NCAA Trial Win Tops CVN List of Most Impressive Defense Verdicts of 2022

1 minute read
January.13.2023

The Courtroom View Network recognized an Orrick litigation team’s trial win for the NCAA as the Most Impressive Defense Verdict of 2022. Our team, led by partner Will Stute, secured a defense verdict in December in the first trial in the nation involving claims against the NCAA related to concussions in college football.

CVN, which broadcast the trial, cited the precedent-setting stakes in the trial with thousands of similar cases pending around the country. “The key role this critical bellwether defense verdict could play in the eventual disposition of those other cases earned this trial the top spot on CVN's 2022 list,” the network said.

In addition to Will, the recognition cited partners William Molinski and David Fuad, as well as trial team members Marc Shapiro, Anne Malik, Natalie Nahabet, Deena Dulgerian, John Badalich, Justin Washington and Alexis Golling-Sledge.

American Lawyer also recognized the team as Litigators of the Week for the trial win.

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Related Lawyers

Will Stute Partner, Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Sports Law

Washington, D.C.

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D:+1 202 339 8580
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Sports Law

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Will Stute Partner

Washington, D.C.

In the span of less than 10 months across 2022 and 2023, he won three separate high-profile jury trials for the NCAA – including the first to take on claims the NCAA is responsible for concussions and CTE in college football. This victory was recognized as the Courtroom View Network’s Most Impressive Defense Verdict of 2022, American Lawyer Litigator of the Week and the Daily Journal’s Defense Verdict of the Year.

Will’s versatility, strategic acumen and ability to think on his feet separate him as a trial lawyer. He is highly skilled at developing strategy, telling his client’s story and connecting with juries – and he has done it for clients across the tech, finance and life sciences sectors on claims ranging from mass torts, personal injury and False Claims Act cases to antitrust, securities fraud and RMBS litigation. Will tries cases when others fold, settles cases on the most favorable terms, and earns praise from clients for his confident and steady leadership throughout the battle.

A champion of teamwork and inclusion, Will brings a diverse team of top talent to every engagement. He is active in his community and is proud to represent a civil rights organization pro bono in litigation seeking to end discriminatory housing practices in Minnesota.

Will’s passion for obtaining the best possible results for clients is eclipsed only by his commitment to family and his four sons.

David Fuad Partner, Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Mass Torts & Product Liability

Los Angeles; Santa Monica

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D:+1 213 612 2369
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Mass Torts & Product Liability
Class Action Defense
Trials
Sports Law
Employment Law & Litigation
Trade Secrets Litigation
Technology & Innovation
Trademark, Copyright & Media

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David Fuad Partner

Los Angeles; Santa Monica

In trial, litigation, arbitration or mediation, David delivers efficient and favorable results aligned with clients’ business objectives. From health and safety mass tort litigation for the NCAA, to complex, multimillion-dollar international breach of contract claims and countersuits for a global television manufacturer, to high-stakes, precedent-setting employment victories for Oracle, David handles a range of commercial disputes. David was named a “Litigator of the Week” by American Lawyer for achieving a complete defense verdict in a precedent-setting jury trial, and has been named a “Litigator of the Week” Runner-Up twice for securing defense verdicts, including in a $100 million negligence action. In addition to these recognitions from American Lawyer, David was also named to The Recorder's list of Lawyers on the Fast Track in California.

Not all disputes end up in court. David leverages his extensive courtroom and alternative dispute resolution knowledge to provide invaluable risk mitigation counseling to both established and emerging companies. David serves as a business partner and trusted advisor to ambitious start-ups and high-growth companies—helping these innovative clients see around corners to avoid or reduce potential exposures.

In addition to his legal practice, David is committed to challenging inequities through his pro bono work. For Equal Justice Under Law, he helped secure a favorable judgment in a federal civil rights class action, barring indigent criminal defendants unable to pay court-imposed fines and fees from being jailed in a system that was described as a “modern-day debtors’ prison.”

While attending law school, David served as an extern for two Los Angeles Superior Court judges and was a member of the Loyola Entertainment Law Review.