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Not every case is complex, but a significant portion of the litigation handled involves intricate issues. Many cases are referred by other lawyers who encountered roadblocks while attempting to resolve them. The more complex cases often involve vast amounts of documentation, sometimes requiring millions of documents to be processed into an electronic database for efficient searching and analysis.
For example, the team handled a securities derivative case against Sandridge, which spanned several years and ultimately settled. It is believed to be the largest securities derivative case in Oklahoma. Additionally, they represented the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations in a case against the federal government over mismanagement of tribal lands. This case, involving extensive depositions across the country and millions of documents, resulted in a $186 million settlement, one of the largest of its kind.
The team also has experience in medical products liability cases. Previously serving as regional counsel for Biomet, a manufacturer of artificial hips and knees, they have transitioned to representing plaintiffs in similar cases. Recently, they handled a case involving a faulty diabetes insulin pump, which was believed to have caused a client’s death. This wide range of complex cases, including medical products and securities litigation, involves substantial documentation and intricate legal issues.
The complexity of these cases often requires a deep understanding of both factual details and legal principles. The involvement of skilled young lawyers, particularly in legal research and writing, is crucial. It’s not enough to just know the facts; one must also understand the law and be able to present it effectively to judges and juries in a way that is both clear and compelling.
Oklahoma City, OK commercial litigation attorney Reggie Whitten discusses the firm’s experience in complex litigation. He emphasized that while not every case they handle is complex, a significant portion of their litigation portfolio falls into this category. Many cases come their way through referrals from other attorneys who initially attempted to tackle them but encountered formidable obstacles. These complex cases often entail substantial volumes of documents, necessitating significant investments in creating electronic databases for efficient word searches and document management.
One notable case he mentioned involved Sandridge, a Securities derivative case that spanned several years and ultimately settled. This case marked the largest Securities derivative settlement in Oklahoma’s history. Another high-profile matter they handled was on behalf of the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes, litigating against the federal government for the alleged unfair treatment of the tribes regarding their lands. This case, too, was highly complex, involving extensive national deposition processes and millions of documents, culminating in an impressive $186 million settlement, the largest of its kind.
He discussed their involvement in Medical Products liability cases, highlighting his prior role as Regional counsel for Biomet, a company specializing in artificial hips and knees. These cases are known for their complexity, and they now represent plaintiffs in such matters. An example he cited was a case involving a diabetes insulin pump failure, which they believe led to the death of their client.
In conclusion, he acknowledged that the vast majority of their cases involve complexity characterized by extensive documentation and intricate legal issues. He emphasized the importance of their team, which includes talented young lawyers skilled in legal research and writing, as presenting the facts and law effectively to judges and juries is crucial for success in these complex cases.