JeffreyBaltruzak (Jeff)

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Pittsburgh + 1.412.394.7909

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Jeff Baltruzak has broad experience leading litigation teams and strategy development in high-stakes commercial and personal injury disputes across the country. He has defended prominent banks, asset managers, and minority shareholders in disputes concerning complex financial products, earn outs, valuation, and investment oversight. Jeff currently defends a leading bank in a series of disputes brought by residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) deal sponsors seeking to pass on billions in liabilities in the wake of the financial crisis. He also represents universities in football concussion lawsuits brought by former student-athletes.

In 2017, Jeff defeated a fraud case seeking more than $35 million from a leading financial services company. He has recovered tens of millions for policyholders in insurance coverage disputes related to long-term environmental liabilities and pollution policies. He has substantial arbitration hearing experience in AAA (American Arbitration Association), JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services), and private tribunals. At his prior firm, Jeff represented a leading national charity in multiple arbitrations in connection with disputes over the disposition of charitable assets. His prior work also spans the building products, health care, and aircraft industries.

Jeff was selected as a Pennsylvania "Rising Star" in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 by Super Lawyers magazine. In 2014, he received the Seventh Circuit Bar Association's Pro Bono and Public Service Award for outstanding pro bono work for the United States District Courts of Illinois for his representation of a victim of police brutality.

Experience

  • Universities defend multidistrict putative class action litigation brought by former football playersJones Day is serving as lead counsel for all NCAA member institution defendants in a multidistrict litigation ("MDL") consolidating more than 500 putative class actions brought on behalf of former football players.
  • Founding owner of professional sports team successfully represented in multibillion dollar ownership valuation disputeJones Day successfully represented a founding owner of professional sports team in a multibillion dollar ownership valuation dispute, recovering 100% of the claim at issue.
  • UPMC prevails before the Pennsylvania Supreme CourtFollowing a decision from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, Jones Day led an expedited appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that resulted in a complete victory for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center ("UPMC"), one of the nation's preeminent integrated healthcare systems.
  • Red Sox prevail in first-ever foul ball trialJones Day prevailed on behalf of the Boston Red Sox in a two-week jury trial brought by a fan who was hit by a foul ball in an upper-level premium seating area of Fenway Park.
  • Wells Fargo obtains denial of class certification in RMBS trustee litigation alleging hundreds of millions of dollars in lossesJones Day represents Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., in a putative class action alleging hundreds of millions of dollars in classwide losses to investors on notes issued by two residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS) trusts for which Wells Fargo serves as trustee.
  • UPMC arbitrates rate increase and resolves dispute over continuity of care servicesJones Day represented the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in two last-best-offer, baseball-style arbitrations with Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurer Highmark Inc.
  • Potash Corporation seeks coverage for environmental liabilitiesJones Day represented Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Inc. subsidiary PCS White Springs in connection with its claim for insurance coverage for environmental liabilities arising from Tropical Storm Debby.
  • UPMC awarded over $188 million in arbitration with Highmark over rates for outpatient oncology servicesJones Day client University of Pittsburgh Medical Center ("UPMC") won over $188 million in arbitration against health insurer Highmark Inc.
  • Wells Fargo defends third party breach of contract lawsuit relating to RMBS trustJones Day is representing Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. in a third-party complaint filed by a bank, which is the mortgage loan seller of an RMBS trust.
  • Wells Fargo defends against complaint filed by Nomura Credit & Capital Inc. alleging representations and warranties breachJones Day is representing Wells Fargo, National Association in a third-party complaint filed by Nomura Credit & Capital, Inc., the mortgage loan seller of six RMBS trusts.
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    July 2021 Commentary

    Playing by New Rules: Ten Considerations for Universities Implementing NIL Policies

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