Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Keane & Beane maintains a sophisticated and multi-faceted litigation practice. We represent both private and public sector clients before all New York State courts, and various federal trial and appeal courts.
After a thorough initial evaluation of claims, we work where appropriate to negotiate a beneficial resolution and disposition of often complex issues. Of course, some claims can not be adequately resolved without a full adjudication. In such cases, we formulate a strategy to advocate zealously on behalf of our client, from discovery through trial and, where necessary, appeal. We serve as trial and appellate counsel in a range of matters including real property actions; environmental lawsuits; unfair competition and unfair trade practice actions; suits involving defamation and tortious business practices; copyright and trademark infringement actions; labor and employment suits; federal civil rights actions; construction claims; tax certiorari proceedings; contract disputes; and proceedings contesting the determinations of legislative, zoning, planning and other municipal boards and agencies.
Additionally, the firm represents clients in varied arbitration and mediation proceedings, including those before the American Arbitration Association and the mandatory mediation programs of United States District Courts.
Consistent with the firm’s “team approach”, our litigation experience relates to the other aspects of Keane & Beane’s practice. For example, we have:
- Successfully defended corporations and municipalities in discrimination and retaliation claims brought under Federal Civil Rights statutes (e.g., 42 U.S.C. 1983, Title VII and Title IX)
- Successfully challenged, and defended, land use determinations. This includes, as an example, litigation involving the proposed redevelopment of the former General Motors assembly plant in Sleepy Hollow, New York, securing a significant settlement in years-long litigation involving the development of a beach and yacht club facility in Mamaroneck, New York and successfully arguing cases that have reached the Court of Appeals, the State’s highest court, involving the treatment of wireless communication providers for zoning purposes, the ability to obtain area variance relief in the context of special permit applications and the propriety of a local environmental determination challenged by environmental organizations.
- Routinely handled complex real property disputes, including title claims, contested easements and adverse possession claims. The firm’s clients include major title insurers.
Our firm's attorneys are recognized leaders in the litigation field. For example, Ed Beane has been an Executive Board Member of the Federal and Commercial Litigation Section of the New York State Bar Association. Ed Phillips is a frequent presenter and writer of articles in his field. Recent seminars are "The Life of a Civil Suit, From Conception to Conclusion," Pace Center for Continuing Legal Education (2010) and "Litigating a Case from its Inception to Conclusion" also at Pace.
Advantages for Clients
We offer a successful, multi-faceted and sophisticated litigation practice normally found in New York City firms, yet provide a personal touch for all our clients and litigate only when necessary. Many of our litigators also draw on deep practice area experience in areas needed to successfully litigate e.g. Land Development & Zoning, Municipal law.
