Christopher B Harwood

October 14, 2024 | New York Law Journal

"Lehrburger explained that unlike retained experts, non-retained treating physicians 'wear a cloak of independence and lack of bias,'" write Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood.

By Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood

8 minute read

August 22, 2024 | New York Law Journal

"Not surprisingly, privilege disputes constitute a frequent topic of litigation in connection with Section 1782 proceedings," write Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood.

By Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood

8 minute read

June 17, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Where diversity jurisdiction is lacking, removal to federal court typically requires the removed case to assert a federal cause of action. An exception exists, however, where removal is proper if the state cause of action asserted involves a substantial federal issue.

By Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood

8 minute read

April 15, 2024 | New York Law Journal

In 'In re Grand Jury Subpoena Dated February 22, 2024, 2024', Judge Jesse Furman of the Southern District of New York confronted whether the Second Circuit's 'Martindell' test extends to protective orders issued by an arbitrator rather than by a district judge.

By Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood

9 minute read

February 21, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Conflicts arise between law firms and their clients that require lawyers within the firms to seek legal advice. In such situations, firm lawyers may seek advice from another lawyer within their firm about how to handle the issue. In subsequent litigation with the client, however, such communications may not be protected from discovery, particularly where the firm lawyer whose advice is sought has been involved in the representation of the client.

By Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood

10 minute read

December 18, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Although some courts have concluded that indemnification and contribution claims are available for claims arising under a federal statute only if the statute expressly or impliedly provides for them, other courts have addressed the issue by conducting a traditional preemption analysis. The Second Circuit has not addressed the issue, and district courts within the circuit have taken both approaches. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the Southern District of New York recently addressed this issue in the context of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

By Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood

9 minute read

October 16, 2023 | New York Law Journal

This article focuses on 'My Mavens v. Grubhub' and discusses how courts are unlikely to allow parties to base their allegations in a pleading on information they learned during settlement discussions, even if the information could later be obtained through discovery.

By Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood

8 minute read

August 15, 2023 | New York Law Journal

To prevail at the class certification stage, the named plaintiffs frequently must present evidence that goes to the merits of their claims in order to show that common issues predominate. That obligation is not new.

By Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood

10 minute read

June 23, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Attorneys need to exercise some degree of caution in initial client consultations, or face the risk of a disqualification motion if the attorney is engaged on behalf of another party in a related matter.

By Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood

9 minute read

April 17, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Following motions to compel arbitration, Judge Engelmayer held in Yost that the EFAA does not invalidate an arbitration agreement unless the plaintiff pleads a cognizable sexual harassment claim that is sufficient to survive a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss. Judge Engelmayer further held in Johnson that that if a plaintiff pleads a cognizable sexual harassment claim, the EFAA precludes arbitration of all claims in the case, not just the sexual harassment claim, writes contributors Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood.

By Edward M. Spiro and Christopher B. Harwood

9 minute read