David works with companies and individuals to resolve their complex business disputes, helping them reach their desired goals in the most efficient manner. He represents clients in State and Federal courts nationwide and uses negotiation, mediation and/or litigation as necessary to ensure the goals are met. David is a partner in both the firm's Litigation and State & Local Tax Groups.
David focuses his practice on business litigation including:
- Whistleblower (qui tam) and False Claims Act (FCA) defense
- Partnership and ownership disputes
- Contract disputes and business torts
- State and local tax (SALT) litigation
- Real estate and construction litigation
Whistleblower defense matters, whether arising from a company employee or from third-party relators (such as the "Diamond cases" in Illinois), can arise in any industry and have a significant impact on the business due to the size of the potential penalties and monetary exposure under the FCA statute. David defends companies accused of defrauding a government entity, such as the IRS/Department of Revenue, SEC or HUD, as well as assists in company planning to decrease the potential of becoming the subject of a whistleblower lawsuit.
For business disputes, David works with owners, family members, shareholders and board members for a full range of issues including: partnership disputes (business divorces), contractual disputes, business torts, employment related issues, real estate and construction matters. David represents companies and individuals involved in business or contractual disputes, partnering with his clients to truly understand their desired outcome.
SALT litigation is unique because it marries traditional litigation with the knowledge of multi-state tax laws. David regularly represents clients before state courts and administrative tax tribunals across the country. He also litigates on behalf of his clients in appellate and federal courts, and in audit disputes and informal dispute resolution with departments of revenue nationwide.
"Once I can put myself in the shoes of the client and understand the desired end point, I can create a strategic and straight-line path to help get them there."
Known as an excellent listener, David's approach is time-efficient and focused on getting to the client's business goal. He speaks regularly on the "tips and traps" of litigation procedure and strategies, whistleblower defense and ethics.
David lives in Deerfield and enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He is also an amateur musician, avid consumer of music and frequently attends live performances.
More Legal and Business Bylines From David S. Ruskin
- Scary Stuff: Illinois Sales Tax Whistleblower Update – First E-tailers and now Custom Tailors - (Posted On Friday, November 03, 2017)
- Lessons Learned from New York’s Largest Ever False Claims Act Tax Settlement - (Posted On Wednesday, May 03, 2017)
- No Ostrich Here: Qui Tam Victory for Taxpayer from the Illinois Appellate Court - (Posted On Wednesday, October 19, 2016)
- SEC Whistleblower Focus Has Been Busy To Date in 2016 - (Posted On Tuesday, May 03, 2016)
- Two Recent Announcements Regarding False Claims Act - (Posted On Monday, December 14, 2015)
- Wine Seller Victory in Illinois Qui Tam Lawsuit - (Posted On Friday, September 04, 2015)
- Encumbered by Illinois Qui Tam Litigation? A New Update from the AG May Spell Relief for Some - (Posted On Wednesday, September 02, 2015)
- Illinois Qui Tam update: Where is the False Claim? Where is the Fraud? - (Posted On Wednesday, June 17, 2015)
- Illinois Qui Tam Update: April Brings Blows to the Whistleblower…But Will It Continue? - (Posted On Thursday, May 07, 2015)