome. The descendent died in hospital from complications and sepsis.

The plaintiff alleged a failure to diagnose and treat hernia and urinary retention in the emergency department resulting in a bowel obstruction.

The plaintiff, a police officer with the city, alleged that a sergeant had made sexually harassing statements and reported the action to her captain.

Keith Mundrick represented a senior lender in connection with $16 million recapitalization of industrial distributor, including drafting and negotiating loan documents, pledge agreements, subordination agreements, and related documents.

Keith Mundrick represented a purchaser in an acquisition of an office building in Indianapolis, Indiana. He negotiated lease agreements, management agreements, and due diligence matters.

Keith Mundrick represented a sole lender in the refinancing of a retail shopping center in Bloomington, Indiana, including drafting and negotiating loan documents and resolving matters related to real estate due diligence.

Keith Mundrick represented a community bank in an acquisition and development of a commercial property in Carmel, Indiana for a new bank branch. He guided them through zoning variance approval and development plan approval before the Carmel Plan Commission and Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals.

Keith Mundrick negotiated and resolved title issues and real estate due diligence matters for a lender in connection with the financing of an apartment complex in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Keith Mundrick negotiated and resolved title issues and real estate due diligence matters for a lender in connection with financing of a restaurant development in Carmel, Indiana.

Keith Mundrick represented a lender in connection with alcohol permit assignment issues, title, and real estate due diligence matters in connection with a liquor store refinancing in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dan Faust represented a government entity in multiple eminent domain issues regarding right to take and value of award from fee simple, to leasehold to easement interests.

The jury was charged with determining the value of the property acquired, and award the landowners less than 30% of the amount requested from the jury.

Dan Faust successfully represented a government agency on a motion for partial summary in an eminent domain action in which the landowner argued that the compensation owed to her included the value of an adjacent parcel acquired by the government from her in a different but related case, because the instant case was filed prior to second case.

Madalyn Kinsey represented a participant lender in a $50M construction to permanent loan of an apartment building in the Broad Ripple are of Indianapolis.

Amundsen Davis represented the senior lender and bond purchaser in a $20M low income housing tax credit bond issuance for public housing in New Albany, Indiana.

Madalyn Kinsey represented the seller in extensive negotiations of a commercial property that is subject to a remediation plan with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management in the sale of the property to the developer of a hotel and retail commercial complex.

Amundsen Davis represented the tenant in a 10-year lease of a store in the Greenwich Village area of New York City to be used as a restaurant and Batsu comedy club.

Madalyn Kinsey represented the purchaser of a large pharmacy store chain in a 1031 tax exchange in both the purchase and later the refinancing of the existing loan to a 10-year term.

Madalyn Kinsey successfully represented the seller of a brownfields property, formerly a foundry, that was subject to an environmental restrictive covenant negotiated with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Amundsen Davis assisted a local financial institution in the preparation of loan documentation for a large number of new and renewing borrowers. In addition, the firm provided advice to the financial institution as to its rights under the loan agreements and the rights of the borrowers.

Amundsen Davis represented a municipal entity in the acquisition of real estate and assets from a local a business. The firm took the lead on drafting the sale documents, while also assisting in negotiations and resolving seller concerns.

Amundsen Davis serves as patent counsel for a national and international leading manufacturer of mattress making equipment, obtaining patent protection where prior patent counsel could not.

Amundsen Davis helped the client develop a trademark and patent portfolio that has grown from its inception just four years ago, and continues to expand and make its notable presence known in the home beverage market. 

Amundsen Davis helped the client build and manage their portfolio of more than 230 active patents and patent applications and more than 160 active trademarks and trademark registrations.

Julie Seno’s representation included documenting and negotiating of the loan documents, coordinating due diligence matters and closing.

Julie Seno’s representation assisted with an industrial manufacturer’s expansion and working capital needs in southeast Wisconsin.

Julie Seno’s representation included negotiating loan documents with primary and secondary lenders, coordinating due diligence, preparation and negotiation of leases with health care providers and closing.

Julie Seno represents a private commercial real estate investment company in the documentation and negotiation of office, retail and industrial leases for its commercial properties located throughout the United States.

Julie Seno representation covers leases for the client's medical office complexes located throughout the United States.

Julie Seno's representation includes acquisitions and developments of multi-family complexes and commercial properties throughout the United States.

Alexis Hedtke assisted this business with negotiation of various manufacturing and supplier agreements for raw materials and procurement of goods, real estate leases, commercial agreements, internal forms and policies, and construction agreements.

Amundsen Davis routinely assists the client with negotiation of various commercial leases, manufacturing, supply, and distribution agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.

The firm’s counsel includes negotiation and execution of various manufacturing supply agreements for the domestic and international manufacturer of wheels, tires, suspensions, and aftermarket automotive accessories.

The firm helps the client manage and build their historied and extensive trademark and patent portfolio, including domestic and international filings.

The firm provides strategic counsel in regard to the strategic filing and procurement of intellectual property rights domestically and help manage and build the company’s trademark and design patent portfolio.

Amundsen Davis’s counsel included negotiation and execution of a trademark licensing agreement to enable and ensure marketplace co-existence with industry counterparts.

Dillon Ambrose represented an industrial tank manufacturer being sued for breach of contract, negligence, intentional misrepresentation, and breach of release.

Dillon Ambrose drafted an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court advocating for an alternative de facto test for diminishment of reservation status based upon common law theories of laches and waiver, as supported by prior Supreme Court precedent.

Dillon Ambrose was part of a team of attorneys that helped their client, a municipal entity considered a Potentially Responsible Party due to its wastewater treatment in the Fox River, resolve a twenty-year, billion-dollar CERCLA case involving the clean-up of PCBs in the Fox River.

Dillon Ambrose successfully represented a company being sued for discrimination and retaliation in the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

Dillon Ambrose successfully represented a homeowner against a homeowner’s association (HOA) over covenants and restrictions limiting the roofing materials required for a house within the HOA’s purview.

Dillon Ambrose successfully represented a corporation seeking to have its civil judgment against a debtor be deemed non-dischargeable in bankruptcy.

Dillon Ambrose represented a bank seeking a large portion of a decedent’s estate in a probate case. The bank had been awarded damages in a previous default judgment against the decedent.

Tony Steffek serves as outside general counsel to several national manufacturers, helping them manage a multitude of issues including contract review and management, labor and employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, collections and various other legal needs.

Tony Steffek successfully defended a manufacturer against a former employee’s claims that their discharge violated Americans with Disabilities Act and Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA).

Tony Steffek obtained a Harassment Injunction on behalf of a private school system against a former employee.

Tony Steffek successfully assisted in defending a manufacturer against a grievance by a union alleging improper termination.

Tony Steffek negotiated a severance agreement relating to the departure of a chief executive officer of a multi-billion-dollar corporation.

Tony Steffek represented a national insurance company in suit to enforce a restrictive covenant agreement.

The complaint alleged use of a biometric timekeeping system without following the requirements of BIPA.

The firm prepared and negotiated the construction contracts for the completion of a portion of the Obama Presidential Center in historic Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago.

Julie Proscia serves as general counsel to a private university, assisting with contract construction, general advice and counsel regarding employee and student related issues ranging from terminations to expulsions. Julie also serves as the Title IX coordinator and has conducted hundreds of investigations for various organizations. 

Keith represented a commercial real estate lender in connection with its financing of a large retail space in Hamilton County, Indiana, navigating issues related to active eminent domain litigation within the shopping center impacting access and other property rights.

Amundsen Davis represented an insurance company for an alleged violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act related to an environmental clean-up after a rear end collision.

Amundsen Davis represented a trucking company and its employee that were involved in a rear end collision. The plaintiffs suffered injuries including a significant stay in the hospital and a skilled nursing facility. Despite limited defenses, a resolution was achieved well below the anticipated settlement range.

Mary Ruether won a motion to dismiss with prejudice in a premises case brought by a tenant against her landlord in the Circuit Court of Cook County. 

We represented a closely held family business that has been in existence for more than sixty years, throughout the upper Midwest. 

We established a custodial trust that required court approval, for a minor beneficiary of a significant personal injury settlement, that ensured market based investment returns with a corporate fiduciary not constrained by statutory limitations (which would have significantly limited the value of the settlement proceeds that will aid the beneficiary for decades to come). 

Mark Andres successfully advocated and obtained an alternate valuation of a high net worth estate, (before the Internal Revenue Service), that was subject to estate tax, to significantly reduce the estate’s tax liability. 

Mark Andres provided counsel for a commercial contracting process initiative for a Fortune 500 corporation to ensure compliance with financial and regulatory requirements mandated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for revenue recognition and reporting.

Mark Andres engaged in-house counsel with commercial contract review to ensure compliance with federal and state insurance regulations throughout multiple jurisdictions throughout the United States. 

Mark Andres engaged in the drafting of hundreds of commercial contracts for a multinational health care and medical device manufacturer and service provider to ensure regulatory compliance and enforceability of agreements in all of the jurisdictions in which it conducts business. 

Mark Andres provided counsel to independent physicians and physician groups in the creation of business entities and the establishment of independent surgical and medical centers, subject to compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Amundsen Davis provides local government and lobbying counsel to a national brewer headquartered in Milwaukee serving as a liaison with municipal staff and officials.

Brian Randall and Katie Hampel led the project approval team for a major expansion of the specialty brewery location owned and operated by a national brewer. 

We successfully moved to dismiss an objection from a decedent’s daughter at a contested hearing following discovery. 

After a corporate trustee identified an unauthorized gift made by a beneficiary, we were able to identify the recipient, the terms of the transfer, and obtain a favorable settlement for the Trust to avoid future clams of breach of fiduciary duty.

We successfully settled a case where property damage was caused by an insured swerving out of the way of a second unidentified driver. Insurer denied the claim after discussions with municipality. We were retained to file suit and successfully obtained 50% recovery even in light of the emergency doctrine and comparative negligence in Wisconsin.

We successfully moved for dismissal in a federal trademark complaint, after the defendant brought third-party claims against the president of a corporation both in his individual and corporate capacity with one claim alleging intentional fraud. 

Larry represents an agribusiness lender which is a cooperative organization of approximately 18,000 stockholders and part of the Farm Credit System.  The client provides financial solutions to farmers and ranchers in Michigan and 10 counties in northeastern Wisconsin and agribusiness nationwide. 

Larry represented an agribusiness lender in a $27 million waste disposal revenue bonds project to its borrower to construct and equip solid waste facilities at a large dairy farm in Kansas that closed July 12, 2023. The client provided a letter of credit in favor of the bond trustee, and Larry advised the client on the letter of credit and reimbursement agreement, and provided a letter of opinion of bank’s counsel.

Larry represented an agribusiness lender in a $10 million waste disposal revenue bonds project to its borrower to construct and equip solid waste facilities at a large dairy farm in Wisconsin that closed July 11, 2023. The client provided a letter of credit in favor of the bond trustee, and Larry advised the client on the letter of credit and reimbursement agreement and provided a letter of opinion of bank’s counsel.

AmundsenDavis serves as outside general counsel to national and international leading manufacturer and distributor of medical equipment for contract drafting and contract negotiation matters with suppliers, customers, and distributors. 

Amundsen Davis’s corporate team advises our life science client with respect to manufacturing and supply-side agreements, including standardizing their terms and conditions to create a consistent contract base.

Amundsen Davis secured summary judgment for a multinational janitorial service contractor in a wrongful death case in Illinois state court. 

Amundsen Davis prevailed on a motion for partial summary judgment in a contentious lawsuit involving a tractor-trailer that allegedly reversed into a motorcyclist.

John Pienkos prepared petitions for inter partes review proceedings that ultimately led to the invalidation of patent claims in relation to fiber optics technology.

Amundsen Davis managed a team in a multi-year effort to oppose the registration of a product configuration.

John Pienkos served as primary outside counsel to a large insurance company with respect to the company’s patent matters.

Amundsen Davis represented a startup in the marine industry in regard to the company’s intellectual property matters up to and following the company’s acquisition by a Fortune 500 Company.

Defeated motion to remand BIPA suit to Cook County Circuit Court on grounds that the allegation that plaintiff did not consent to the collection of his data was sufficient to confer Article III standing for federal jurisdiction.

SmithAmundsen obtained voluntary dismissal of defendant after filing motion to strike damages clause in suit based on limitation of liability provision.

SmithAmundsen successfully moved the Court to enforce an arbitration clause and class action waiver against the plaintiff.

SmithAmundsen successfully invoked the Terms and Conditions agreed to by customers of a major nonprofit organization to stay discrimination litigation pending arbitration.

Chris represented a homeowner and obtained more than $25,000 in settlements to resolve claimed violations of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.

After SmithAmundsen's aggressive strategy, the Court dismissed several claims, struck the nationwide class from the pleadings, and significantly narrowed the scope of the remaining state-wide class.

We represented a landowner and obtained a preliminary injunction enjoining the City of St. Louis Board of Adjustment from holding a hearing to revoke its conditional use permit.

SmithAmundsen defeated the motion for preliminary injunction and convinced the plaintiffs not to oppose our motion for summary judgment.

Chris represented homeowners and obtained a $250,000 settlement from a pesticide company.

In a class action lawsuit, SmithAmundsen brought a motion to dismiss the complaint after a thorough investigation. The plaintiff amended her complaint and dropped SmithAmundsen’s client as a defendant. 

We represented a small trucking company and obtained a $7,500 settlement and written acknowledgment of liability from a repair shop.

SmithAmundsen obtained dismissal of FDCPA claims on a motion to dismiss in a putative class action lawsuit.

At the outset of the case, SmithAmundsen was able to force the plaintiff’s attorneys to substitute out the case by showing the existence of a conflict between plaintiff and the proposed class.

In a jury trial, the jury only returned a verdict of 7% of what Plaintiff’s attorney asked.

Carrie Hill served as issuer counsel for private placement of more $120 million of subordinated notes.

Carrie Hill served as counsel to placement agent for private placement of over $20 million of subordinated notes.

Carrie Hill represented an Indiana savings and loan holding company in its merger with and into an Indiana savings and loan holding company.

Carrie Hill represented an Indiana bank holding company in the acquisition of a Kentucky bank holding company.

SmithAmundsen obtained summary judgment for a defendant who owned  a ladder that was allegedly defective and caused the plaintiff significant injuries. 

Dan Peters and Chris Miller obtained a favorable settlement for a national retailer accused of breaching a commercial lease agreement after filing counterclaims for trademark infringement.

The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against our client, a motor carrier, for an alleged motor vehicle collision. The plaintiff waited almost two years to serve the defendant with a copy of the lawsuit. Amundsen Davis filed a motion to dismiss based on Illinois Supreme Court Rule 103(b) which requires plaintiffs to exercise reasonable diligence to obtain service on a defendant. 

The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit alleging that agents of our client installed certain equipment in her vehicle resulting in the vehicle malfunctioning and requiring a new transmission. After the plaintiff presented her case in chief, Amundsen Davis moved for a directed verdict pointing out that the plaintiff’s evidence failed to show that the defendants actions were the cause of her damages. 

The plaintiff filed a breach of contract action against a small motor carrier for claims arising out of the alleged sale of the business. Amundsen Davis filed a motion to dismiss based on Illinois Supreme Court Rule 103(b) which requires the plaintiffs to exercise reasonable diligence to obtain service on a defendant.  

SmithAmundsen secured summary judgment in favor of our clients, as the court found that the parents owed no duty to control the actions of their teenage son.

Mary Ruether won a defense verdict for a municipality in a malpractice and wrongful death claim against a paramedic.

Mary Ruether won a defense verdict for a municipality after the plaintiff was struck by a large tree limb. 

SmithAmundsen represents a global facilities service provider where plaintiffs often engage in forum shopping and attempt to file lawsuits in the favorable venue of Cook County. We have been successful, in multiple cases, in transferring these cases to venues where they belong (where the injury occurred or where the plaintiff resides), drastically reducing the exposure value and enabling settlements favorable to the client.

The arbitrator dismissed all of claimant’s claims with prejudice noting that the evidence did not prove that our client, a major Wisconsin contractor, caused the damages.

Our firm successfully defeated class certification in a Telephone Consumer Protection Act class action by successfully arguing that Plaintiff had not met the burdens under Rule 23.

Matt McClean defended a client through a 6-week jury trial in a case involving a serious construction accident.

Matt McClean represented family trusts involved in a series of estate and commercial claims.

In multi-million dollar dispute with a municipality, Matt McClean helped a construction company negotiate a resolution.

Won a defense a verdict on behalf of a full service mechanical contractor and its owner in a 6-day trial in Fond du Lac County.

Matt McClean represented a Milwaukee Alderman against claims of defamation and tortious interference and won a defense verdict.

In a wage claim brought by a dental services client’s former employee, Bruce Deadman received a favorable decision from the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division.

Bruce Deadman assisted with the design and implementation of NQDC plans which foster the recruitment, retention and rewarding of key employees.

In a 6 week jury trail, Matt McClean represented a precast concrete subcontractor regarding a partial façade collapse at the O’Donnell Park garage in Milwaukee.

We represented a general contractor facing claims of design defects and faulty construction from the City of Milwaukee.

Matt McClean represented a subcontractor on its lien claim and got over 95% of the amounts due.

Mary Watts represented two neurologists in a three week jury trial.  The patient committed suicide and the plaintiff claimed that the neurologists treating him for headaches missed a brain tumor which caused the suicide. 

Matt McClean assisted in the representation of a village against a tunneling contractor, which included a seven day trial.

Amundsen Davis obtained a favorable settlement of a lawsuit between a consumer and a car dealership. Preliminary investigation revealed favorable facts for the defendant and the matter resolved amicably before exhaustive discovery proceedings.

Matt McClean won a motion to dismiss on a construction contract case, involving the enforceability of a forum selection clause and Kansas public policy.

Matt McClean and Elizabeth Miles represented a homeowner who purchased property, and recovered more than $50,000 in damages.

Matt McClean assisted in obtaining a no breach of contract ruling for a preferred provider network for health care services in an arbitration.

Matt McClean assisted in the representation of the a sewage district where the plaintiff sought more than $12 million.

Amundsen Davis obtained a favorable settlement of a lawsuit between two companies in federal court. The matter involved complex issues including principles of contractual interpretation under Delaware law.

Elizabeth Miles obtained a favorable ruling for a client purchased property that included an access easement.

Elizabeth Miles negotiated an amended reciprocal easement agreement between homeowner's association and condominium association.

Amundsen Davis prevailed on a motion to dismiss based on lack of diligence in effecting service of process under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 103(b). 

Elizabeth Miles negotiated voluntary dismissal of an architect for a large retail store following discovery without the need for dispositive motion practice.

Elizabeth Miles negotiated favorable settlements prior to trial for a multi-national infrastructure consulting firm. 

Elizabeth Miles helped win summary judgment on behalf of a municipal sewage commission in a $1.5 billion CERCLA action.

Before a two-week trial, Amundsen Davis reached a settlement for the beneficiary of a will.

We successfully defended an alderman in a defamation suit and handled the appeal.

We returned $50,000 to our client, a woman, in her claim against the estate of her boyfriend.

Jim Kalny organized and assembled a joint human resource department for a city and a county. He drafted all documents needed for the consolidation including the intergovernmental agreements creating the department and oversight commission. He managed the department as its director for six years. 

Jim has represented many municipalities in the negotiation, drafting and implementing development and redevelopment agreements including those in tax incremental financing districts as well as traditional financing.  

Jim Kalny represented a town in regard to the conditional use for the construction and operation of a communal digester system processing cow manure, from neighboring and area farms, treating the waste water and converting the manure into natural gas, a soil amendment product and a liquid fertilizer product.  

Jim Kalny worked with a development company on the denial of a permit for a non-metallic mineral extraction site.

Jim has acted as counsel to various communities, prosecuting hearings before the police and fire commission under Wis Stat. Section 62.13.  

Jim has represented two communities who have taken action to remove their mayors due to inability to perform their duties or misconduct. 

Amundsen Davis represented a moving company where the plaintiff made a $750,000.00 demand following a left turn accident with our box truck. The plaintiff claimed a TBI aggravated her MS symptoms. 

Amundsen Davis represented a motor carrier that was involved in an accident where our driver swung out wide to make a right turn and a car attempted to pass him on the right. The claimant had a serious elbow injury that required surgery, racking up six figure medical bills. 

Amundsen Davis represented a motor carrier whose tractor-trailer was struck by another semi-truck that crossed the center line and was traveling on the wrong side of the road. 

The firm prepared and negotiated the construction contracts for a 137 acre, multi-phase, mixed-income development involving 2,400 housing units in Chicago’s Near West Side.

Amundsen Davis represented an electronic discovery and digital forensics company in its sale to a private equity backed platform in December 2022.

Amundsen Davis represents a live music venue developer and operator that needed to obtain zoning and related approvals allowing the client to construct a $50 million complex with two indoor concert halls that will have capacities of 800 and 4,000 persons.