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Paul Halasz is a partner in the firm's Commercial Litigation department and currently serves as the chair of its nationally recognized Franchise and Distribution Law practice group. For many years, Paul has represented national and international franchisors in the automotive, powersports, vehicle rental and real estate brokerage industries with a particular emphasis on franchised dealer network issues including terminations, protests, exclusivity claims and royalty disputes.
In addition to franchise matters, Paul's practice encompasses construction disputes, antitrust litigation, distribution law and general commercial litigation on behalf of a variety of clients. Paul's experience includes all facets of litigation including administrative law actions, injunction proceedings, class actions, arbitration, mediation, discovery, hearings and trial. In addition to litigation, Paul has provided counsel and advice to clients on a variety of issues involving franchise, construction and antitrust issues.
Paul joined Day Pitney's predecessor firm, Pitney Hardin, in 1991 following graduation from Rutgers Law School - Camden, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Rutgers Law Journal.
Defeated a contractor's lien claims against commercial building owner following bench trial and obtained an award of attorneys' fees post-trial pursuant to New Jersey Lien Law.
Won a directed verdict following a six-week jury trial on behalf of a national real estate brokerage franchise client in the Southern District of New York.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a franchisor dismissing the consumer fraud claims of a putative nationwide class.
Successfully represented a domestic auto manufacturer in connection with arbitration claims by dealers challenging the rejection of their franchise in bankruptcy proceedings.
Prevailed in a lengthy bench trial on claims brought by a truck rental dealer in connection with the acquisition and integration of a competing brand by the dealer's licensor.
Won summary judgment the Western District of Texas in favor of a car rental franchisor in connection with claims by a franchisee following parent company's acquisition of a competing rental system.
Successfully defeated franchisee's claim in an arbitration hearing concerning a dispute over definition of revenue for purposes of calculating royalties.
Defeated franchisee's exclusivity claims in the District of New Jersey which were premised upon the operation of a competing brand by a corporate affiliate of franchisor.
Regularly advise motor vehicle clients on dealer protest issues in connection with new dealer appointments and relocations.
Helped commercial property developer successfully resolve lien claims filed by numerous subcontractors following collapse of general contractor.
Counseled major facility owner with respect to potential claims against roofing contractor.
Provided successful representation to major retail chain in connection with ongoing chargeback litigation with vendors.
Prosecuted action on behalf of major steel fabrication company against general contractor and property owner in connection with materials supplied to university building project.
Counseled firm clients on antitrust implications of joint venture activities.
Successfully represented multiple listing service against competitor's antitrust and tortious interference claims.
Chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), Commercial Litigation, 2007-2023, Litigation - Construction, 2011-2023
Selected to the list of New Jersey Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), Business Litigation, 2018, 2019, 2021-2022
AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell (LexisNexis)
No aspect of these advertisements has been approved by the highest court of any state. See Awards Methodology.
