Fredric (Rick) Brooks represents clients in the evaluation, litigation, and resolution of complex disputes and in the negotiation, design, and implementation of large settlements. He focuses his practice on products liability, mass tort bankruptcies, and class actions.
Litigation and Settlement Counsel for Clients in Class Actions, Mass Tort Bankruptcies, and Complex Disputes
Rick advises clients on the litigation and resolution of complex commercial disputes and on structuring and implementing large settlements, including:
- Resolution of mass liabilities through Chapter 11 proceedings
- Class action settlements
- Resolution and settlement of asbestos and other tort claims
Strategic Counseling and Risk and Dispute Analysis
Rick provides counsel to clients on strategic options for resolution of liabilities and mass claims in areas such as:
- Evaluation and resolution of pending and future claim exposure
- Insurance coverage issues
- Big data analysis
- Working closely with outside experts and consultants on claim estimation and liability forecasting
Neutral Services Resolving and Administering Complex Disputes and Settlements
Rick serves as a neutral in the settlement and resolution of complex disputes, and has designed and administered numerous large claims processes.
- Served as a deputy to the Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001
- Worked for the Office of the Special Master of the re-opened September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
- Worked on the successful adjudication and resolution of claims in settlements of significant class actions in cases involving areas such as commercial litigation and discrimination claims brought by police officers
Rick was previously a partner with a well-regarded complex dispute resolution firm where he worked on the successful resolution of numerous large class actions and mass tort matters, both as counsel to clients involved in complex litigation and as a neutral in the settlement and resolution of such matters. He also served in the U.S. Department of Justice as a Special Attorney acting as a Deputy to the Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. In that role, he assisted in the drafting of the federal regulations to govern the original Fund, served as a Hearing Officer for award and eligibility hearings, and conducted extensive public outreach.