Sandy Garfinkel has a diverse litigation practice, which focuses primarily on business litigation, with a particular emphasis in the hospitality industry. Representative Matters Hospitality · Represents hotel management companies, hotel owners, hotel developers and major hotel brands in commercial disputes and a vast array of other issues; · Substantial experience and expertise in advising and representing hospitality industry clients with regard to dealings and disputes between and among hotel owners, managers, franchisors, vendors and guests; · Provides legal services relating to compliance with electronic data security laws and industry standards, and in responding to breaches of data security. Business Litigation · Representation of manufacturing enterprises, commercial and residential builders and developers, oil and gas production companies, creative and computer design companies, professional athletes, insurance companies, professional associations, architectural firms, management companies and communications companies in various types of tort and contract disputes; · Registered with the United States Council for International Business as both an arbitrator and a mediator for international commercial disputes, including disputes filed with the International Chamber of Commerce; · Represents commercial and public sector clients in trial, arbitration and appellate court practice as well as practice before governmental and administrative tribunals; · Has tried numerous jury and non-jury trials in federal and state courts in various jurisdictions; · Has argued before all Pennsylvania appellate courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Data Security and Responding to Data Theft · Substantial experience and expertise in responding to thefts of personal information and electronic data security breaches; · Expertise in the application of state laws requiring notification to state agencies and affected individuals, in required forensic investigation, including security assessments and certification, in compliance with PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards), and in addressing fines issued by credit card brands. Oil and Gas / Marcellus Shale · Represents oil and gas producers and developers for issues relating to property and mineral title, acquisition of land and easements, land use and zoning issues. Real Estate and Land Use · Represents real estate development companies, municipalities and public authorities in litigation matters arising from construction and real property disputes; · Represents public transit authorities, public sewer authorities, townships and private land owners in eminent domain proceedings; · Handles real estate related litigation matters including the areas of zoning, land use, and real property taxation. Professional Affiliations Allegheny County Bar Association Pennsylvania Bar Association Community Involvement Executive Board Member and Member of the Community Advisory Board for WYEP Pittsburgh, an independent listener-supported public radio station and media organization. Articles/Speeches/Presentations · "Responding to Data Breaches," presented at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute's Continuing Legal Education Seminar, October 2011. · "Cyber Wars: Do You Know How to Respond if Your Data is Attacked?" presented at Eckert Seamans' Continuing Legal Education Seminar, August 2011. · "Legal FAQ: hotel data breaches," Hospitality World Network, June 2011. · "Incidents Which Trigger a Legal Obligation to Notify Guests: State Data Breach Laws Differ," Hospitality Upgrade, Spring 2011. |