Justs Karlsons specializes in the trial, coordination and global management of high-stakes, complex litigation on behalf of major multinational companies. He is also an active trial attorney who has successfully first chaired to verdict more than 40 jury trials.
Justs’ hallmark is the pursuit of a thorough and aggressive defense strategy. For more than 40 years he has successfully defended numerous European automobile manufacturers in product liability, consumer class action and asbestos litigation in the US. As national coordinating counsel for one such German automobile manufacturer, his strategy and reputation for no-holds barred litigation has reduced the new filing of cases by more than 70%. Moreover, the vast majority of cases that get filed are then routinely dismissed by voluntary dismissal or summary disposition by the court without payment or trial. When cases are tried, they are won. Where recovery of defense costs is allowed by law, many such victories are further crowned by a substantial award of costs against the losing plaintiff.
Justs has also defended actions involving commercial and other disputes. His international background, knowledge of German and other languages and understanding of foreign cultures and business practices, combined with hands-on litigation acumen, uniquely qualifies him to advise and defend multinational companies.
Justs is admitted to the practice of law in Latvia and has acted as counsel for the government of Latvia and participated in negotiation and resolution of disputes and contracts involving telephone company privatization, licensing rights, fishing fleet privatization, and establishment of national oil rights in the Baltic Sea. He is an active member of the Latvian business community. He has extensive experience with legal and practical issues involving Latvian real estate transactions, land privatization, and land development, as well as applications for European Union development funding for projects in Latvia.
Litigation Coordination
Product Liability Defense
Commercial and Complex Litigation