Real Estate E&O Liability Practice Group Profile

Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin has created a designated Real Estate E&O Liability Practice Group to provide competent, knowledgeable litigation defense services to real estate professionals. In each of our offices, we have attorneys who are experienced in handling such claims and who possess an intimate knowledge of the relevant statutes, regulations, and case law which govern and impact these cases. Attorneys in this group devote a significant portion of their practice and experience to real estate-related claims, which allows each of our lawyers to aggressively defend these cases from the commencement of litigation, without a "ramp up" period.

The attorneys in our Real Estate E&O Practice Group represent real estate agents, real estate brokers, title agents, home inspectors, appraisers, and mortgage brokers. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of real estate liability cases.

For example, our attorneys have successfully defended real estate licensees, in both state and federal courts, involving allegations that sellers and licensees have failed to disclose known material defects with respect to real property and/or have made affirmative misrepresentations regarding conditions of real property. In such cases, our attorneys generally possess a competitive advantage because they are familiar with the licensing Acts and accompanying Regulations, as well as the various states' seller's disclosure laws. Our attorneys also have extensive experience defending title agents in claims for indemnity made by title insurance underwriters and in claims by third parties/insureds for problems that allegedly arise from the handling of real estate closings. Once again, our attorneys possess a working knowledge of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the policies and contractual relationships governing the interrelationship between parties in these cases.

Additionally, our attorneys have represented real estate licensees and appraisers before state licensing boards and commissions. We are intimately familiar with the "real world" problems faced by real estate professionals, and we are often able to identify developments and trends in the industry before they become apparent to the legal and insurance communities at large.

Although we are committed to litigating such matters through trial, if necessary, we are often able to obtain favorable early settlements, which satisfy our clients' goal of cost-effective and efficient litigation defense. Our trial attorneys are adept at identifying the core issues in these cases and in working closely with you to ascertain whether a non-litigation remedy exists or whether alternative dispute resolution is more appropriate.

Consistent with our firm's proactive approach and philosophy, we also welcome the opportunity to present educational seminars and workshops as a mutually beneficial introduction to one another.  For further information, please direct inquiries and referrals to:

Christopher E. Dougherty, Esquire
Chair, Real Estate E&O Liability Practice Group
Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin
1845 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA  19103-4797
Direct Dial:  215-575-2733
Fax: 215-575-0856
E-Mail: cedougherty@mdwcg.com