AREAS OF PRACTICE
ADMIRALTY & MARITIME CLAIMS
Brian Schneider's maritime practice focuses on the defense of product manufacturers, shipyards, and vessel defendants at the trial and appellate levels in state and federal courts across the country. Whether the case is being tried under general maritime law or is an action that falls exclusively under admiralty jurisdiction, Brian's team has successfully defended personal injury and wrongful death claims governed by general maritime law, the Death on the High Seas Act, the Jones Act, the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, as well as those implicating the Public Vessels Act, and the Suits in Admiralty Act. Because so many of these suits touch upon claims arising out of military service, Brian has become a go-to for prosecution of (and the removal of litigation to federal courts under) the government contractor defense. Through his extensive experience, Brian has developed relationships with highly qualified maritime and military experts to assist in all aspects of defending these claims.
PRODUCT LIABILITY DEFENSE
Brian Schneider is experienced in representing product manufacturers, sellers, and suppliers, ranging from small companies to large, multinational corporations. His representation emphasizes efficient and cost-effective management of litigation and, where appropriate, litigation avoidance. He defends clients in cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, and property damage in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He also routinely serves as local counsel in Virginia state and federal courts. In addition, Brian advises and represents clients on issues related to products liability such as insurance coverage indemnity, successor liability, and coordination of discovery.
APPELLATE ADVOCACY
As a former chair of the Appellate Practice section of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys, Brian has handled a number of significant appellate matters touching upon a variety of state, federal, and constitutional issues. Most recently, Brian argued on behalf of a group of defendants before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Seattle, Washington, regarding the accrual of causes of action under the general maritime law statute of limitations.
