Gardner M. Duvall

While he is best known for the defense of product liability cases, Gardner Duvall has substantial achievements in other practices as well. His work in business litigation has recovered nearly a quarter of a billion dollars for his clients. Gardner also has a substantial practice concerning fiduciary liability, especially in the field of estates and trusts. Gardner's appellate work has established new law, including Maryland’s stringent standards for imposing punitive damages. He also counsels clients in proactive steps to avoid liability in all of these realms.

Product Design, Manufacturing and Distribution/Product Safety Counseling Represents manufacturers and importers regarding safe design and warnings, regulatory compliance, and product recalls.

Products Liability & Environmental Litigation Represents manufacturers and sellers in product defect litigation, especially involving toxic exposure and mass liability claims.

Insurance Coverage & Defense Litigation Litigates and arbitrates insurance coverage disputes concerning occurrence-based and claims made coverage, especially involving long tail losses. Recoveries and settlements exceed $200 million.

Mass Tort and Class Action Litigation Defends manufacturers and sellers in mass tort and class action litigation, including first-chair trial of a 10,000-case asbestos mass consolidation. Provides litigation management services for mass and class action. Prosecuted a class action claim in insurance coverage dispute.

Special Counsel Services Litigates a variety of disputes in bankruptcy cases. Successes include recovering $20 million in preference actions in In re Just for Feet, Inc., and more than $100 million in insurance recoveries and pending settlements.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Numerous mediations, especially involving complex insurance coverage disputes, high-value personal injury claims, and estate and trusts litigation

Appellate Practice Notable appeals include: Owens-Illinois v. Zenobia, 325 Md. 420, 601 A.2d 633, 60 USLW 2620 (1992)Porter Hayden Company v. Bullinger, 350 Md. 452, 713 A.2d 962 (1998)In Re: Joint Eastern and Southern District Asbestos Litig., 929 F. Supp. 1 (E.&S.D.N.Y. 1996)Coleman v. Soccer Association of Columbia, pending decision in Maryland's Court of Appeals, concerning whether to retain Maryland's contributory negligence defense

Estates & Trusts Litigation Represents trustees, personal representatives or beneficiaries in litigation over fiduciary duty in the administration of estates and trusts

Past President: Maryland Defense Counsel (2004-2005)Member: Legislative Committee of Maryland Defense Counsel, Legislative Branch Liaison (2006-present); Chair (1999-2001)
Member: Defense Research Institute Member: Maryland State Bar Association Member: Bar Association of Baltimore City
Creator and Coordinator: Baltimore BikeJam (2000 - Present)Secretary: Lateral Stress Velo Club, Inc. (2000 - Present)
Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2011-2012 AV Peer Review Rated: Martindale-Hubbell