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John Ruskusky
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes
Introduction
John Ruskusky, a partner in Nixon Peabody’s Litigation department, is a business counselor and trial attorney who represents companies and individuals in high-stakes and bet-the-company business disputes. John leads the firm’s Complex Disputes practice group, co-leads the Biometric Information Privacy Act team, and also serves on the firm’s Pro Bono committee.
My focus
I have more than twenty years of trial, arbitration, and counseling experience involving the management of complex business disputes and disputes involving law firms.
General Commercial Litigation
I counsel businesses and their owners, officers, and investors in a wide range of disputes, including large business transactions (such as distribution and purchase agreements), life sciences and medical devices, food and beverage disputes, fiduciary duty claims, data privacy matters, and dissolution and valuation. I regularly represent Fortune 500 and other large business clients in litigation in Illinois, California, Delaware, New York and other venues throughout the country in a variety of business disputes relating to their agreements and operations. Some of my relevant recent experience includes the following:
- Lead counsel for multiple corporations in post-transaction disputes (including earnout, fraud, and indemnity disputes) pending in Delaware, Illinois and New York.
- Lead counsel for multiple corporations and/or investors in corporate governance disputes in California, Delaware, Illinois and New York.
- Lead counsel for multiple corporations in trade secret, trademark and non-compete disputes in California, Delaware, Illinois, New York and Virginia.
- In 2021–2022, lead counsel for a start-up pharmaceutical company in expedited arbitration under New York law relating to a series of incorrectly calculated earnout payments. The arbitrator awarded our client more than $3 million in reimbursement, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, as well as nearly all of our clients’ attorneys’ fees and costs as the prevailing party.
- In 2021-present, lead counsel in Delaware for the former shareholders of Plated, a meal delivery and subscription service, relating to a multi-million dollar earnout claim.
- In 2019-2021, lead counsel for large pharmaceutical company in expedited trial in Delaware Chancery Court claiming fraud against defendant (a biotech company) including a non-compete violation. Following a six-day bench trial, the Court found in our client’s favor on this fraud claim. The Court later awarded over $49 million in damages and pre-judgment interest to our client. Media coverage of the win is here and here.
- In 2020-2022, lead counsel for drug compounder that successfully obtained dismissal of a competitor’s claim for unfair competition based on federal preemption, which further defeated competitor’s motion for preliminary injunction, in the Central District of California. Successful in securing affirmance of the dismissal at the Ninth Circuit. Watch the argument before the Ninth Circuit here.
- In 2020-2021, lead litigation counsel for a large real estate developer in Nevada defending against a $35 million claim. The dispute was successfully resolved following the assertion of a counterclaim and significant motion practice.
- In 2020-2021, lead litigation counsel for a regional company in Illinois involved in multimillion-dollar claims and counter-claims with a former business partner. After the former business partner sought a preliminary injunction, we obtained an order barring a key witness for the former business partner, and soon after, the matter settled.
- In 2019-present, lead litigation counsel for 10+ companies spread among various industries defending against claims relating to Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). In one circuit court case, John’s team successfully argued that the accrual date for BIPA purposes was the first date that the challenged device was used, not each subsequent use, which resulted in the dismissal of the plaintiff’s claims.
- In 2019-2020, lead counsel for large international manufacturing company in expedited arbitration in New York defending against claim seeking injunctive relief (which was withdrawn following responsive briefing) and damages. The arbitration panel rejected the claimant’s entire claim for millions in lost business value and its request for over $1.2 million in attorneys’ fees.
- In 2018, lead counsel for three California companies facing a more than $25 million alter ego levy claim brought by the United States on behalf of the IRS. Through focused and aggressive discovery, we defeated the United States’ motion for summary judgment and resolved the case for less than 10% of the claim.
- Recently represented a Fortune 500 life sciences company in Illinois in a dispute involving its Cellular Therapy business and the use of stem cells for chronic myocardial ischemia and critical limb ischemia.
- Represented a company that received a cease and desist letter of its operations and its enrollment of new students from the State of Illinois. Through the expedited filing of a verified complaint and a motion for temporary restraining order, and follow-up representation, the cease and desist was vacated and the company continued to grow its successful operations in 2018.
- Represent high-performing employees and executives when they resign from their prior employers. I recently tried a week-long case in which a $2.8 million judgment, plus attorneys’ fees and expenses, was awarded in favor of my clients under the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act and for unjust enrichment.
- Obtained the dismissal of two lawsuits (one on a motion to dismiss (which was not appealed) and one on summary judgment) in favor of a deceased client, the former majority owner of a real estate auction company, and his probate estate, claiming that more than $5 million was misappropriated by the decedent. The summary judgment decision was affirmed by the Illinois Appellate Court.
- Obtained a defense verdict at trial for a Fortune 200 company in Illinois against claims of national origin discrimination seeking more than $5 million in damages. I also successfully argued the Seventh Circuit appeal.
- Represent business clients with pre-litigation resolution of claims against their former professionals, including a recent case that settled with a multimillion-dollar payment to the client relating to faulty tax and transactional advice. I also represent large law firms in their disputes with their former clients.
Looking ahead
As litigation costs continue to rise, I see growing client demand for alternative-fee arrangements, including discounted rates coupled with “banked” fees and success fees. I have employed these and other risk-reward sharing arrangements with my clients to fairly allocate risk, and to provide certainty in fee exposure while ensuring the best possible result.
Insights
- “Fingerprint Scans and Other Biometric Privacy Claims: Limiting Your Company’s Exposure,” CHRMS Risk Management and Patient Safety Law Day 2020, Webinar, November 20, 2020
In the news
- Bloomberg Law
Companies prying into family medical data sparks novel suits
Nov 2, 2023Chicago partner John Ruskusky, leader of the firm’s Complex Disputes practice, is quoted in this article covering an influx of lawsuits, notably against Amazon and Ford, claiming that job applicants faced interview questions about family medical history that allegedly violated the Illinois Genetic Information Protection Act (GIPA). John discusses the range of industries being targeted by GIPA-related lawsuits and the uncertain nature of the legal strategy in these cases.
- Cook County Record
‘Floodgates have officially opened’: Illinois employers facing new lawsuit blitz under state’s genetic info privacy law
Oct 12, 2023Partner and Complex Disputes practice leader John Ruskusky and Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, both of Chicago, are quoted in this article that looks at the growing number of lawsuits filed in Cook County, Illinois, under the state’s new Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA). John discusses the types of industries that will most likely be affected by the law while April lays out best practices for employers to consider when reviewing policies and practices for GIPA compliance.
- Long Island Business News
Nixon Peabody expands complex disputes practice
April 5, 2023This article highlights the return of Long Island Complex Disputes counsel Bryan Lewis to the firm, noting his previous role as an NP associate from 2002 to 2009. The article also quotes Chicago partner and Complex Disputes practice leader John Ruskusky and Long Island office managing partner Allan Cohen on Bryan’s return.
- Law360
Nixon Peabody expands complex disputes practice in New York
March 6, 2023This article focuses on the arrival of New York City Complex Disputes counsel Paul Downs to the firm, detailing his practice area, career, and why he chose NP. The article also highlights the recent arrival of New York City Complex Disputes senior counsel Stephen P. Younger, noting the two attorneys’ longstanding working relationship. It also quotes Chicago partner and Complex Disputes practice leader John Ruskusky and New York City Office Managing Partner Ilana Kameros.
- Privacy & Cybersecurity Law Report
NP thought leadership in leading journal
This industry journal, which covers the latest legal issues involving cybersecurity and data privacy, includes two NP articles based on client alerts. Complex Disputes practice group leader John Ruskusky, partners Rich Tilghman and Laura Bacon, and associate Kate Letcher, all in Chicago, contributed an article entitled, “The Seventh Circuit certifies question regarding accrual of BIPA claims to Illinois Supreme Court.” John and Rich also contributed a second article, “Workers’ Compensation Act does not bar claims under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, Illinois Supreme Court rules.” Both pieces provide insight on the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act and its litigation impacts to date.March 21, 2022 - Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
CDLB people
Chicago Complex Disputes partner John Ruskusky is highlighted in this roundup of significant attorney news for his selection as NP’s Complex Disputes practice leader.Feb 10, 2022 - Bloomberg Law
Wake up call
Chicago partner John Ruskusky is featured in this roundup of notable legal news for his promotion to leader of NP’s Complex Disputes practice.Feb 8, 2022 - Law360
Albertsons must face suit over unpaid $125m merger earnout
The following articles cover the latest development in Shareholder Representative Services LLC v. Albertsons Cos. Inc., in which an opinion released Monday by the Delaware Chancery Court said the breach of contract suit against Albertsons can move forward. Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partners John Ruskusky and Lisa Sullivan are mentioned in the coverage for representing the shareholders, and the Reuters Legal article quotes John and Lisa saying the plaintiffs are pleased with the court’s decision.June 8, 2021 - Reuters Legal
Ex-Plated shareholders can sue Albertsons over merger payout, Delaware court says
The following article covers the latest development in Shareholder Representative Services LLC v. Albertsons Cos. Inc., in which an opinion released Monday by the Delaware Chancery Court said the breach of contract suit against Albertsons can move forward. Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partners John Ruskusky and Lisa Sullivan are mentioned in the coverage for representing the shareholders, and the Reuters Legal article quotes John and Lisa saying the plaintiffs are pleased with the court’s decision.June 8, 2021 - The AmLaw Litigation Daily
Litigator of the Week shout outs and runners-up
This article recognizes the full NP team that secured a major damages win on behalf of Takeda subsidiary Millennium Pharmaceuticals. Litigation Department vice chair and partner Ethan Trull and partner John Ruskusky, both of the Complex Commercial Disputes group in Chicago, led the damages trial team. The NP team also included partner Lisa Sullivan, associate Katie Burnett, e-discovery specialist Anders van Marter, and paralegal Donna Long, all of the Complex Commercial Disputes group in Chicago. In addition, Intellectual Property partner Mark FitzGerald and Complex Commercial Disputes associate Tarae Howell, both of the Boston office, played integral roles in the initial fraud win for Millennium in 2020.May 7, 2021 - Law360
Chancery awards biopharm company $38M for fraud-tainted deal
This article, covering the Delaware Chancery Court’ s $38.2 million damages judgment in favor of Takeda subsidiary Millennium Pharmaceuticals for its fraud claim against Harpoon Therapeutics, mentions Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partners Ethan Trull, John Ruskusky and Lisa Sullivan; associate Katie Burnett; senior e-discovery specialist Anders van Marter; and paralegal Donna Long for representing Millennium. Intellectual Property partner Mark FitzGerald, Complex Commercial Disputes associate Tarae Howell, and Intellectual Property patent specialist Angela Hafner, all in Boston, have also played integral roles in the matter.April 23, 2021 - Law360
NY, FTC Lead Charge to Expand Biometric Privacy Shields
In this article on the increasing regulatory scrutiny around biometric data, Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partners John Ruskusky and Rich Tilghman are quoted for their outlook on New York’s bill introducing a biometric privacy bill and the move toward more disclosure and transparency in the way companies collect biometric data.Jan 15, 2021 - The American Lawyer
A Post-Thanksgiving Litigator of the Week Runner-Up and Shout Out Marathon
This week’s “Litigators of the Week“ column by American Lawyer includes the dismissal for outsourcing facility Leiters, Inc. in a multiple-state dispute. Leiters was represented by Chicago partners Ethan Trull, John Ruskusky, and Lisa Sullivan, and associates Bill Kirby and Tina Jonsson; and San Francisco partner Bruce Copeland and counsel Lauren Michals—all in the Complex Commercial Disputes group.Dec 4, 2020 - Chicago Lawyer
Adding value through litigation funding: Unique solutions can help your firm, clients
Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partner John Ruskusky co-authored this article with Longford Capital Management on how litigation funding can offer unique and flexible financial solutions to clients.Oct 15, 2020 - HR Magzine
Illinois Workers’ Comp Law Doesn’t Pre-Empt Biometric Privacy Claim
Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partners Rich Tilghman and John Ruskusky, and associate Henry Caldwell contributed this article, based on their recent blog post, on the rise in putative class actions in Illinois by employees against entities that employ biometric technology.Sep 28, 2020 - Law360
Takeda Subsidiary Seeks $130M for Drug Firm's Spinoff Fraud
This article covers a trial to consider the amount of damages to be awarded to Millennium Pharmaceuticals for being fraudulently induced into investing more than $100 million into a spinoff of Harpoon Therapeutics. The story mentions Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partners John Ruskusky and Lisa Sullivan for representing Millennium.Sep 22, 2020 - Law360
Plated Sues Albertsons in Del. Claiming Post-Merger Letdown
Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partners John Ruskusky and Lisa Sullivan were mentioned in this article for representing Shareholder Representative Services LLC in a post-merger suit accusing the food and drug chain of breaches of contract, fraudulent inducement and breaches of good faith covenants. Complex Commercial Disputes counsel Tracey Scarpello in Buffalo and associate Tina Jonsson in Chicago were also part of the litigation team.Sep 2, 2020 - Law360
Biggest Illinois Decisions So Far in 2020: Midyear Report
This article includes commentary from Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partners John Ruskusky and Seth Horvath on some of the most noteworthy Illinois decisions thus far in 2020. John discusses a decision related to the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, while Seth comments on a decision regarding parents suing paint makers for children’s lead test costs, as well as a ruling on a record destruction provision in the Chicago police union contract.July 16, 2020 - Law360
Breaking Down Illinois' Biometric Privacy Litigation Boom
In this article on the rise of BIPA litigation in Illinois, Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partner John Ruskusky is quoted for his outlook on what it means for a defendant to be negligent under BIPA, and the technologies at issue.April 28, 2020 - Law360
Fire Safety Co. reaches $5M settlement for gov't FCA claims
This article highlights a recent action by the U.S. government who filed a $5M settlement agreement in a False Claims Act case involving Monaco Enterprises. The settlement does not require the company to admit any wrongdoing. Chicago commercial litigation partner John Ruskusky and government investigations and white collar defense partner Dean Polales are listed as representing the defendant.Jan 27, 2017 - Law360
Materiality Matters: The First Post-Escobar Decisions
Chicago partner John Ruskusky and Washington, DC, associate Emily Harlan co-authored this column regarding expected changes for False Claims Act cases and investigations in the aftermath of the decision in Universal Health Services Inc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar.July 19, 2016 - Daily Herald
DuPage County in 60 Seconds
Chicago Commercial Litigation partner John Ruskusky is named as a board member in this article highlighting the newest additions to the DuPage Children Museum’s board of directors.May 12, 2015
Admitted to practice
Illinois
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Education
George Washington University Law School, J.D., with highest honors; Order of the Coif; The George Washington University Law Review
University of Notre Dame, B.S., cum laude
Recognition
- Recommended in The Legal 500 United States 2021 editorial for Intellectual property - Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters)
Pro bono services
- Representing indigent persons in all stages of jury and bench trials in criminal courts.
- Representing victims of domestic violence in obtaining orders of protection.
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllAnthony Barron
Partner / Chair, Litigation Department- San Francisco
- Office:+1 415.984.8309
- abarron@nixonpeabody.com
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Kimberly Harding
Partner / Deputy Leader, Litigation Department
Leader, Labor Relations Team- Rochester
- Office:+1 585.263.1037
- kharding@nixonpeabody.com
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Jeffrey S. Brenner
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Construction & Real Estate Litigation- Providence
- Office:+1 401.454.1042
- jbrenner@nixonpeabody.com
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Daniel J. Hurteau
Office Managing Partner / Deputy Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes- New York
- Office:+1 518.427.2652
- dhurteau@nixonpeabody.com
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