Morris Kletzkin
Principal
Morris joined Friedlander Misler in 1977 and became a principal of the firm in 1979. He has been actively engaged in a diverse civil, trial and appellate practice for more than 30 years. He has tried hundreds of cases to verdict or decision in different state and federal courts, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
As head of the firm’s General Litigation group, Morris represents a vast array of clients including governmental entities, non-governmental entities, and public and private corporations. Many of the corporations are self-insured or have risk management programs featuring substantial self-insured retentions. Morris’ practice includes the representation of regional authorities, municipalities and counties.
His General Civil Litigation practice focuses on insurance related litigation for coverage issues, defense of claims, construction insurance issues, employment practices liability insurance and owner and contractor controlled wrap-up insurance programs. He also actively represents international organizations with global workforce operations in the United States. He has special expertise in the federally authorized H.2A and H.2B labor programs.
Morris’ litigation group specializes in cases involving public liability, premises liability, employment law and insurance coverage and insurance defense. More specifically, the group represents police departments, fire departments, EMS services, private security forces and contract security staff in the area of public liability. On the topic of premises liability, Morris’ litigation group focuses on the defense of actions arising as a result of the ownership or management of property.
Morris focuses on insurance coverage cases involving comprehensive general liability policies, property policies, owner or contractor controlled wrap-up insurance programs and employment practices liability insurance.
In the area of automobile law, the group specializes in cases involving rental cars. Additionally, Morris has successfully prosecuted cases that involve individuals with major personal injury claims over the years. His efforts have resulted in substantial settlements and verdicts.
Morris is a community leader. His commitment to pro bono work for local charities and organizations has received public recognition. Morris’ work in the community includes serving as legal counsel for Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, D.C., acting as a panel member for Pro Bono Service Providers, lecturing on current insurance issues and acting as a moot court judge.
Morris is a Martindale Hubbel AV rated lawyer and a member of the firm’s Management Committee. Prior to joining Friedlander Misler, Morris served as a trial attorney in the Civil Division of the District of Columbia’s Office of Corporation Counsel.