IP/Tech Buzz
Attorneys
James M. Susag is a shareholder and trial lawyer with Larkin Hoffman. His trial practice focuses on franchise, dealer and contract disputes, and real estate and construction. Mr. Susag has extensive first-chair trial experience, representing clients in numerous jury and court trials, arbitrations, administrative proceedings and appeals. Some of his recent successes include enforcement of franchise and dealer agreements in Federal District Courts in California, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and in arbitration. Click here for more information on Mr. Susag. Bar Admissions Wisconsin, 2001 Minnesota, 1995 U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York Professional Associations & Memberships Hennepin County Bar Association Minnesota State Bar Association Ramsey County Bar Association Education William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, MN, 1995 J.D., summa cum laude Staff Member, William Mitchell Law Review, 1994 - 1995 University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, 1992 B.A., summa cum laude Certifications Minnesota State Bar Association Board Certified Real Property Specialist Certified as an arbitrator and mediator by the Minnesota, Alternative Resolution Review Board Honors Rising Star,® Minnesota Law & Politics magazine, 2002-2008 Super Lawyer,® Minnesota Law & Politics magazine, 2009-2010 Super Lawyer,® Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition, Real Estate, 2010 |
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Court Grants Motion for Summary Judgment Dismissing Premises Liability Claim
When a convenience store, with nearly 1,500 locations in the Midwest, was faced with a premises liability claim by a customer, it turned to Larkin Hoffman's litigation team for representation.
Franchisor Saves Market, Protects Customer List From Competitor
A franchisor client contacted Larkin Hoffman after it received a letter from one of its largest multi-unit franchisees, indicating they were closing all their stores, and demanding a six figure payment to protect from having more than 10,000 customer names and information delivered to a competitor.
Court Grants Franchisor’s Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit and Enforces Contractual Mediation Provision
Despite both mandatory mediation and binding arbitration provisions in its franchise agreement, an existing franchisee brought suit in California state court seeking both damages and injunctive relief against a franchisor client.
Protection of Franchisor Confidential Information
A national franchisor contacted Larkin Hoffman when their Minneapolis franchisee ceased operations and transferred customer records to a competitor.
Court Dismisses Unlawful Eviction Action Brought Against a Landlord
A commercial landlord turns to Larkin Hoffman for help in fighting an unlawful eviction action.
Breach of Contract Regarding Custom Built Phone Systems
Larkin Hoffman mediates a favorable settlement for a client who purchased, and then experienced problems with, a custom built and designed wireless phone system for its new world headquarters.
Arbitration Involving Real Estate Misrepresentation
A client turns to Larkin Hoffman for representation during a five-day arbitration case involving the proper disclosure of the condition of the client’s high-valued home during the sale transaction.
Misrepresentation Involving 1031 Exchange
Larkin Hoffman represents a buyer who maintains the seller of two apartment buildings misrepresented the condition of the properties purchased in connection with a § 1031 exchange.
Common Interest Community Defective Design and Construction
Larkin Hoffman pursues claims on behalf of a townhome associate for defective construction under the Minnesota Common Interest Community Act against a large, national homebuilder.
Breach of Contract in Accounting Firm Dissolution
Larkin Hoffman represents a client involved with an arbitration hearing regarding the enforcement of an accounting firm dissolution agreement.
Real Estate Taxation
Larkin Hoffman represents three of the largest shopping malls in the upper Midwest in their protest of real estate taxes.
Cellular Tower Litigation
A national wireless phone company turns to Larkin Hoffman's telecommunications team in pursuing a conditional use permit for a new wireless telecommunications tower.
Mortgage Fraud and Flipping
Larkin Hoffman defends a national title insurance company in federal court in connection with a mortgage fraud and flipping scheme.
Commercial Leasing Dispute
Larkin Hoffman Real Estate Litigation team defends a super-regional shopping mall in connection with claims it misrepresented estimated real estate taxes in its commercial lease.
Municipality Condemnation Challenge
Larkin Hoffman represents a municipality facing challenges to public purpose and necessity claims.
Breach of Contract Involving Improper Termination
Larkin Hoffman represents clients in a jury trial involving the interpretation and performance of a restaurant management contract.
Breach of Contract for National Petroleum Company
Larkin Hoffman successfully defends against summary judgment and mediates a favorable settlement for a national petroleum company that claimed its distributor breached its exclusive contract and sought to reorganize as a new corporation in order to avoid monetary liabilities.
Conditional Use Permit
Larkin Hoffman pursues conditional use permit for a new telecommunications tower on behalf of a national wireless phone company.
