Don Derrico focuses his practice on defending complex, high-exposure claims. During his career, he has taken in excess of 100 jury verdicts in New York courts and in other jurisdictions across the country. Excess insurers and other clients often ask Don to step in on the eve of trial to try their high-exposure case when it hasn’t previously settled. He has obtained countless defense verdicts and has resolved many matters for significantly less than prior defense counsel’s recommended settlement amount.

While many of the cases Don has litigated involve New York Labor Law, premises liability and security, product liability, complex commercial disputes and auto liability claims, he has been retained on cases in myriad other areas from real estate disputes to civil rights matters to complex matrimonial actions. Don also has significant experience defending clients in the sports and fitness area. He currently serves as primary outside counsel to a major East Coast health club chain, overseeing all claims and working closely with the client’s insurer on reserve setting and pre-suit resolution. In addition, he is the primary point of contact for several of the firm’s excess insurance company clients and frequently is called upon by these and other carriers to evaluate high-exposure cases being litigated by other defense counsel.

Regardless of subject matter, venue or adversary, Don is adept at evaluating potential exposure and liability and determining the best strategy for achieving a favorable outcome while keeping defense costs under control. He assembles a team of attorneys best qualified to execute the client’s chosen resolution strategy and provides hands-on supervision throughout the life of a matter to ensure clients receive quality legal representation.