Ahmed J. Kassim is Of Counsel to the Sills Cummis & Gross Litigation Department. Mr. Kassim is a trial lawyer and trusted adviser who represents clients in high-stakes product liability and commercial disputes in courts around the country. He partners with clients to devise a litigation strategy that is aligned with their business objectives. Clients value his ability to zealously advocate for them throughout the entire litigation process. Mr. Kassim has successfully represented clients at trial and on appeal, won cases on summary judgment, obtained pre-answer dismissals of putative class actions, and negotiated favorable settlements for clients where appropriate. He has litigated on behalf of clients in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, consumer products, telecommunications, construction, insurance, banking, and retail.
Mr. Kassim has a proven track record of defending lawsuits involving products liability, premises liability, and toxic torts in difficult jurisdictions. A former chemical engineer, Mr. Kassim leverages his technical background to help his clients navigate complex scientific and medical issues and to craft fact-based defenses built on science. A skilled litigator, he has played key roles in case assessment, developing defense strategy, taking depositions, presenting compelling advocacy in briefs and hearings, and leading complex settlement negotiations. He often serves as regional counsel, working closely with clients and national counsel on defense strategy and early resolution of claims.
Mr. Kassim also represents clients in their most important commercial litigation matters. He recently served as one of the trial counsel in a breach of contract case in federal court that resulted in a unanimous $7.1 million jury verdict in favor of his client. He also helped secure a pre-answer dismissal of an environmental insurance coverage suit in New York’s Commercial Division where alleged damages exceeded $15 million (and subsequently affirmed on appeal). Mr. Kassim increasingly counsels public accommodation clients regarding website accessibility litigation under Title III of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Whether the issues revolve around products liability, commercial disputes, or violations of the ADA, he understands the stakes and helps his clients reach the most favorable resolution in the most economical way.
Mr. Kassim maintains an active pro bono practice that includes criminal, immigration, and constitutional cases.
Mr. Kassim is an active member of the American Bar Association (ABA), the New York State Bar Association, and the Federal Bar Council. He currently serves on the Editorial Board of the ABA’s Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal. Mr. Kassim participated in the 49th Annual International Association of Defense Counsel’s Trial Academy.
Before joining the Firm, Mr. Kassim practiced in New York at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C. and Gibbons P.C., focusing on product liability and commercial litigation matters. Mr. Kassim was a Law Clerk to the Honorable Ann G. McCormick, J.S.C. in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division.