Schuyler, Roche & Crisham, P.C. Large enough to to the job right, small enough to listen
 

David J. Sullivan
Partner

It was the logic and ordered thought process behind the practice of law that piqued David Sullivan's interest during his first business law class as an undergraduate. That attraction never waned, and today it is the source of his consummate passion for the law - the opportunity to a) delve into the facts and issues of a new case; b) assess relative strengths and weaknesses; and c) develop a sound litigation strategy that will yield maximum benefit for the client. David's natural ability to quickly cut through the clutter and get to the heart of the matter enables him to secure and analyze all possible relevant information in the early stages of litigation, distil that information for the client in a concise manner, and use that information to develop and execute a cost-effective litigation plan for resolution of the case whether it be through litigation, mediation or trial.

Named a 2009 and 2010 "Rising Star" by Law & Politics (recognizing the state's top up-and-coming attorneys based on peer review selection), David's early years in professional practice with a small plaintiff's class action firm followed by a general practice litigation firm fueled his understanding and appreciation of the challenges surrounding complex commercial litigation. From prosecuting complex class actions on behalf of aggrieved consumers in state and federal courts throughout the country to representing closely-held businesses and real estate owners and developers, David gained invaluable insight that would help nurture his litigation skills. His next chapter in career progression would provide him the opportunity to focus his practice on the areas of professional liability defense, complex commercial litigation, product liability defense, and the defense of intermodal carriers in connection with serious, multi-vehicle trucking accidents.

David's clients include attorneys, accountants, architects & engineers, nursing home operators and real estate agents and brokers. He also represents numerous Fortune 500 corporations as well as international shipping companies. Among his many successes:

  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a major pharmaceutical manufacturer in a product liability action in Knoxville, TN based upon the learned intermediary doctrine. Plaintiff claimed she had given birth to son with multiple congenital defects which she attributed to ingesting manufacturer's anti-epilepsy medication while pregnant. Court agreed with argument that manufacturer was not liable because it had warned plaintiff's physician of such risks.
  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of an engineering firm in a case involving a woman who fell and was injured in a Sears' parking lot in Ottawa, Illinois. The trial court found that the engineer complied with the standard of care in connection with the design and markings of the curbs.
  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a health club management company on a premises liability case. The plaintiff appealed and David argued before the Illinois Appellate court which affirmed judgment in favor of David's client.
  • Successfully defended a nursing home from a claim of vicarious liability for the alleged wrongful acts of its medical directors.
  • Obtained dismissal of all claims brought by a disgruntled beneficiary of a trust against an attorney for allegedly failing to properly implement the terms of the trust.
  • Successfully resolved numerous nursing malpractice claims through mediations so as to achieve a cost-effective resolution for the clients.
  • Recovered nearly $700,000 in attorneys' fees for an intermodal carrier under a contractual indemnification provision.

David's naturally easy-going and likeable manner is the perfect complement to his determined and relentless drive to represent the rights of his clients.