Experience:
Eric Cottrell�s commercial litigation practice focuses on complex commercial disputes in state and federal court. He has represented financial institutions, manufacturers, professional service firms, and health care providers in a wide range of controversies, including commercial contract disputes, financial services litigation, securities litigation, trade secret litigation, and product liability defense. In connection with this trial work, Eric has coordinated and supervised a number of large-scale document production efforts. He is also regularly involved in matters where it is necessary to seek emergency injunctive relief.
An experienced litigator with extensive jury trial experience, Eric has been lead counsel in over 90 jury trials in North Carolina state courts. In addition to his trial work, he has significant experience in conducting internal investigations, and regularly advises clients on how to respond to government subpoenas and investigations.
Notable Engagements:
Represent a major chemical manufacturer in a multi-million dollar commercial dispute.
Represented a financial institution in the Enron securities litigation.
Represented a major manufacturer of construction equipment in a multi-million dollar dispute with first-tier supplier.
Served as trial counsel for a major health care provider in the federal trial of a case involving alleged breach of commercial contract; the trial resulted in the defeat of a $26 million claim against the client and findings of liability against the opposing party.
Conducted an internal investigation into alleged accounting irregularities on behalf of an audit committee of a publicly traded corporation.
Represented a Big Four accounting firm in its investigation by the State of North Carolina.
Represented a commercial mortgage lender in an action to enforce a commercial mortgage prepayment provision.
Handled an insurance company�s multi-million dollar lawsuit involving claims of fraud and unfair and deceptive trade practices.
Represented a real estate developer in a lawsuit against the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Represented the estate of majority stockholder in closely held corporation regarding dispute with minority stockholder.
Counseled a foreign manufacturer in a products liability case.
Education:
University of North Carolina School of Law, JD, with honors, 1995; Staff Member, North Carolina Law Review, 1993-1994, Wake Forest University, BA, cum laude, 1992; Carswell Scholar. |