R. James De Rose, III

R.J. is a first-chair litigator and appellate attorney who focuses his practice on complex domestic and international litigation. His clients include insurance carriers, directors and officers, international construction companies, and financial institutions. R.J. began his career as a coverage analyst for directors and officers insurance liability claims, and has since expanded his practice to include their direct representation in litigation for alleged mismanagement.

R.J.’s financial services experience includes representing securitized student loan trusts in class action litigation. He also represents retirement benefits plan management companies, trustees of collateralized debt obligations, and advises one of the world’s largest international banks on issues related to mortgage-backed securities.

R.J. has briefed and argued more than 30 appeals in state and federal appellate courts, including a precedent-setting matter. In In re 91st St. Crane Collapse Litig., 154 A.D. 3d 139 (1st Dept. 2017), he was retained to preserve a verdict rendered in the longest jury trial in New York County history. In a historic decision, the Appellate Division upheld the largest award ever for pre-impact terror and punitive damages in a wrongful death case in New York state.

R.J.’s international experience is extensive, having served as lead litigation counsel for Brazilian health insurance companies in a series of lawsuits brought in various U.S. state and federal courts against medical device manufacturers. He also represents international construction firms and private security contractors in disputes related to projects in Iraq.

• Browne v. Nat’l Collegiate Student Loan Tr., et al.: Represented securitized student loan trusts in class action litigation before the U.S. District Court for District of New Jersey and Third Circuit. No. 22-2713, 2024 WL 2194265 (D. N.J. Apr. 30, 2024) 2023 WL 4884834 (3d Cir.).
• Hoffman v. Transworld Sys. Inc., et al.: Represented securitized student loan trusts in class action litigation directed at the trusts’ ownership of loans. No. C18-1132 TSZ, 2022 WL 18276961 (W.D. Wash.).
• In re 91st St. Crane Collapse Litig.: Lead appellate counsel representing the estate of a deceased crane operator. 154 A.D. 3d 139 (App. Div. 1st Dept.).
• Estate of Manook v. Research Triangle Institute, Int’l: Defended the client, a private security firm, from tort claims arising out of its activities in Iraq. 2010 WL 3199874 (E.D.N.C.).
• MacKay v. Crews, et al: Acted as lead counsel for the elected national committee members of the Reform Party of the United States of America. Secured summary judgment for clients in a long-running dispute over who represented the leadership of the Reform Party of the United States of America, restoring control of the party to the clients. 2009 WL 5062119 (E.D.N.Y.).
• Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank, B.A. v. Brookville CDO I Ltd.: Represented the trustee of a collateralized debt obligation (CDO) on behalf of the CDO in a dispute with a counter-hedge party over the priority of payment under the terms of the transaction. 2008 WL 5170178 (S.D.N.Y.).
• Hegemon Fund, LLC v. Plaza Harbour Mezz Holdings, et al: Represented junior noteholders in a priority dispute pursuant to a mezzanine financing vehicle.
• In Re Corrigan: Acted as lead counsel for the family and estate of a retired FDNY firefighter killed at the World Trade Center assisting rescue efforts on 9/11. Secured action in the New York Supreme Court to have his name listed with the FDNY on the National Sept. 11 Memorial. 2010 WL 2927210 (N.Y. Sup.).