Professional Liability

We represent accountants, architects, attorneys, bankers, computer and media professionals, engineers, financial planners, healthcare providers, insurance brokers and agents, property appraisers and inspectors, real estate brokers and agents, and securities brokers in defending claims arising from performance of their duties.

We are experienced in handling litigation in both State and Federal Courts through trial and on appeal. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in multiple State and Federal jurisdictions and also represent professionals in administrative proceedings before State agencies.

Accountants and Financial Planners

Helms & Greene represents accountants practicing as sole practitioners, in small partnerships, or in large accounting firms. We handle a wide range of legal issues which arise in connection with compilations, audits, projections, tax return preparation, tax planning and management information services, business and personal financial management, expert testimony and investment advice.

Attorneys

We have successfully defended lawyers, as well as the Firms in which they practice, ranging from sole practitioners to large law firms. The underlying practice areas involved in these cases include personal injury, commercial litigation, divorce and family law, patent litigation, real estate, tax, probate, bankruptcy, products liability, criminal law and malicious prosecution.

The execution of an effective defense depends heavily on the underlying area of law. Within our firm, we have attorneys who understand tax law, intellectual property and patent litigation, bankruptcy, products liability, environmental law and toxic torts, employment and labor law, workers’ compensation, maritime law, entertainment, and corporate law. We efficiently analyze a claim and pursue the most expeditious defense strategy.

Real Estate Professionals

Real estate transactions present a wide range of potential claims. We have successfully defended real estate professionals on residential and commercial transactions, including real estate agents and brokers, escrow officers, title companies, appraisers, home inspectors, leasing agents and mortgage brokers.

We have extensive experience in handling the defense of claims for professional negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, negligent misrepresentation and fraud based on alleged faulty preparation of sales documents, failure to follow escrow instructions, negligent appraisals, and the failure to properly inspect property and to disclose defects. Design and Environmental Professionals Helms & Greene represents architects, engineers, surveyors and environmental consultants. Allegations against design and environmental professionals, when asserted in the context of larger construction defect matters, are often difficult to litigate. Professional claims against design and environmental professionals should be handled differently from claims against subcontractors, as the issues and applicable legal standards are generally very different.

Our experience enables us to communicate with our clients regarding plans, designs, specifications and details. Our litigation on behalf of our design professional and environmental clients generally involves a close working relationship, as it is important that the technical issues not be overlooked, and that any claims be viewed in the context of the construction and business activities at the time of the design.

Investment Advisers and Securities Broker Dealers

We regularly represent advisors and securities broker dealers. Our representations have ranged from multimillion-dollar claims of securities fraud involving pyramid schemes and selling-away violations to claims of unsuitability.

Insurance Agents and Brokers

We regularly analyze professional liability claims and defend actions against insurance agents, underwriters and brokers. Our lawyers bring a deep understanding of the insurance industry to defense of these allegations. Our attorneys investigate and make recommendations on liability claims against insurance industry clients.

Municipalities and School Districts

We represent municipalities, school districts and their employees in claims subject to errors and omissions coverages. Such matters range from the negligence claim of a public employee involved in an automobile accident, to more sophisticated, complex claims under Section 1983, concerning alleged violations of Constitutional rights including discrimination based upon age, race and gender.

We have extensive experience in designing defense strategies to successfully defend such claims. From identifying possible pleading defects early on in litigation leading to prompt dismissals, recognizing legal and factual issues necessary to craft investigative and discovery strategies designed for summary adjudication by the courts, or effective trial defenses before juries, we support municipalities and school districts in litigation of all types.

Miscellaneous Professionals

Beyond members of the various professions discussed above, we are frequently called upon to undertake the representation of a wide variety of individuals and companies insured under terms of miscellaneous professional liability policies. These have included professionals of diverse backgrounds such as professional conservators, home health care providers, insurance consultants, ERISA plan consultants, private and public university officials, travel agents and others.