Bressler, Amery & Ross, with an office in Florham Park, announced Jan. 23 that James (Jim) E. Tyrrell, Jr. and Austin Flickstein have been appointed co-practice heads of the firm’s litigation practice.
James E. Tyrrell, Jr. is a nationally recognized litigator who has served as lead counsel in the country’s highest profile cases including Agent Orange for Monsanto; Y2K for AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and Avaya; and Deepwater Horizon for Seacor. Tyrrell was selected over 30 competing law firms to represent the City of New York and 150 of its contractors in the landmark World Trade Center litigation.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein of the Southern District of New York appointed Tyrrell as liaison counsel for all defendants in the World Trade Center cases. He led the defense of 10,000 separate lawsuits for more than 10 years.
Tyrrell has held senior managerial positions at prominent national law firms. He co-chaired the global product liability and mass tort practice at Latham & Watkins and was the managing partner of the firm’s New Jersey office. He was recruited by Patton Boggs, the leading political law firm in Washington, D.C., where he chaired the firm’s global product liability practice, served as regional managing partner of the firm’s New Jersey and New York offices, and was a member of Patton Boggs’ executive committee.
Austin Flickstein, a principal in the firm’s Florida office, represents the next generation of litigation leadership and plays a vital role in the firm’s growth in the Southeast. Flickstein specializes in commercial litigation and insurance defense, handling matters from pre-suit through trial and appeal. His background includes experience as a Miami-Dade prosecutor, in-house litigation roles, and private practice at a prominent Florida law firm, providing him with a practical, business-oriented approach to dispute resolution.
Flickstein has represented high-profile individuals and businesses in precedent-setting litigation, including his efforts to obtain a dismissal of a lawsuit against pop superstar Madonna. Additionally, he has successfully represented insurance companies dealing with the issues of “soft fraud,” which is prevalent in Florida’s property insurance market.
He has earned a reputation for his strategic advocacy and strong presence in the courtroom. As a skilled relationship builder, Flickstein emphasizes understanding client needs while prioritizing efficiency, attention to detail, and results – values that closely align with the firm’s commitment to exceptional client service and innovation.
“Jim and Austin exemplify the balance of experience, innovation, and strategic leadership that defines our firm,” said Frederick Schoenbrodt II, chair of the firm’s management committee. “Jim brings unparalleled experience and depth in the most complex matters, while Austin represents the future of our litigation practice. Together, they will help us continue to grow thoughtfully while delivering sophisticated, high-value service to our clients.”
