Thomas M. Mealiffe

What Do You Focus On?

Complex Commercial Litigation

Much of my work involves disputes concerning companies that operate in a variety of markets, including food and industrial manufacturing, health care and startup technologies. Primarily, my work has concentrated on shareholder disputes, scrutinizing the decisions of the corporation’s fiduciaries and disputes between companies concerning the distribution of goods and intellectual property rights. Having worked for companies in a variety of industries, I understand that knowing the business and the space it operates in is key to getting the best result.

Product Liability Litigation

I have worked with several large manufacturers, particularly in the aviation industry, in defending their products against claims of negligence and manufacturing and design defect. By understanding the product and technology at issue, I work to strategically defend the matter, attacking claims at the pre-suit, discovery and expert phases of the litigation. I have been a member of trial teams that have secured defense verdicts in wrongful death actions and understand that defending a product means being prepared to defend it at trial.

What do you see on the horizon?

I’ve been following the increased regulation of manufacturers in both the consumer product and food industries in order to prepare clients for the increased scrutiny and potential litigation exposure that will result.

Publications and Presentations

• “Innovative Strategies for Defending Against Aviation Claims: Managing the Rise in E-Discovery and Its Increasing Involvement in Aviation Litigation, and Effective Use of Expert Witnesses and Jury Communication,” American Conference Institute’s 7th National Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Claims & Litigation, New York, NY, June 2, 2015 (Co-presenter with J. Ortego)
• “Are You Recall Ready?” Nixon Peabody Webinar, October 1, 2014 (Presenter)
• “Making Your Online Evidence Usable in the Courtroom,” National Business Institute, May 23, 2013. (Presenter)
• “Expert Disclosure in New York: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back,” New York Law Journal, December 10, 2012. (Co-author with B. Lukeman)
• “Strategy Considerations when Faced with a Co-defendant’s Spoliation,” The Practical Litigator, April 2012 (Co-author with J. Ortego)
• “Food Safety Litigation,” National Business Institute, February 8, 2012 (Co-presenter with B. Lukeman)
• “The Blogging and Social Networking Juror,” DRI’s Young Lawyer Committee Newsletter—The Whisper, June 9, 2009. (Co-author with T. Ehlers)