Rebecca B. Durrant

Partner

Location
Los Angeles
Phone number
(213) 547-4930
Location
New York
Phone number
(212) 808-7551
Location
San Diego
Phone number
(858) 795-0426

In her decade of legal experience, Rebecca Durrant has become one of the most in-demand litigators at Kelley Drye. She understands how to earn her clients’ trust, develop a command of the facts of their cases, and distill those facts into compelling arguments that persuade judges, arbitrators, and the opposing side so she can secure critical rulings, achieve trial wins, and negotiate sought-after settlements.  

Rebecca supports clients through all stages of complex commercial litigation. She represents clients in arbitrations, class actions, contract disputes, and trials across the United States, including in California, New York, Texas, and Delaware. Her clients span industry sectors that include healthcare, finance and asset management, insurance, real estate, sports and entertainment, and fashion and retail. 

In addition to her client work, Rebecca maintains a robust pro bono immigration practice.  

“It’s important for my clients to understand that I’m with them for the long haul. I take time to understand not only the facts of their current case but also their long-term goals, helping them articulate what success looks like and how to get there.”

Commercial Disputes

Secured dismissal of all claims from a former employee and an award of zero dollars (from a demand of more than $27 million) after a 10-day arbitration hearing on behalf of a global institutional investment firm. 

Secured dismissal of claims without leave to amend on behalf of a global real estate investment management company in a dispute regarding a failed real estate development project in the Bronx, New York.  The New York Appellate Division affirmed the dismissal on appeal.

Obtained client’s full reinsurance claim plus interest in an arbitration on behalf of a risk retention group against its reinsurance provider to recover losses paid to settle a medical malpractice claim. 

Obtained rescission of a joint venture transaction from the Delaware Court of Chancery on behalf of an investment firm following a business dispute.

Secured dismissal of a lawsuit in federal court alleging breach of a distribution agreement for handbags and other goods on behalf of an apparel, footwear, and brand management company. The Second Circuit agreed that there was no subject matter jurisdiction for the claims to be heard in federal court. 

Represented a global healthcare company against claims brought by a former executive for age discrimination. Favorably settled claims weeks before trial in federal court.

Successfully defended a medical group in New York state court against claims brought by a doctor formerly affiliated with the group. Obtained dismissal of all claims on a pre-discovery motion to dismiss.

Represented a global supplier of plastic compounding products, color concentrates, and additives in its fraud claims arising from its $800 million purchase of a composite plastics company.  Successfully prevailed at trial before the Delaware Court of Chancery.

Class Actions

Helped a national testing laboratory avoid class liability in a TCPA class action lawsuit after the plaintiff’s counsel was forced to withdraw its motion for class certification and all class allegations.  

Defeated class certification on behalf of a financial institution regarding alleged violations of the fax provisions of the TCPA. The District Court applied a ruling by the Federal Communications Commission to first conclude that putative class members who received a fax on an online fax service do not have a claim under the TCPA, which rendered the claims unsuitable for class treatment.  In an unprecedented decision, the Fourth Circuit affirmed the District Court’s ruling on appeal.

Represented a multinational investment bank and financial services company in defense of claims brought under federal securities laws arising from the purchase of mortgage-backed securities by failed credit unions. Resulted in a favorable nationwide settlement.

Represented a syndicate of underwriters of securities issued by a Brazilian petroleum corporation in a class action arising out of alleged violations of securities laws. 

Pro Bono

Rebecca is active in pro bono representation of immigrants.