Phil Sechler has extensive experience in complex civil litigation, with emphasis in four areas: litigation involving drugs, medical devices, and healthcare matters; business litigation; insurance litigation; and class actions. He has been involved in cases challenging FDA approval of drug products, litigation concerning pharmaceutical and medical device patents, and the defense of clinical investigators. He frequently defends hospitals and healthcare professionals in malpractice actions. His insurance cases include insurance-coverage and broker-malpractice actions. And he has defended numerous class actions brought by consumers and business organizations, including cases brought against multi-level marketing organizations.

Mr. Sechler also has substantial experience in appellate litigation. He has appeared before the United States Courts of Appeal for the Fourth, Seventh, and District of Columbia Circuits as well as the appellate courts in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Mr. Sechler joined Williams & Connolly LLP in 1990 and has been a partner since 1998. He is also an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center.

Representative Trial Experience:
Archer Daniels Midland Company v. Aon Risk Management, Inc. of Minnesota - served as lead counsel for plaintiff Archer Daniels Midland Company in a six-week broker malpractice action jury trial that was tried in federal court in Minnesota in Spring 2002. A judgment of over $20 million was obtained for plaintiff.

Federal Trade Comm'n v. Equinox International Corp. - served as counsel in a four-week bench trial that was tried in federal court in Nevada. The case was a combined consumer class-action and FTC civil-enforcement action brought against our client, a multi-level marketing company. A favorable settlement, which included approval of a mandatory class, was reached before closing argument.

In re Paoli Railroad Yard PCB Litigation - served as counsel for the General Electric Company in a four-week jury trial in federal court in Pennsylvania involving alleged PCB contamination of residential property. The jury delivered a defense verdict completely in favor of GE.

Washington Post v. Clay Properties - served as counsel for plaintiff, the Washington Post Company, in a two-week jury trial in the District of Columbia alleging interference with the Post's possession of its building and seeking eviction. The Washington Post regained possession of the building after the jury delivered a verdict in its favor.