Douglas A. Scullion, Partner, Dentons

Experience

Life, Health, Disability And ERISA

• Obtained summary judgment and full defense verdict for client in a multistate putative class action involving unfair business practices, consumer fraud and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) claims.
• National counsel for client involved in Unclaimed Property litigation filed by the State Treasurer in West Virginia.
• Defeated class certification of unfair competition and fraud claims in a California class action involving indexed annuities.
• Obtained a summary judgment and full defense verdict in a California lawsuit involving alleged improper termination of a multimillion-dollar life insurance policy.
• Obtained a summary judgment and full defense verdict for a client facing allegations of improper policy rescission in Wisconsin District Court.
• Defended and negotiated a successful settlement of claims against an insurer, broker-dealer and agent involving fraud and alleged unsuitable sales practices, including churning, forgery and “bait-and-switch” tactics, in the sale of multimillion-dollar variable life insurance policies.
• Defended an insurer against fraud and elder abuse claims arising out of alleged sale of unsuitable annuities to seniors.

Property, Casualty and Auto Insurance

• Defending a client in an ongoing putative Arkansas class action involving alleged improper use of computer claims handling software program.
• Defended a reinsurer in a national class action and in various related state court actions involving breach of contract and fraud claims arising out of the collapse of a national automobile warranty program.
• Obtained a summary judgment affirmed on appeal for client in a multimillion-dollar coverage limit dispute. The victory was covered in the September 23, 2009, issue of The Voice, the weekly newsletter of the Defense Research Institute.
• Defended multiple insurers in coverage litigation involving significant asbestos-related exposures.
• Defended a client against claims for breach of contract, bad faith and malicious prosecution arising out of alleged mishandling of claim under personal lines liability policy.
• Prosecuted contribution, subrogation and indemnity claims against a co-insurer to obtain reimbursement for defense and indemnity payments in an underlying wrongful death suit.

Commercial Litigation

• Obtained a full dismissal for a client at the pleadings stage of a purported class action claiming violations of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) and consumer fraud under Business and Professions Code sections 17200 and 17500, et seq.
• Negotiated a nationwide settlement of a putative class action against a manufacturer of dietary supplements.
• Defended wineries in a contract dispute with a former distributor.
• Defended a software manufacturer against fraud and misrepresentation claims from a former investor.
• Defended a client against unfair competition claims alleging improper use of service marks.
• Advised a client on strategies to minimize potential successor liabilities in connection with a proposed corporate restructuring
• Prosecuted a global equipment manufacturer’s lawsuit against former employees, alleging breach of fiduciary duty and misappropriation of trade secrets.
• Represented a global manufacturer of hydroelectric turbines against claims from public utility alleging product defect and breach of warranty.

Recognition

Doug has twice been named a BTI Client Services All-Star, one of only 43 lawyers across the US to receive this honor.

Honors and Awards

Insights

Activities and Affiliations