A Taft litigation team led by Christopher Ryan, Jay Welford, and Kenny Nelson secured a verdict of more than $6.2 million following trial in Oakland County (MI) Business Court.

The case involved a dispute over a default under a lease agreement for specialized equipment located in Mexico. After trial, the verdict came down in favor of Taft’s client on every contested issue. The damages framework advanced by Taft was adopted in full, and Taft’s client was awarded 100% of the amount sought. The verdict also included a finding that a personal guarantee applied and was enforceable, and that Taft’s client was entitled to recover its attorney’s fees and costs.

The Taft team was led by partner Christopher Ryan, who served as lead trial counsel. The foundation for the successful result was built by partner Jay Welford and associate Kenny Nelson, who handled the case during discovery and pretrial proceedings.

Ryan is a seasoned commercial litigator representing businesses and individuals in high-stakes litigation. He regularly represents clients in contract litigation, business/shareholder disputes, lawsuits over enforcement of noncompetition agreements, and business torts.

Welford is an attorney in Taft’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring and Mergers and Acquisitions practice groups. He specializes in the areas of bankruptcy and corporate restructuring, lending and leasing law, and general corporate representation.

Nelson focuses his practice on commercial litigation.