Seamus is a mediator who leverages over 30 years of experience as a Chambers rated class action litigator and trial lawyer. Widely regarded as one of the leading lawyers in the class action bar, Seamus built a successful record representing telecommunications and other companies in class action and other private aggregate and government enforcement litigation nationwide. He also maintained an active practice advising domestic and international investors regarding case-specific and more generalized US-based litigation risk. Known for his effectiveness advising business leaders and boards of directors and his thoughtful, strategic approach and skill in forging settlements throughout his career, Seamus founded SDMS to help people resolve difficult cases. His mediation approach emphasizes building trust with the parties to illuminate the paths to resolution. He seeks to bring parties to resolution with the right combination of persistence, patience, persuasion, and good humor.
Seamus Duffy Mediation Services LLC
Mailing Address P.O. Box 185
Valley Forge, PA 19481
For scheduling inquiries, contact Seamus Duffy Mediation Services LLC at (215) 260-1395 or complete our scheduling inquiries form.
Seamus is available to mediate remotely and in person nationwide.
Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Philadelphia, PA
Led nationwide class actions practice and advised investment clients internationally on all aspects of US-based aggregate litigation risk
Deep experience leading mediation efforts in multi-party class and mass action proceedings
Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath, Philadelphia, PA
Built and led national class actions practice with emphasis on the telecommunications industry
Established national reputation for creative resolution of class actions
Seamus has retired from the practice of law but retains the title of Partner Emeritus at Akin in a non-practicing capacity. Seamus Duffy Mediation Services LLC is an independent entity and is not endorsed by, nor does it have any relationship or connection with, Akin or the Faegre Drinker firm.
Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law – Mediating the Litigated Case, a 40-Hour Intensive Training Program in Mediation – April 2024
J.D., summa cum laude, Villanova Law School, PA, May 1987
B.A., Villanova University, PA, May 1984
Chambers rated class actions practitioner many years running
Member, American Law Institute
The Legal 500 US
2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America
Benchmark Litigation, Pennsylvania Local Litigation Star
Cases are about disputes, and every dispute calls for the exploration of compromise. In most big cases, you need to work through the facts and the law to the point where the parties have a good grasp of the risk proposition. That can take time, or it can come quickly. In my view, the recipe for resolution is to have good lawyers who understand their case come together in a process they trust. Then you need to travel from the opening positions, which are usually extreme, to that point in between that makes sense. It’s that simple, and it’s that hard.
Seamus Duffy, "Resolving Litigation: Arbitration and Mediation after ‘Concepcion,’” Interview by Rich Lee, CEO of New Era ADR for American Lawyer Media, February 23, 2024.
Representative Matters
Telecommunications
Cell Phone Brain Cancer Litigation:
National telecommunications carrier and co-lead for industry defense group.
Wireless Phone Termination Fee Cases:
National telecommunications company in multi-state class actions.
Cell Phone “Rounding Up” Litigation:
National telecommunications carrier in eight-state class action.
Cable & Internet
Cable Industry Fee Litigation:
International cable company in class action regarding broadcast television and sports fees.
Peer-to-Peer Internet Traffic Throttling Litigation:
International cable company in class actions challenging network throttling.
Energy
Marcellus Shale Royalty Practices Litigation:
Oil and gas exploration company in mass action.
Energy Company TCPA Litigation:
Energy company in TCPA class action over text messages.
Energy Company Charging Practices Litigation:
National energy company in class action regarding polar vortex surcharges.
Retail & Consumer Goods
TCPA Mediations:
Private mediator for TCPA class actions.
Retail Clothing Company TCPA Litigation:
National retailer in TCPA class action.
Gas Station Charging Practices Litigation:
National gasoline retailer in class action regarding credit card discounts.
Defective Gas Range Litigation:
Global appliance company in product liability class action.
Museums & Entertainment
Museum Consumer Litigation:
Iconic Philadelphia museum in a class action regarding exhibit authenticity.
Theme Park Concession Charging Practices Litigation:
Theme park owner in a class action over concession practices.
Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
Mass Tort Litigation Monitoring:
International pharmaceutical company in mass tort proceedings.
Franchise & Personal Injury
International Franchise Dispute Mediation:
Franchise dispute mediation as settlement master.
Personal Injury Mediation:
Mediation for personal injury-related litigation.
Complete the form below and indicate the desired date(s) or date range for the mediation acceptable to all parties and counsel in your case. You will receive a follow-up email or phone call no later than the next business day.
Feel free to contact Seamus Duffy Mediation Services LLC with any questions at (215) 260-1395.
