In this CLE, the Legacy Lawyers Committee looks back at several high-profile cases through the eyes of the front-line lawyers involved.

On Sept. 8, 1994, USAir Flight 427 crashed near Pittsburgh resulting in the tragic death of more than 100 passengers and crew members. The ensuing litigation in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania involved resolution of plaintiffs’ damages claims as well as a separate proceeding and jury trial on defendants’ contribution and indemnity claims. Adding to the complexity and challenges presented, the National Transportation Safety Board was conducting at the same time a lengthy investigation of the crash. Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee member John Gismondi and USAir trial counsel William Pietragallo will share their first-hand experience and insights. 

Next, in a case involving the Pittsburgh Penguins, in return for a request for funding of additional improvements approximating $10.5 million for the Civic Arena, Penguins’ ownership agreed to provide multiple and detailed non-relocation covenants to the lessor and sub-lessee. Evidence of covenant breaches soon after their execution was presented to the Bankruptcy Court, which permanently enforced those covenants.  Public Auditorium Authority counsel Samuel Braver will discuss the late Chief Bankruptcy Judge Bernard Markovitz’s Opinion and Order determining the enforceability of the non-relocation covenants as he has historically held “the Penguins are as much a part of the Warp and Woof of this community as are its other sports teams, museums, parks, theaters, and ethnic neighborhoods….”

This course has a total runtime of 74 minutes but is eligible for only 1 CLE credit.