CHICAGO ― The national law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP announced today that business litigation partners
Charles G. Geitner and
Robert E. Sickles, and associate
Zachary A. Harrington, have joined the firm in its
Tampa office. Previously, Mr. Geitner and Mr. Sickles served as partners and co-chairs of the automotive industry team at Broad and Cassel, and Mr. Harrington served as an associate with the firm.
“We are pleased to welcome this talented group of lawyers to our Tampa office to serve our business litigation client base,” said
Donald L. Mrozek, Chair of Hinshaw & Culbertson. “Chuck and Rob bring broad experience across a number of key industry areas — from insurance to construction and finance — as well as a wealth of knowledge in the automotive industry, which is particularly timely given escalated needs of that industry for counsel on matters ranging from financial disputes to liability matters, and advising dealerships on franchise rights,” he said.
Charles Geitner represents businesses and their principals in a variety of complex commercial, consumer, and intellectual property disputes, which includes litigating patent, trademark and trade secret claims. His clients consist of auto dealers, developers, members of insurance and financial services industries, medical and information technology companies, and warranty providers. As Florida counsel for a Fortune 500 auto retail group, and in representing various auto dealerships, Mr. Geitner devotes a significant portion of his practice to litigating on behalf of and assisting these businesses in complying with state and federal laws and regulations in areas of finance and leasing, warranty and insurance sales, and advertising. Mr. Geitner also defends these businesses and members of the finance and insurance services industries in consumer protection disputes, including class actions, and guides them through government agency inquiries and investigations.
Robert Sickles devotes his practice to litigation in Florida’s state and federal courts, representing builders and developers in construction disputes; privately owned businesses in commercial disputes; and national banks and finance companies in complex litigation matters. He has substantial experience representing clients in all aspects of the automotive industry, having served as counsel for more than 100 licensed motor vehicle dealerships throughout Florida. He also represents finance companies and lenders affiliated with the automotive industry. Mr. Sickles acts as outside general counsel to the Florida Independent Auto Dealers Association.
Zachary Harrington focuses his practice in the area of commercial litigation. He represents Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, insurers, various corporate entities and individuals in all phases of litigation, including defense of complex consumer and employee class action lawsuits. He was previously an associate at Broad and Cassel.
Mr. Geitner received his J.D.,
cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law in 1996, and his B.S.,
summa cum laude, from the University of Central Florida in 1990.
Mr. Sickles received his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1998, and his B.A. from Washington and Jefferson College in 1995.
Mr. Harrington received his J.D.,
cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law in 2007, and his B.A.,
summa cum laude, from Albion College in 2004.
Founded in 1934, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm with more than 460 lawyers in 24 offices spanning 12 states, including
Arizona,
California,
Florida,
Illinois,
Indiana,
Massachusetts,
Minnesota,
Missouri,
New York,
Oregon,
Rhode Island and
Wisconsin.
Hinshaw offers a full-service practice, with an emphasis in litigation, business law and corporate transactions, environmental, intellectual property, labor and employment law, professional liability defense, estate planning and taxation matters. The firm represents a range of for-profit and not-for-profit clients in industries that include alarm and security services, construction, financial services, health care, hospitality, insurance, legal, manufacturing, real estate, retail and transportation. Hinshaw clients also include government agencies, municipalities and schools.