Joseph
Akrotirianakis
(Joe)

Represented one of the world’s largest international containerized freight shipping companies and its terminal operator subsidiary in a business “divorce” from a joint venture partner. Defeated motions for a TRO and preliminary injunction and obtained dismissal of the matter and an award of costs.

Represents the U.S. West Coast’s largest marine terminal (by container lifts), responsible for over one million container moves per year in commercial, regulatory, and labor matters.

Represented a leading U.S. West Coast marine terminal operator in a labor relations action brought by a union representing mechanics previously employed at the terminal. After asserting a leading-edge position in a motion for judgment on the pleadings, obtained dismissal of the lawsuit and an award of costs.

Defeated class action lawsuit against largest marine container terminal on the U.S. West Coast. Plaintiffs had alleged unlawful collection of demurrage during the “West Coast Port Slowdown.” After demonstrating that a terminal cannot be “constructively” closed by labor activity not amounting to a strike, obtained dismissal of the action in its entirety.

Persuaded a federal agency to withdraw its notice of violation of anti-pollution regulations against a port terminal operator, avoiding approximately $9.2 million in potential penalties.

Persuaded the National Labor Relations Board to close investigations of marine terminal operator. After the union appealed, the NLRB’s Office of the General Counsel affirmed the declination decisions in the client’s favor.

Persuaded the National Labor Relations Board to close investigations of international shipping line and its domestic agent.

Represented a marine terminal operator in an investigation by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, mitigating the penalty to less than $20,000, just nine percent of the $222,000 penalty originally sought.

Served as lead counsel in a federal criminal investigation of a nationwide ground shipping company suspected of aiding and abetting the trafficking of millions of dollars of counterfeit high fashion goods. No charges were filed.

Represented the CEO of a Southern California-based manufacturer, packager, and distributor of health food, nutritional supplements, and cosmetic products in a federal court criminal action alleging import violations.  Matter was resolved with a probationary sentence

Represented global network of YouTube content creators and brands in a trade secrets dispute with company’s former employees.

Represented president of Southern California-based construction company in state court criminal investigation concerning alleged theft of public monies.

Represented associate general counsel of a Los Angeles-based investment fund in a state court criminal investigation. Investigation was dropped without the filing of any charges.

Represented the CEO of China-based petroleum exploration, extraction, and production company in federal court securities action by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Represented one of the nation’s largest engineering and construction companies and its subsidiaries in a federal court action brought under the False Claims Act alleging overcharging in federal government contracts.

Represented the largest health plan in California in a 40-day trial arising out of an enforcement proceeding brought by the California Department of Managed Health Care.

Represented California’s largest HMO in dozens of investigations and litigation conducted by the California Department of Managed Health Care.

Represented the world’s leading satellite television provider in a major contract dispute with one of its largest retailers.