Representative matters include:
Lawyers and law firms
The firm defends malpractice, negligence, and fiduciary duty claims in court and on appeal, as well as Bar disciplinary proceedings. Geoffrey C. Haslam is a former chair of the Supreme Court’s Ethics and Screening Panel, and Karra J. Porter is a member of the Utah Bar’s Ethics Advisory Opinion Committee. The firm also represents lawyers and law firms in contractual disputes.
Reported cases include: Christensen & Jensen, PC v. Barrett & Daines, 2008 UT 64, 194 P. 3d 931 (standards of causation for malpractice claims and equitable fee awards); Spratley v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 78 P. 3d 603, 2003 UT 39 (right of in-house counsel to pursue claims).
Health Care Providers
This group, led by Phillip S. Ferguson for more than 20 years, defends medical practitioners against claims of malpractice, inappropriate conduct, HIPAA violations, and other allegations of professional misconduct.
Reported cases include: Birkner v. Salt Lake County Mental Health and Dowling v. Bullen.
Construction / Design Professionals
The firm regularly represents contractors, engineers, architects, appraisers, and other construction professionals in contract and tort claims. Among other achievements, the firm has established important defenses professionals at the Utah Supreme Court.
Reported cases include: American Towers Owners Association, Inc. v. CCI Mechanical, Inc., 930 P.2d 1182 (Utah 1996) (adopting the “economic loss rule” in claims against design professionals); Stevensen v. Goodson, 924 P.2d 339 (Utah 1996) (precluding claim by security interest holders for alleged damage to mortgaged property from encroachment).
Veterinarians
David C. Richards is panel counsel for several veterinary insurers, and has defended numerous veterinary malpractice claims, both pre-trial and in trial.
Investment and tax advisors
The firm defends firms, advisors, and accountants in claims by disgruntled investors and clients.
Insurance agents and brokers
The firm has handled numerous claims alleging that an insurance professional failed to obtain proper insurance, made misrepresentations, or otherwise breached the standard of care.
Real estate agents and brokers
Our attorneys can represent the legal interests of real estate agents and brokers, including handling cases alleging a variety of claims, errors and omissions against agents/brokers.
