Abigail Hinchcliff has been with Bartlit Beck since 2014, and became a partner in 2018. Abigail's practice encompasses a range of high-stakes matters, including breach of contract, products liability, and intellectual property disputes. Prior to joining the firm, Abigail clerked for Judge Raymond Kethledge of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and Judge Amul Thapar, then of the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Representative Matters
Behrens et. al. v. Arconic, Inc. et al (E.D. Pa.)
Trial counsel for Arconic in a products liability case brought by 247 plaintiffs and their estates seeking damages arising out of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London. Plaintiffs allege that cladding panels manufactured by Arconic's French subsidiary contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Successfully removed the case to federal court. Moved to dismiss the complaint on several grounds, including forum non conveniens. Motion to dismiss pending.
Cases Tried or Otherwise Taken to Judgment
Confidential Arbitration (JAMS)
Co-lead trial counsel for respondents in arbitration alleging breach of a real estate contract. Arbitrator found in client's favor on majority of claims and denied claimants' motion for attorneys' fees.
Confidential Arbitration (AAA)
Trial counsel for oil and gas exploration and production company in commercial and state securities law dispute. Claimant sought more than $25 million. After a two-week arbitration hearing, the arbitrator issued a favorable decision on every claim and ordered the claimant to pay our client's attorneys' fees.
Confidential Arbitration
Trial counsel for defendant in a confidential damages-only arbitration stemming from a product liability settlement.
Other Representative Cases
Pelvic Mesh Product Liability Litigation
Trial counsel for Johnson & Johnson in defense of lawsuits alleging personal injuries caused by pelvic mesh medical devices.
Confidential Arbitration (AAA)
Trial counsel for respondents in arbitration alleging wrongful denial of mortgage insurance claims.
Dynamic Advances, LLC v. Apple Inc. (N.D.N.Y. 2012)
Trial counsel for plaintiff in multi-million dollar dispute over machine learning technology. Case settled before trial.
Confidential Insurance Recovery Litigation
Trial counsel for Fortune 100 company in confidential insurance recovery litigation in arbitrations seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in coverage under the "Bermuda Form." Recoveries to date approaching $500 million.
Confidential Arbitration (AAA)
Co-lead trial counsel for respondent "Big Three" mortgage insurer in AAA arbitration. Claimant alleged wrongful rescission of coverage. Case resolved on confidential terms shortly before hearing.
Pro Bono Representations
Johnson-Hess v. United States; Johnson-Hess v. Berkebile, et al. (D. Colo. 2015)
Co-lead trial counsel for estate of inmate who committed suicide while being held in solitary confinement. Case settled favorably.
Professional Activities and Community Service
Chair's Roundtable, Colorado Lawyers Committee
Board Member, Colorado Lawyers Committee, Young Lawyers Division
Board Member, Colorado Judicial Institute, Young Professionals Committee
2019 Leadership Class, Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training (COBALT)
Member, Denver Public Library Friends Foundation, Development Committee
Teaching
Denver University Sturm College of Law, Adjunct Professor (2020)
Acknowledgements, Presentations, and Publications
CBA Solo-Small Firm Institute: Litigation Lightening Round – Panel Member (2020)
Litigation Sharks vs. Mediation Jets: A Joint ADR/YLD CLE Presentation – Panel Member (2019)
Newsroom
Education & Honors
Yale Law School, 2012, J.D.
Book Reviews & Features Editor, Yale Law Journal
Wesleyan University, 2008, B.A., with Honors
Phi Beta Kappa
2008 Briggs Prize
2008 Davenport Prize
2007 Parker Prize
Clerkships
- Honorable Raymond M. Kethledge, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2013-2014
- Honorable Amul R. Thapar, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, 2012-2013
Awards & Recognition
Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2017-2018
Admissions
- Colorado