Professional Experience
Mr. Halasz is a partner in the firm's Commercial Litigation department and currently serves as the chair of its nationally recognized Franchise Litigation practice group. For many years, Mr. Halasz has represented national and international franchisors in the automotive, powersports, vehicle rental and real estate brokerage industries with a particular emphasis on franchised dealer network issues including terminations, protests, exclusivity claims and royalty disputes.
In addition to franchise matters, Mr. Halasz's practice encompasses construction disputes, antitrust litigation, distribution law and general commercial litigation on behalf of a variety of clients. Mr. Halasz's experience includes all facets of litigation including administrative law actions, injunction proceedings, class actions, arbitration, mediation, discovery, hearings and trial. In addition to litigation, Mr. Halasz has provided counsel and advice to clients on a variety of issues involving franchise, construction and antitrust issues.
Mr. Halasz joined Day Pitney's predecessor firm, Pitney Hardin, in 1991 following graduation from Rutgers Law School - Camden, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Rutgers Law Journal.
Representative Matters
· Won a directed verdict following a six-week jury trial on behalf of a national real estate brokerage franchise client in the Southern District of New York.
· Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a franchisor dismissing the consumer fraud claims of a putative nationwide class.
· Successfully represented a domestic auto manufacturer in connection with arbitration claims by dealers challenging the rejection of their franchise in bankruptcy proceedings.
· Prevailed in a lengthy bench trial on claims brought by a truck rental dealer in connection with the acquisition and integration of a competing brand by the dealer's licensor.
· Won summary judgment the Western District of Texas in favor of a car rental franchisor in connection with claims by a franchisee following parent company's acquisition of a competing rental system.
· Successfully defeated franchisee's claim in an arbitration hearing concerning a dispute over definition of revenue for purposes of calculating royalties.
· Defeated franchisee's exclusivity claims in the District of New Jersey which were premised upon the operation of a competing brand by a corporate affiliate of franchisor.
· Regularly advise motor vehicle clients on dealer protest issues in connection with new dealer appointments and relocations.
· Helped commercial property developer successfully resolve lien claims filed by numerous subcontractors following collapse of general contractor.
· Counseled major facility owner with respect to potential claims against roofing contractor.
· Provided successful representation to major retail chain in connection with ongoing chargeback litigation with vendors.
· Prosecuted action on behalf of major steel fabrication company against general contractor and property owner in connection with materials supplied to university building project.
· Counseled firm clients on antitrust implications of joint venture activities.
· Successfully represented multiple listing service against competitor's antitrust and tortious interference claims.
News, Publications & Presentations
· Co-author, "Managing Exclusivity Issues in a Multibranded Environment," Franchise Law Journal, Fall 2011
· Featured, "Seventy-two Day Pitney Lawyers Named to Best Lawyers List for 2012," Day Pitney Press Release, October 4, 2011
· Co-author, "Post AT&T Mobility, New Jersey Appellate Court Rejects Class Waiver Provision Based on Contract Formation Principles," Day Pitney Alert, August 10, 2011
· Co-author, "New Jersey Adopts Sweeping Amendments to Its Motor Vehicle Franchise Law," Day Pitney Alert, June 3, 2011
· Co-author, "New Jersey Construction Lien Law Revised," Day Pitney Alert, February 11, 2011
· Featured, "Seventy-six Day Pitney Lawyers Named to Best Lawyers for 2011," Day Pitney Press Release, August 9, 2010
· Featured, "Seventy-seven Day Pitney Partners Named to Best Lawyers 2010," Day Pitney Press Release, July 30, 2009
· Featured, "75 Day Pitney Partners Named Among The Best Lawyers in America® 2009 Ranked #1 in New Jersey and #2 in Connecticut," Day Pitney Press Release, December 11, 2008
· "Foul! Assessing Liability for Coparticipants in Sporting Activity," with Thomas C. Regan, Esq., The Trial Lawyer, Vol. 23, January/February 2001
· "FIRREA And Local Property Tax Liens: A Collision of Competing Government Interests," with Christopher John Stracco, Esq., Probate & Property Magazine, May/June 2000
Professional Affiliations
· American Bar Association
· Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey
· New Jersey State Bar Association
Awards and Achievements
· Chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, 2007-2012
· AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel