#United States #Minneapolis #Greenberg Traurig #Michael Collyard #Peter Ihrig

Greenberg Traurig Expands Litigation Practice

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has recently taken a significant step forward in fortifying its Litigation Practice by bringing aboard two distinguished attorneys, Michael A. Collyard and Peter Ihrig, as shareholders in its Minneapolis office. With their impressive backgrounds and expertise, both Collyard and Ihrig aim to enhance the firm’s competencies in various legal arenas, including financial fraud, receivership, and complex business disputes.

Exceptional Talents Join Forces

Before their transition to Greenberg Traurig, both attorneys were key figures at Robins Kaplan LLP. Collyard, well-known for his outstanding contributions, previously chaired the Banking and Financial Fraud Litigation Group, as well as the eDiscovery Group at his former firm. His extensive experience will undoubtedly bolster Greenberg Traurig’s capability in affirmative recovery and sophisticated litigation matters.

Together, their combined efforts led to a landmark achievement in Minnesota’s legal history: the duo secured a staggering $564 million jury verdict, which stands as the largest in state history. This verdict emerged from a challenging and lengthy federal jury trial involving one of the largest Ponzi scheme cases recorded in the United States.

Strong Leadership and Vision

Brian L. Duffy, the chief executive officer of Greenberg Traurig, remarked on the significance of their additions. He expressed enthusiasm about how Collyard and Ihrig’s extensive expertise aligns with the needs of the firm's clientele, especially regarding complex business disputes. The aim is to continue attracting top-tier legal talent that expands the firm’s global offerings.

Collyard is revered as a seasoned trial attorney adept at managing high-stakes cases. His practice involves a range of complex issues, including antitrust matters, fiduciary duty claims, and significant commercial disputes. His litigation journey spans federal and state courts across the nation, advocating for clients in various high-profile matters involving substantial financial institutions. His client base includes court-appointed receivers and trustees in significant financial fraud litigations, emphasizing his capability in both plaintiff and defense roles.

Michael B. Fisco, managing shareholder of the Minneapolis office, praised Collyard’s ability to convey complex information through effective and compelling presentations. He believes Collyard’s skill set and Ihrig’s complementary abilities in high-stakes litigation will create a formidable team.

A New Chapter at Greenberg Traurig

Collyard expressed his excitement about joining Greenberg Traurig, highlighting the firm’s entrepreneurial culture and its extensive global platform. He sees this as a unique opportunity to engage in complex litigation matters that have impactful consequences on clients’ operations. The firm’s collaborative environment encourages creativity in approaching intricate legal challenges, which is paramount in the field of litigation.

Ihrig complements Collyard’s strengths with his own extensive litigation experiences, having achieved significant verdicts and settlements in the hundreds of millions of dollars. His client work encompasses bankruptcy trustees, financial institutions, and corporate entities, dealing primarily in cases concerning fraud, fiduciary breaches, and commercial disputes.

His strategic focus is aimed at addressing claims related to large-scale financial fraud and corporate misconduct, asserting himself as a vital resource for clients in need of navigating complex legal terrains.

Conclusion

The addition of Collyard and Ihrig marks a notable expansion for Greenberg Traurig’s Minneapolis office, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to excellence in litigation practice. As they embark on this journey, their expertise not only enhances the firm’s capabilities but also underscores its mission to deliver top-tier legal services across diverse industries while responding adeptly to the evolving landscape of litigation. Excitement fills the air as they both look forward to contributing to the firm’s ongoing success and serving clients with distinct and effective legal strategies.