Overview
Prior to joining Raines Feldman Littrell, LLP, Mr. Whitson was a Partner at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP. Mr. Whitson concentrates his practice in general commercial litigation, professional liability, product liability, environmental litigation, appellate advocacy, and mediation.
Mr. Whitson represents corporations facing significant potential liabilities, including claims of environmental contamination, antitrust violations, misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, breach of contract, and product liability. He regularly defends lawyers and law firms against professional negligence and breach of fiduciary duty claims, and also represents design professionals in actions involving construction defects or professional liability claims. He further represents companies of all sizes in shareholder disputes, allegations of breach of fiduciary duties, disputes stemming from acquisitions and insurance coverage disputes. He is an approved mediator and early neutral evaluator with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and serves in a variety of ADR roles, including settlement counsel.
Education
- Washington University School of Law, 1993, J.D.
- Duke University, 1990, B.S.
Admissions
- United States Bankruptcy Courts, Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio
- United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
- United States Appeals Court, Third Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Middle and Western Districts of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Courts, Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
Professional Affiliations
- Member: Allegheny County Bar Association, Gender Equality
Committee - Board Member: Allegheny County Bar Foundation, President
(2021-2023) - Member: Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition
- Member: Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
- Member: Professional Liability Defense Federation
- Member: Leadership Pittsburgh XXVI
- Member: 3rd Circuit Bar Association
Awards & Recognitions
- The Best Lawyers in America,® Commercial Litigation (2018-2023); Product Liability Litigation-Defendants (2019-2023)
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® (2017-2023); “Rising Star” (2005)
- Certified as “Ally-Ready” by the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition (2021)
- Jewish Family & Community Services, Volunteer of the Year (2020)
- Who’s Who in Energy (2014-2017)
- Client Choice Guide – USA & Canada, Award for Product Liability in Pennsylvania (2014)
- Earl G. Harrison Pro Bono Award (2012)
- The Legal Intelligencer and Pennsylvania Law Weekly, “Lawyers on The Fast Track” (2008)
- Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono Award (2008)