Business Litigation Cases
The firm represents litigants in virtually all areas of business litigation. The firm has extensive trial experience in state, federal, and appellate courts, and experience before domestic arbitration panels. Such litigation and other proceedings involve the practice areas described herein, as well as trade secrets issues, unfair trade practices, partnership disputes, shareholder litigation, and other contractual disputes.
Representative Cases:
Wachovia Bank, Nat. Ass'n v. Schmidt, 445 F.3d 762 (4th Cir. 2006)
Wachovia Bank v. Schmidt, 126 S.Ct. 941, 163 L.Ed.2d 797 (United States Supreme Court 2006)
Roddey v. NationsWaste, Unpublished Opinion No. 2005-UP-472 (Ct. App 2005)
Gray v. Riso Kagaku Corp., 82F.3d 410 (Ct.App. 4th Cir., S.C. 1996)
F.D.I.C. v. Prince George Corp., 58 F.3d 1041 (4th Cir., S.C. 1995)
Ambac International Corporation v. Caterpillar, Inc., Civil Action No. 00-CP-40-3860
Bill Hopkins was sole counsel for the plaintiff Ambac in the case of Ambac International Corporation v. Caterpillar, Inc., Civil Action No. 00-CP-40-3860. Amabac, a local manufacturer with approximately 100 employees, sued Catepillar for misappropration of trade secrets, breach of various contracts, breach of contract accompanied by a fraudulent act, fraud, constructive fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment. Caterpillar was representated by two law firms, including one of the 10 largest law firms in the world. After over four years of hard-fought litigation, Mr. Hopkins obtained a confidential settlement for Ambac.
Catherine R. Hansen, Executrix for the Estate of Floyed Hansen v. DHL Laboratories, Inc., Estate John F. Ladley, R.S. Dickson & Company d/b/a Ruddick Investment Company, and R. Stuart Dickson, Civil Action No. 91-CP-44-0281
Bill Hopkins was co-counsel for the plaintiff in the case of Catherine R. Hansen for Catherine R. Hansen, Executrix for the Estate of Floyed Hansen v. DHL Laboratories, Inc., Estate John F. Ladley, R.S. Dickson & Company d/b/a Ruddick Investment Company, and R. Stuart Dickson, Civil Action No. 91-CP-44-0281. This case involved allegations of minority shareholder oppression, breach of fiduciary dutues, and fraud. After a one week trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of our client in the amount of $1,351,972 actual damages and $250,000 punitive damages, which was the largest verdict rendered in Union County history. The defendents appealed the verdict but settled the case before the appeal was heard.