Today Secretariat announced the firm has expanded its global reach with the launch of offices in Hamburg and Munich, Germany. As part of the strategic growth, three new leaders join Secretariat’s roster of experts led by Alexander Demuth and joined by Directors Dr. Björn Brand and Christian Gruschwitz. Together, the team will lead Secretariat’s efforts to grow client relationships and new business opportunities across Mainland Europe with a specific focus on Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

“Throughout our history, Europe has been home to some of Secretariat’s most important matters and esteemed clients. But as the size of projects and inherent risks involved continues to grow, having a team based in the region has become more imperative,” says Secretariat Managing Director Don Harvey. “This is why I am so proud to welcome the world-class team in Alexander, Björn, and Christian. They represent an important step in our growth as we continue to add the best talent in the industry.”

Alexander Demuth, a recognized international arbitration expert with more than 25 years of experience, works with Secretariat. He regularly advises clients in commercial and investor-state arbitrations, litigation, and settlements with a focus on post-merger and commercial disputes. Mr. Demuth is experienced in the quantification of damages, valuations, business modelling, transaction services, accounting, and auditing. His experience includes giving evidence in more than 30 hearings, including in arbitrations under AAA, DIS, HKIAC, ICC, SCC, SIAC, VIAC and ICSID rules. Mr. Demuth is recognized as a Global Elite Thought Leader in Who’s Who Legal’s Arbitration Expert Witnesses 2023.

Dr. Björn Brand is a seasoned expert and project leader who has led engagements assessing purchase price adjustments, lost profits resulting from contract breaches, and expropriations. He also has worked on projects with a focus on financial, economic, forensic, and accounting-related analyses in the context of valuations, financial and economic modelling, and transactions. A Director based in Munich, Dr. Brand earned his PhD in Economics with a focus on Industrial Organization from the University of Graz.

Christian Gruschwitz is a Director based in Munich. He has more than 15 years of experience in company valuation, business modeling and transaction services. He advises clients on arbitration, litigation, and settlements with particular depth in post-merger disputes, commercial disputes and shareholder disputes. He regularly advises stakeholders on matters relating to corporate transactions, commercial, and corporate law.

Mr. Demuth added, “Secretariat’s global experience and platform are unparalleled in the world of international disputes and arbitration. We are delighted to join such an excellent group of senior experts and we are very much looking forward to building out the firm’s presence in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.”

Today Secretariat welcomed Christopher Larkin as a Managing Director in the firm’s Toronto office. With more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Mr. Larkin’s addition builds on the firm’s long and impressive track record of addressing notable construction and infrastructure disputes in Canada with the establishment of a domestic construction advisory and dispute resolution team.

As a Chartered Civil Engineer with a law degree and vast arbitration qualifications, Mr. Larkin has been appointed frequently as an expert witness on both delay and quantum matters. He has experience in mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and major litigation proceedings, and regularly works with legal counsel from leading international law firms, as well as contractors, employers, consultants, and architects involved in major construction projects.

“In the world of construction disputes, Secretariat’s reputation stands apart in a class all its own,” says Larkin. “The challenges and risks involved in today’s construction projects will only continue to grow more complex. I am excited to join this first-class team and I look forward to growing our capabilities, both in Canada and around the world.”

Mr. Larkin has worked on a range of projects throughout his career, including large-scale infrastructure, commercial buildings, shipbuilding, rail, mechanical and electrical installations, and various civil engineering schemes. He routinely conducts delay analysis, quantum analysis, evidence management, and claims evaluation, and leads the forensic investigation into causes of delay and the analysis of large quantities of complex data. His experience spans several countries and regions, including Canada, UK, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East.

“Few individuals have earned the standing Chris commands as an expert in construction delay and quantum matters,” says Managing Director Don Harvey. “The opportunity to add his talent to the team is a significant win, not just in Canada, but for the work we do and clients we serve around the world.”

Mr. Larkin is a notable industry thought leader, having earned recognition in Who’s Who Legal’s Thought Leaders Global Elite – Construction Experts 2023. Additionally, he regularly presents at industry events and is a frequent contributor to Construction Week, a Middle East weekly publication. He holds a Bachelor’s of Engineering from the University of Plymouth where he graduated with honors. He also holds a Bachelor of Laws with honors from the University of Wolverhampton.

Secretariat is pleased to announce Hitesh Patel as the firm’s newest Managing Director based in London. With more than 30 years of international experience in addressing fraud, misconduct, and the effectiveness of regulatory compliance programmes, Patel adds significant new investigative capabilities that complement the firm’s disputes and economic advisory services.

Throughout his career, Patel has led numerous assignments with a focus on complex multi-jurisdictional issues such as bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF), sanctions, financial misrepresentation, fraud, and market abuse, among others. He works closely with General Counsel’s offices of large multinational organizations and their legal counsel in support of disciplinary, civil, criminal, and regulatory actions. Additionally, he is known for his expertise in applying forensic technology and advanced data analytics to protect clients’ commercial interests.

“Every global organization faces many risks from bad actors, both inside their companies and from outsiders who wish to do them harm. Often, they do not know what is occurring until it is too late, and the consequences can be devastating. Pinpointing and mitigating these risks is essential to avoid the worst possible scenarios,” says Secretariat Managing Director Don Harvey. “Few people in the world know the dynamics involved in complex investigations like Hitesh. We are lucky to add his expertise and thrilled to have him as a member of the team.”

Patel adds, “Secretariat is intricately involved in some of the world’s most sensitive legal, regulatory, and business challenges. Understanding the role fraud, misconduct, and other risks may play can often be the difference between a successful outcome or catastrophe. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to Secretariat’s clients and to work alongside the firm’s world-class team of experts.”

Patel has served a wide range of clients across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and life sciences, oil and gas, defense, banking, engineering, private equity, and governmental bodies. As a recognized thought leader in the field of white collar crime, Patel has been a regular commentator in the media on topical matters and has written numerous articles and co-authored books on the subject, including “Managing Risk and Resolving Crisis” for the Financial Times and a guide on “Criminal Investigations” for Tolley’s Guide on Accountancy and Litigation Support.

Patel is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and formerly served as a Board Member of the UK’s Fraud Advisory Panel.

Secretariat welcomes James Hanson as the firm’s newest Managing Director based in London. Hanson is a civil engineer with more than 25 years of experience providing expert advisory services to address commercial and contractual risks in large-scale capital projects. Complementing Secretariat’s significant depth in disputes and quantum analysis, he specializes in providing expert advice to establish, deliver and turnaround projects in the construction, infrastructure, life sciences, and other complex industries.

Hanson is regularly engaged to help clients evaluate and optimize their delivery capabilities, from identifying performance improvement opportunities to establishing project management offices, governance environments, and executive reporting protocols. He has developed new time and cost forecasts to turnaround capital projects, designed systems to address cost over runs, and reviewed numerous project portfolios to address risks in the context of mergers and acquisitions.

“James understands the inherent risks involved with large-scale, capital-intensive projects unlike other experts in the market,” says Managing Director Don Harvey. “He knows what it takes to avoid the pitfalls that can emerge when projects are not managed properly, and his ability to diagnose and remedy complex issues makes his expertise truly unique and valuable. Having James on our team adds new depth to our capabilities and is a win for our clients.”

“Secretariat works at the center of some of the world’s largest, most complex capital projects. The firm has earned the reputation as the preeminent team of experts when potential disputes put everything on the line,” says Hanson. “I am excited to join the firm as it continues to grow and expand its advisory capabilities.”

Hanson earned his MBA from Bayes Business School (London) and holds a BEng, with honors, in Civil Engineering from Queen Mary University (London).

Secretariat welcomes Managing Director Fred Selck, Ph.D., to the firm’s Economics practice based in Washington, D.C. Highly regarded for his work at the intersection of healthcare and economics, Dr. Selck joins a rapidly growing team of more than 100 economists, including nearly 50 Ph.D.’s and a practice that has added new capabilities through the firm’s recent addition of economic consulting firm Intensity.

Dr. Selck brings extensive experience in health economics, applied economics, innovation, and intellectual property. He has leveraged this expertise to answer questions related to asset valuation, commercial reasonableness, market definition, competition, and class certification. Dr. Selck has provided analysis and testimony in a wide range of complex healthcare and life sciences matters as part of more than a decade of experience as a consulting and testifying expert. He has testified in U.S. District Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and the Delaware Court of Chancery.

“Dr. Selck’s rich background in the economics of healthcare, insurance, and healthcare policy — in addition to his academic strengths — are a wonderful addition to our team and a benefit to our clients,” said Managing Director Ryan Sullivan. “This is an area of litigation consulting that we are thrilled to expand and I look forward to tackling complex challenges together.”

Secretariat Managing Director Don Harvey added, “In the ever-growing market of complex healthcare litigation, Dr. Selck’s expertise is a unique addition that will benefit our clients tremendously. His knowledge and skills are best in class, and I am thrilled to welcome him to Secretariat as part of our Economics team.”

“I am pleased to begin this new chapter of my career with Secretariat and the outstanding economists in D.C. and across the firm,” Dr. Selck stated, “Secretariat is well-regarded for its consulting work in healthcare and life sciences matters. I look forward to working alongside this exceptional team.”

Prior to Secretariat, Dr. Selck was a Partner at Bates White where his life sciences and healthcare expertise were applied to a wide variety of matters that included patent infringement, antitrust, False Claims Act, and fraudulent conveyance claims. Previously, he was a fellow at the National Center for Health Statistics and part of the Health Economics Research Group at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Selck is a member of the Professional Faculty in Health Economics and Health Finance at Johns Hopkins University, where he teaches graduate-level courses in health economics, innovation, and healthcare finance. Further, his work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Health Services Research, Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, Statistics in Medicine, and Annals of Surgery.

Dr. Selck earned his Ph.D. in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University. He received his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Economics from City University of New York, Hunter College.

Dr. Matt Farber provided trial testimony on behalf of dbest Products Inc. in patent litigation involving a transport cart patent. The jury awarded damages in the exact amount testified to by Dr. Farber.

Secretariat worked with Orbit IP LLC on behalf of dbest Products Inc. in patent litigation involving a transport cart patent embodied by dbest’s Trolley Dolly line of products. The parties had previously stipulated to infringement by Guangzhou Yucheng Trading Co. The issues remaining were damages and willfulness.

During its work, Secretariat analyzed the Panduit factors to determine both whether lost profits were appropriate and the quantum of lost profits. Secretariat also determined a reasonable royalty reflecting the market’s valuation of a license to the patented technology.

Dr. Matt Farber submitted a report and provided expert testimony at trial. Dr. Farber’s work was supported by Associate Alex Gisquet.

After a four-day trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of dbest with a damages award in the exact amount of the lost profits damages testified to by Dr. Farber. The patent at issue was U.S. Patent No. 9,233,700.

Law 360 (subscription may be required) coverage of the verdict can be found here.

*Work performed by individuals while employed by Intensity, LLC. Intensity was acquired by Secretariat in February 2023.

Dr. Ryan Sullivan provided trial testimony on behalf of ClearPlay in patent litigation involving Dish’s AutoHop commercial-skipping feature. The jury awarded damages of $469,074,468, the exact amount testified to by Dr. Sullivan.

Secretariat worked with Beus Gilbert McGroder, Ray Quinney & Nebeker, and Foley & Lardner on behalf of ClearPlay, Inc. The patents at issue involve technology developed by ClearPlay, a media and communications company that offers parental control solutions that allow users to filter out objectionable content in movies and TV shows. ClearPlay accused DISH Network LLC of infringing its patented technology by providing AutoHop, a feature that provides customers the ability to skip commercials for certain prime-time shows.

During its work, Secretariat evaluated the economic benefits of the patented technology to DISH, including additional subscribers, reduced churn rates, and a price premium for set-top boxes that offer AutoHop. Secretariat determined a reasonable royalty that reflects the extent of DISH’s use of the patented technology.

Dr. Ryan Sullivan submitted a report and provided expert testimony at deposition and trial. Dr. Sullivan’s work was supported by Dr. Aminta Raffalovich and Kristyn Berretta.

After a ten-day trial in Salt Lake City, the jury returned a verdict in favor of ClearPlay with a damages award in the exact amount of the reasonable royalty testified to by Dr. Sullivan. The jury awarded $469,074,468 for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,577,970 and 6,898,799.

Reuter’s coverage of the verdict can be found here and Law 360 (subscription may be required) coverage can be found here.

*Work performed by individuals while employed by Intensity, LLC. Intensity was acquired by Secretariat in February 2023.

Today Secretariat announced the acquisition of Intensity, LLC, a preeminent US-based economic, finance, and data science professional services firm, significantly enhancing Secretariat’s market leading financial and economics expert services to the legal community. With this acquisition, nearly 50 professionals join Secretariat, contributing significant depth to the firm’s economic advisory and expert testifying capabilities in intellectual property, securities and finance, antitrust, business valuations, and commercial damages.

“The addition of the Intensity team marks an exciting step in Secretariat’s growth story. As one of the most respected teams in the industry, their strong economic and econometric skills add significant new capabilities to our roster in critically important areas to our legal clients, including intellectual property and securities, while adding depth to our existing antitrust team,” said Secretariat Managing Director Don Harvey. “Beyond our complementary skills and expertise, I am very impressed by the caliber of Intensity’s professionals and the impeccable reputation the firm has earned through their quality work and focus on delivering client value. Importantly, the Intensity team shares Secretariat’s commitment to culture and the growth of our professionals while delivering the highest quality service to our clients.”

Established in 2014, Intensity is highly regarded for the powerful research, analysis, and expertise the firm delivers when solving complex economic, financial, and econometric challenges for their clients. Intensity’s client roster includes AmLaw 100 firms and prominent blue-chip corporations and organizations in highly complex industries, from pharmaceuticals and financial services to information technology. Intensity professionals also leverage key relationships with academic research institutions in providing services to their clients. The acquisition establishes new professionals in San Diego and Dallas and expands Secretariat’s presence in key US markets, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, DC.

Intensity President Ryan Sullivan Ph.D. commented that, “From the start, our discussions with Secretariat showed the unlimited potential involved in joining forces, from the types of work we do to the clients we serve and the ways we invest in developing our people. Finding the right cultural fit and sense of shared values were imperative to us when considering any partnerships. Now, as a part of Secretariat, we join an amazing and talented team of really smart people who excel at working together on tough challenges.”

With the addition of Intensity, the firm’s economic and regulatory advisory practice includes more than 100 professionals, including 46 experts who hold a PhD or other advanced degree in their field of expertise.

DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE

Contact

Nathan Jenks
Director of Marketing & Communications
njenks@secretariat-intl.com
+1.773.220.8896

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Today Secretariat, the preeminent litigation consulting, economic advisory, and expert witness firm, announces the creation of a new Data Solutions practice with the additions of industry veterans Jim Vint and Rebecca Patterson as new Managing Directors. Vint and Patterson join following the recent addition of eDiscovery and digital forensics expert Jon Fowler. Together, the new leaders and Data Solutions team add significant depth to the firm’s industry-leading disputes and regulatory advisory capabilities.

“Every legal and regulatory matter in today’s world involves a complex set of data, privacy, and security issues that must be addressed. To help our clients succeed in this environment requires a depth and breadth of technical expertise attuned to these ever-changing challenges. That is why I am excited to welcome Jim and Rebecca to our team of experts,” said Secretariat Managing Director Don Harvey. “Adding their knowledge and capabilities to the Secretariat team now is an important and natural next step in our growth strategy. Additionally, many of our people have worked with Jim and Rebecca, so we know their skills will add value to our global team and our clients right away.”

Secretariat’s new Data Solutions practice expands the firm’s expert-led capabilities with the addition of global experience in data-driven disputes and investigations; data analytics and automation; data security and privacy compliance; and data risk advisory. Collectively, Vint and Patterson have significant experience working with leading law firms and corporate clients to aggregate and analyze disparate sources of information, design data-driven workflows, and develop advanced analytics- and machine learning-based solutions in response to disputes, investigations, and litigation. Additionally, they work with clients to address existing and emerging data privacy and security compliance obligations and create customized solutions that address an organization’s unique data landscape and data risk profile.

Earlier in January, Secretariat welcomed Jon Fowler, a London-based expert in eDiscovery, digital forensics, and unstructured data analytics. He is experienced in leading and delivering on large, multi-jurisdictional disclosure exercises, with particular focus on financial regulatory investigations and large-scale complex litigation.

“We are extremely excited to join the experts at Secretariat. The Secretariat platform will facilitate our ability to engage with clients on their most critical data issues and address complexities around data risk,” said Vint. Patterson added, “Data risks are dynamic and evolving, particularly in the dispute and litigation portfolios managed by companies and law firms. Clarity and defensibility through data-driven solutions are more important than ever.”

Dr. Ryan Sullivan provided trial testimony on behalf of VLSI Technology in patent litigation involving Intel’s microprocessors. The jury awarded damages of $948,755,789, the exact amount testified to by Dr. Sullivan.

Secretariat worked with Irell & Manella on behalf of VLSI Technology in patent litigation involving a microprocessor patent. The technology at issue provides performance improvements, among other benefits, in microprocessors. Previously, in a separate Texas trial involving VLSI Technology and Intel in March 2021, VLSI was awarded $2.175 billion based upon the work and testimony of Dr. Sullivan.

During its work, Secretariat conducted economic analysis to determine reasonable royalties for the alleged infringement by Intel. This included an assessment of the economic contribution of the patented technology to Intel’s allegedly infringing products and analysis of the economic benefits from use of the patented technology by Intel. As part of its work, Intensity evaluated all fifteen of the Georgia-Pacific factors.

Dr. Ryan Sullivan submitted a report and provided expert testimony at deposition and trial. Dr. Sullivan’s work was supported by Secretariat analytical teams led by Jennifer Rosendin.

After a six-day trial in Austin, the jury returned a verdict in favor of VLSI with a damages award in the exact amount of the reasonable royalty from the analysis Secretariat performed. The jury awarded $948,755,789 for past infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,606,983.

Bloomberg Law coverage can be found here.

*Work performed by individuals while employed by Intensity, LLC. Intensity was acquired by Secretariat in February 2023.

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”0px|-82px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ ul_line_height=”2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” ul_line_height_tablet=”2em” ul_line_height_phone=”2em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” ul_line_height__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” ul_line_height__hover=”2em”]

Julie Solomon has joined Secretariat Economists as a new Managing Director based in the firm’s Washington, DC office. An energy industry expert with more than 25 years of experience, Julie specializes in regulatory and utility economics, competition, and restructuring.

Julie regularly advises utility clients and legal counsel on a range of regulatory and litigation matters, primarily in the electric and gas industries. She testifies frequently on market power and competition issues, including numerous proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

“Julie’s experience and reputation in the complex world of energy regulation and competition is second to none,” says Secretariat Managing Director Don Harvey. “The regulatory environment in the electricity and electric generation markets is growing more complex by the day. With Julie’s counsel, our clients will benefit from one of the most knowledgeable minds in the industry today.”

Earlier in her career, Julie was an economist with the U.S. Department of Labor and has held senior positions in other economic consulting firms. She earned an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Economics from Connecticut College.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]