Charles W. Pugh

As a partner in Hahn Loeser’s Litigation and Construction practice areas, Charles W. Pugh has helped clients resolve complicated legal disputes for over 20 years. Charlie assists clients in navigating through a wide range of complex corporate litigation, including contractual disputes, construction disputes, shareholder disputes, business torts and the defense of claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”). Charlie has extensive experience litigating disputes between members of limited liability companies and other closely-held businesses. His construction law practice includes significant experience with lien and bond claims and payment disputes with contractors and subcontractors.

Equally comfortable initiating litigation as plaintiff’s counsel and defending clients against lawsuits, Charlie recognizes that legal disputes can take many different forms. Representing both individuals and businesses, he is fully involved in all aspects of case development, trial preparation, and trial, arguing motions, engaging in mediation and arbitration, taking and defending depositions in state and federal proceedings. Charlie also routinely engages in expert discovery and dispositive motion practice, recognizing that these aspects of lawsuits can often make the difference in the outcome of the case. Mindful that legal disputes do not always arise during normal business hours, he also has significant experience seeking temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions.

While Charlie is admitted to practice law in Ohio and Pennsylvania, he has also litigated disputes throughout the United States, including in courts in Arizona, California, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, South Carolina, and other states.

Charlie firmly believes that focusing on trial strategy from the outset of a case increases the likelihood of success at each stage of the lawsuit. To that end, aware that cases can be won or lost well before the cases ever get to trial, he has successfully defeated federal lawsuits through motions for summary judgment, sparing clients both the expense and uncertainty of trial.

Accolades

• Winning a state court jury trial for a pro bono client in housing matter; delivering the opening statement, examining all witnesses, and preserving trial victory with an oral argument defeating defendant’s post-trial motion for relief.
• Successfully obtaining relief under United Nations Convention against Torture for pro bono Vietnamese citizen in removal proceedings in immigration court in Cleveland
• Obtained summary judgment for client in federal court in California, defeating claims for fraud, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and breach of contract.
• Obtained summary judgment for client in federal court in Pennsylvania, defeating claim under Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
• Obtained a $7.9M judgment against the president of a construction company based on a fraud claim, following a two-day evidentiary hearing in United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

• Evenchik, Pugh Secure $7.9M Judgment in New York Fraud Dispute
  August 12, 2024
• Hahn Loeser Attorneys Elected to Firm Partnership
  January 09, 2019
• 30 Hahn Loeser Attorneys Selected as Super Lawyers
  December 02, 2016

• Author

  “Finding Middle Ground: Reconciling the Disparate Approaches Courts Have Taken in Determining Liability When a Purchaser Declines Optional Safety Equipment,” Charles W. Pugh, Esq.

  January 01, 2010