Eric R.I. Cottle
Partner – K&L Gates
Description of field of expertise
I am a seasoned trial attorney and maintain an active litigation and counseling practice representing public and private companies primarily in the manufacturing and technologies industries. My practice focuses in a variety of areas, including commercial disputes, class action defense, consumer product defect claims, regulatory matters, and toxic tort claims, with an emphasis in the representation of companies in asbestos, silica, and lead pigmentation matters. I have successfully tried several cases to verdict and has argued innovative legal issues nationwide before various state and federal courts with great success. I currently represent clients across the country in multiple jurisdictions and in high volume and high-stakes litigation. I advise clients in several key areas, including managing risk and developing and implementing company-tailored solutions to complex legal issues that align with the client’s current and long-term business objectives. Understanding that litigation is not the answer to every dispute, I work with his clients to resolve disputes through arbitration, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution, when those methods are an appropriate means of promoting the client’s business objectives. Finally, I have extensive experience serving as coordinating counsel for clients with nationwide and regional recurring litigation, with particular expertise in mass tort and product liability. In this capacity, I work with clients, local attorneys, and insurers to ensure a strong, efficient, and tightly coordinated defense of these claims.
What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?
Invest time learning your clients’ and potential clients’ business, business objectives, strategic plan and what’s important to them. Understanding your client’s business is a critical factor in the attorney-client relationship and an important step in separating yourself from the pack. When I have an in-depth understanding of my client’s business, I can be more proactive in advising on potential risks because I know what to look for. This is how you provide solutions based on your clients business objectives and industry and give recommendations that support the clients business and strategic goals.
Final thoughts…
Relationships are my most important assets so cultivate your network and contacts to build solid long term relationships.