Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West lawyers have successfully represented clients in litigation matters for more than thirty years. The matters represented by the firm include high profile litigation and appellate matters in State, Federal and Circuit Courts throughout the United States. The use of technology-based discovery methods, consultants and paralegals during the discovery phase allow the lawyers to manage litigation matters in a cost effective manner.
When a jury verdict is unsatisfactory, it is important to seek the services of a competent and highly skilled appellate lawyer. PLDW provides experienced trial and appellate lawyers who have handled significant appeals at all levels for their entire careers. The Litigation Team provides advocacy skills and the services required to increase the potential for success at the appellate level. Effective advocacy requires a different skill set than that of a trial lawyer and PLDW provides both for its clients. The appellate lawyers work closely with trial counsel in developing a strategy for the appeal and presenting the arguments to the appellate court.
For more detailed information about our litigation practice areas or to learn more about a specific area of interest, please click to access our Knowledge and Resource Center.
Representative Cases
Labor, Employment and General Litigation
William O'Gara has successfully tried numerous employment discrimination cases arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act, state and federal civil rights laws, wage and overtime laws, whistleblower protection acts, and state and federal labor laws. He has also handled matters involving complex D&O coverage issues, including a current case arising in the context of an insolvency proceeding, wrongful termination and retaliation cases and a major products liability case arising out of a tragic nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI. Brian J. Lamoureux has successfully handled numerous complex commercial litigation disputes and was lead counsel in one of the only certified class actions in Rhode Island Bankruptcy Court.
Breach of Contract/ Title Insurance Litigation
William P. Devereaux has been involved in a variety of civil litigation matters, including a trespass and title case involving a complex dispute between corporate owners and occupiers of land. He was also lead counsel in the defense of the Narragansett Indian Tribe in a breach of contract action brought by a large national gaming company.
Thomas R. Gonnella represented a corporate owner of a large condominium in its appeal of a multimillion dollar declaratory judgment action alleging, among other things, breach of contract, and misrepresentation. The condominium consisted of 6 large lots of land, and the claim arose from the procurement of title insurance for a portion of the condominium.
Property Damages Litigation
William E. O'Gara has successfully represented clients in federal court on breach of contract claims arising out of multimillion dollar property damage claims.
Government Investigations
William P. Devereaux successfully handled the representation of a local hospital that was investigated by the FBI for "honest services fraud" allegations involving the former CEO's hiring of a part-time state senator as well as Medicaid fraud allegations. He negotiated the first "Deferred Prosecution Agreement" involving a health care provider in the country.
- Represented employees of Beacon Mutual Insurance Company in a grand jury investigation.
- Represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives in a state grand jury investigation regarding alleged fraud in a worker's compensation insurance matter. The representation resulted in no indictments.
- Represented the President of the RI State Senate in a federal grand jury investigation involving certain regional banks. The representation resulted in no indictments.
Fire-loss Litigation
William E. O'Gara defended a manufacturer of machinery in connection with a multimillion dollar fire-loss claim.
General Insurance Defense
William P. Devereaux defended a corporate client in Massachusetts Superior Court in a wrongful death case of a young teenager. He has also successfully defended a national insurance company in coverage denial claims.
Surety/Construction Matters
Brian J. Lamoureux successfully defended various surety clients with respect to complex construction disputes, many involving public projects. In one case, Mr. Lamoureux successfully briefed and argued a novel issue of law before the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, Firemen's Fund Ins. Co. v. Todesca et al., 310 F.3d 32 (1st Cir. 2002).
Breach of Contract/Defective Design Litigation
The PLDW team is currently representing a large mechanical contractor in connection with multimillion dollar damages claim arising out of defective design specifications and breach of contract. The contract arose out of bid for a state construction project and thus required the litigation team to utilize its knowledge of, and experience with, the inner workings of construction litigation and government procurement in general.
Rhode Island Government Litigation and Representation
William E. O'Gara and Thomas R. Gonnella have represented the Employees' Retirement System of Rhode Island, a legal entity subordinate to the Rhode Island General Treasurer's Office, on numerous matters that have been litigated before the Rhode Island Supreme and Rhode Island Superior Courts. Most recently, Mr. Gonnella obtained a complete victory before the Rhode Island Supreme Court on behalf of the Retirement System.
Public Contract Bid Protest Litigation
Brian J. Lamoureux recently defeated a public bid protest claim against the City of Taunton, Massachusetts brought by a losing bidder on a multi-million dollar public water project.
Environmental Matters
William P. Devereaux, a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of RI, was the first state prosecutor to head the environmental crimes unit. Since he has been in private practice he has handled both civil and criminal cases involving allegations of storing, transporting and disposing of hazardous waste materials. In the civil context he successfully represented a local fire district whose property was contaminated by an oil company; a metal recycling facility investigated by state and federal authorities for alleged civil and criminal violations; a Rhode Island waste hauler who has been sued by the US Government.
Rhode Island Government Litigation
William P. Devereaux successfully defended the RI Lottery Commission in a highly publicized case in which the former executive director alleged wrongful termination and certain pension benefits. Mr Devereaux also successfully defended CIGNA Insurance Company and the University of Rhode Island in an action alleging gender discrimination and anti-trust violations in the administration of the University's health services plan.
Breach of Contract/ Title Insurance Litigation
William P. Devereaux handled the litigation of a trespass, title case involving a complex dispute between corporate owners and occupiers of land. Mr. Devereaux achieved a significant victory when the judge denied the plaintiffs' ability to seek punitive damages after a lengthy hearing.
- Represented the defense of the Narragansett Indian Tribe in a breach of contract action brought by a large national gaming company.
Property Damages Litigation
William P. Devereaux successfully handled a property damage claim initially brought by the US Trustee in Bankruptcy against a large corporate warehousing facility.
General Insurance Defense
William P. Devereaux successfully defended a corporate client in Massachusetts Superior Court in a wrongful death case of a young teenager. The jury returned a verdict for the defendant.
- Represented a national insurance company in several successful cases during a multi-year period concerning denial of insurance coverage due to fraud and failure of the insured to cooperate.
