Joseph Saka represents clients in high-stakes criminal and civil matters involving fraud, contract disputes, RICO, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practice Act, the False Claims Act, insurance coverage disputes, and intellectual property. Mr. Saka has assisted in nearly every stage of litigation, deposing and interviewing witnesses, preparing discovery requests and responses, drafting key motions and briefs, and preparing for trial. As part of his practice, Mr. Saka also conducts internal investigations and advises clients on FCPA due diligence and compliance programs. Mr. Saka also has extensive pro bono experience. He previously represented a refugee obtain asylum in the United States based on a fear of political persecution. He also represented a criminal defendant before the Maryland Court of Appeals, which ordered that the conviction be reversed and the case be remanded for a new trial based on an improper jury instruction. During law school, Mr. Saka was an extern for the Honorable Ricardo M. Urbina, United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Representative Highlights
· Hurricane Katrina-related Insurance Litigation. Represented an insurance-adjusting firm in over 100 cases related to claims made in connection with Hurricane Katrina. The cases included allegations of RICO violations, fraud, breach of contract and negligence. Following successful disqualification of opposing counsel, all cases settled and were voluntarily dismissed.
· Certain Hydraulic Excavators and Components Thereof. Represented Caterpillar in a Section 337 trademark (gray market) infringement case before the US International Trade Commission against importers and resellers of Caterpillar hydraulic excavators. Following motions practice, the ITC issued a general exclusionary order.
· FCPA Internal Investigation. Conducted internal investigation of Fortune 1000 Company involving allegations of FCPA violations. As part of the Investigation, researched legal issues, interviewed witnesses, reported findings to the company's board of directors, and prepared a presentation to the DOJ and SEC.
· MLR v. Motorola, Inc. Represented Motorola in patent infringement litigation generally related to telecommunication devices. Case reached settlement prior to trial.
Professional Affiliations
· American Bar Association, Section of Litigation; Young Lawyer Division Pro Bono
· Bates Street Litigation. Represent tenants in three eviction actions.
· Asylum Matter. Successfully represented refugee from Zimbabwe obtain asylum in the United States based on fear of political persecution.
· Tucker v. Maryland. Represented defendant in a criminal appeal which related to the appropriateness of a jury instruction relating cross-race identification. After successfully petitioning the Maryland Court of Appeals for certiorari, the Court ordered that the conviction be reversed and the matter be remanded for a new trial.
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Articles
"Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. v. Pricewaterhouse-Coopers LLP." Are You Covered? (January 2009) An online publication of the ABA Section of Litigation Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee. "Axis Surplus Insurance Co. v. Johnson." Are You Covered? (January 2009) An online publication of the ABA Section of Litigation Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee. "Back to The Game: How Congress Can Help Sports Leagues Shift the Focus From Steroids to Sports." The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 23, No. 341 (2007). Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy, Associate Editor, 2005-2007.