Practice Areas

Appropriate Dispute Resolution (“ADR”)
Traditional trials are vanishing at an astonishing rate. A generation ago, many disputes were argued before a judge or jury. But that is not the modern reality.

Today, trials represent the extraordinary medium of litigation. White & Associates brings to bear considerable experience in the principal means of commercial dispute resolution: Negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Our professionals possess exceptional credentials in the field of appropriate dispute resolution (“ADR”) both within the United States and in the international arena. This expertise often translates into significant cost containment opportunities for our clients, while expeditiously achieving desirable outcomes.

Securities Arbitration
Between 1930 and 1980, approximately 5-15% of Americans invested in the financial markets. Today, an estimated 48% of all U.S. households own mutual fund shares^*, while others directly participate through securities portfolios. Many of those individual investors entrust the stewardship of their retirement savings to brokerage houses and personal financial advisors. What remedies are available when fiduciaries breach their obligations and cause economic harm?

White & Associates attorneys are experienced in the prosecution of National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”) arbitration claims. Our team has advised domestic and off-shore clients on matters ranging from unsuitable investment strategies and unauthorized broker-dealer trading activity to negligent supervision.

The firm counsels private investors in actions against member firms, as well as associated persons involved in intra-industry disputes.

^*Source: Investment Company Institute (2006)

Commercial Litigation
Contracts are broken every day. When agreements are dishonored, damages are often available against the breaching party. The decision to breach or comply is often a simple matter of economics. Unfortunately, the analysis underlying that decision is not usually so facile.

White & Associates counsels both prospective litigants and actual disputants. The firm has both prosecuted claims and defended actions on behalf of commercial entities. This experience provides useful insight to plaintiffs and defendants. When an amicable settlement cannot be reached, our seasoned litigators stand ready to try the case to verdict.

Qui Tam Actions
The Federal False Claims Act (“FCA”) has become an effective resource to curb fraud against taxpayers. The qui tam provisions of the FCA enable individuals to initiate lawsuits against private sector entities on behalf of the United States. In recognition of this assistance, the whistleblower (known as a “relator”), is entitled to compensation ranging from 15-30% of monies recovered by the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”).

Since the passage of significant legislative amendments in 1986, approximately $8 billion has been recovered through the successful prosecution of qui tam actions, principally against corporate defendants in the pharmaceutical, health care and defense contractor industries.

White & Associates is experienced in the nuanced procedural aspects of federal court qui tam actions. Recognizing that plaintiffs are successful in only 5% of suits in which the DOJ declines intervention, the firm places a premium on pre-filing research and preparation of claims.

Criminal Defense
For most, an encounter with a law enforcement agency or prosecutor’s office can be a confusing, sometimes harrowing experience. In matters ranging from a street-level “stop and frisk” to the secrecy of a federal grand jury investigation, individual rights and liberties are often jeopardized by careless action or ill-advised statements.

White & Associates draws upon intimate familiarity with both the federal and state systems in zealously defending our clients from pre-arrest through the disposition phase. Our appellate practice also offers an innovative perspective to those previously represented by other counsel during trial court proceedings.