Cases
Representative Cases: David Schaller represents clients in franchise
distribution disputes, business torts, insurance bad faith,
professional liability matters. He relies on his significant prior experience in business to appreciate his clients' priorities relating to complex commercial disputes.
Serving as regional trial counsel to a leading national shipping company.
Star Funding v. Tire Centers, et al., 17-1074 (2nd Cir. 2017) - Won Second Circuit affirmance for a Michelin subsidiary upholding summary judgment from the Southern District of New York. The case involved fraud perpetrated by a former employee
a third party.
Century Motor v. FCA US (Mo. Ct. App. E.D.) - Won a significant appeal for FCA (Chrysler) in the Missouri Court of Appeals relating to a 2014 jury trial WTO won for Chrysler. Following trial, the judge entered a declaration in favor of the plaintiff on one remaining count. The Court of Appeals reversed following WTO's successful argument.
Represented an international shipping
package delivery company in numerous arbitrations involving independent contractor classification.
Won a complete defense verdict in a jury trial for an automotive manufacturer on claims challenging major aspects of the business operation.
Represented a major oil producer in arbitration to recover damages stemming from a business partner's breach of contract.
Represented major automotive manufacturers in litigation involving dealer terminations in Oregon
Colorado.
Represented a major REIT in class action arbitration initiated to recover damages related to a natural disaster.
Century Motor v. Chrysler (Mo. 2014) - Won a complete jury verdict for Chrysler Group LLC in a Missouri lawsuit involving an automobile dealer plaintiff claiming damages of tens of millions of dollars.
Represented USAA as national trial
coordinating counsel in all medical payments
PIP lawsuits nationwide.
Obtained complete dismissal of a ten-count discrimination complaint against a Fortune 100 client. WTO won the ensuing appeal to the Tenth Circuit, affirming the trial court's dismissal in full.
Juwi Solar v. Maynard (Colo. Boulder Cnty. Dist. Ct. 2013) - Successfully represented employers in noncompete
trade secret litigation, including obtaining injunctive relief against a former employee of a solar power plant developer for violation of noncompete
nondisclosure agreements.
Won a bench verdict in state court in a legal malpractice matter. After the law firm brought a collection action against a former client, the former client countered with a multimillion-dollar damages dem
, claiming breach of fiduciary duty. Following a one-week trial, the judge dismissed the former client's counterclaim
awarded WTO's client the full amount of fees owed plus interest.
Defended an investment advisory firm in Cook County, IL against a $10 million professional negligence claim. After a two-week trial, the jury found for the defendant.
Represented a managing partner in a $5 million suit between law firm partners with respect to claims of fraud
mismanagement. After a two-week trial, WTO's client prevailed on fraud
mismanagement claims,
the Court ordered an accounting
liquidation of the firm.
Co-managed with one other law firm the response to requests from 418 dealers for arbitration relating to the bankruptcy of Chrysler Group LLC
following Chrysler's termination of those dealerships. WTO litigated 187 of these Section 747 arbitrations,
, as directed by Congress, resolved all of the litigation within seven months.
Larry Menke v. DaimlerChrysler, 90 Cal. Rptr. 3d 389 (2009) - Won affirmation for Chrysler before the California Court of Appeals in an opinion that established favorable precedent for manufacturers operating in California. The Court affirmed a trial court's complete dismissal of claims against Chrysler for rejecting a prospective dealership purchaser.
Represent major automotive manufacturer in defense of product liability claims involving varying designs of sport utility vehicles.
