Ahmed J. Kassim is a Member in the Sills Cummis & Gross Litigation Department. An experienced litigator and trial lawyer, he handles high-stakes product liability and complex commercial disputes in courts around the country. Mr. Kassim represents some of the world’s best-known companies across an array of industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer products, telecommunications, insurance, banking, and retail. Clients value his ability to zealously advocate for them throughout the entire litigation process. Mr. Kassim has successfully represented clients at trial and on appeal, won cases on summary judgment, obtained pre-answer dismissals of putative class actions, and negotiated favorable settlements for clients where appropriate. He partners with clients to devise a litigation strategy that is aligned with their business objectives.
Mr. Kassim has a proven track record of successfully defending product manufacturers in difficult jurisdictions. A former chemical engineer, Mr. Kassim leverages his technical background to help his clients navigate complex scientific and medical issues and to craft fact-based defenses built on science. He has played key roles in case assessment, developing defense strategy, taking key depositions, presenting compelling advocacy in briefs and hearings, and leading complex settlement negotiations. He has extensive practice in multidistrict litigation and state coordinated proceedings and is regularly engaged as regional counsel, working closely with clients and national counsel on defense strategy and early resolution of claims.
Mr. Kassim also represents clients in their most important commercial litigation matters. He recently served as one of the trial counsel in a breach of contract case in federal court that resulted in a unanimous $7.2 million jury verdict in favor of his client. He also helped secure a pre-answer dismissal of an environmental insurance coverage suit in New York’s Commercial Division where the alleged damages exceeded $15 million (and subsequently affirmed on appeal). Mr. Kassim increasingly counsels public accommodation clients regarding website accessibility litigation under Title III of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Whether the issues revolve around products liability, commercial disputes, or violations of the ADA, he understands the stakes and helps his clients reach the most favorable resolution in the most economical way.
Mr. Kassim maintains an active pro bono practice that includes criminal, asylum, and constitutional cases.
Outside of the Firm, Mr. Kassim is actively engaged in professional and bar organizations. He currently serves on the Editorial Board of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal. He is a member of the Federal Bar Council American Inn of Court. Mr. Kassim attended the 49th Annual International Association of Defense Counsel’s Trial Academy, one of the oldest and most respected trial advocacy programs.
Before joining the Firm, Mr. Kassim practiced in New York at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C. and Gibbons P.C., focusing on product liability and commercial litigation matters. Mr. Kassim was a Law Clerk to the Honorable Ann G. McCormick, J.S.C. in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division.