John Ruskusky

What do you focus on?

I have more than eighteen years of trial, arbitration and counseling experience involving the management of complex business disputes and disputes involving law firms. I am particularly successful in developing creative alternative fee arrangements with my clients and in setting limits on costly discovery through all stages of arbitration and litigation.

General Commercial Litigation

I counsel businesses and their executives, members and owners in a wide range of disputes, including large business transactions (such as distribution and purchase agreements), medical devices, fiduciary duty claims and dissolution and valuation.

In 2016, I 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.

I also recently 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.

I also recently obtained a defense verdict at trial for a Fortune 200 company against claims of national origin discrimination seeking more than $5 million in damages. I also successfully argued the Seventh Circuit appeal.

I also 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.

False Claims Act and Qui Tam

I represent corporate clients in a variety of False Claims Act cases, including those at the pre-intervention stage. My experience includes Department of Defense, Department of Education and General Services Administration matters. 

I also represent clients in government investigations and proceedings, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service.

Real Estate and Construction Litigation

I represent corporate clients in a variety of construction and real estate disputes, including construction defect and delay, property management, general contract, indemnity, Fair Housing Act and zoning matters.

What do you see on the horizon?

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.