Philip E. McDermott

Overview

Philip is a member of the firm’s Business Solutions, Professional Liability and General Liability Practice Groups. Philip’s clients have included private entities such as business owners, commercial property owners, law firms, retailers, contractors, shippers and carriers, insurance companies and Native American tribes.

Philip is knowledgeable regarding all phases of file handling from early case assessment through trial. He is experienced at taking and defending depositions; propounding and responding to discovery; preparing law and motion pleadings; mediation and arbitration; and effectively negotiating resolution and settlement for his clients. He has also provided substantial pre-litigation and general counsel advice to his entity clients.

Business Solutions

Philip serves as a key team member for clients needing an attorney who can perform the unique function of advising them from the inception of a new business relationship, providing pre-litigation advice, and handling litigation if and when it arises. Philip helps clients drive their business forward while minimizing the risk of litigation at all stages of the process.

Philip has significant experience pertaining to commercial litigation. His practice emphasizes the hospitality industry such as casinos, hotels and resorts, assisting with a wide range of civil litigation and business transactions. He also has experience with actions involving freight and cargo shippers including debt collection, and claims under the Montreal Convention 1999, the Shipping Act of 1984 and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998.

Professional Liability

Philip’s experience in professional liability focuses on defending law firm clients from malpractice claims. In particular, he has a wide base of knowledge concerning the rules of professional liability and standards of care that govern the practice. He is further familiar with the unique discovery obligations and related privilege issues often associated with such litigation.

General Liability

Philip’s experience in general liability focuses on providing advice to businesses on many diverse legal issues, including breach of contract, entertainment/copyright issues, legal malpractice, commercial and residential real estate, consumer rights and the COVID-19 pandemic.

While in law school, Philip had a leadership role in the St. Thomas More honor society. In his free time, Philip is an avid sports fan, particularly of the Los Angeles Lakers.

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