A seasoned commercial litigator, Jay H. “Jerry” Calvert Jr. handles large, high-profile business disputes, including matters involving antitrust, intellectual property, and securities law, and healthcare and regulatory issues. His clients range from global enterprises in the airline, banking, and pharmaceutical fields, to those in the oil, healthcare, life sciences, and electric utility industries. A former managing partner of Morgan Lewis, Jerry has also served as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and manager of its Litigation Practice.
Much of Jerry’s practice involves major commercial cases, including a six-week jury trial against a New York bank for violating securities laws by aiding and abetting international fugitive Robert Vesco’s theft of millions of dollars from mutual fund shareholders. Jerry was also involved with the valuation case involving the former Penn Central Railroad that resulted in a $2.1 billion settlement. A major electric utility turned to him when it needed to gain regulatory approval for a $3.2 billion nuclear power generating facility. A US national health insurance company requested Jerry to become lead trial counsel in connection with three nationwide class actions involving the payment for out-of-network healthcare services.
After a year's hiatus, Jerry is once again serving on the Board of Directors of the Zoological Society of Philadelphia and also formerly served as its Chairman. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and also served as the President of the Board. Jerry currently serves on, and is a former Chairman of, the Steering Committee of the Sunday Breakfast Club.
selected representations
Professionally, Mr. Calvert has handled a significant number of large, complex cases. The major matters with which he has been involved include:
A six-week jury trial against a New York bank for violation of the securities laws by aiding and abetting international fugitive Robert Vesco's theft of millions of dollars from mutual fund shareholders.
The valuation case involving the former Penn Central Railroad resulting in a $2.1 billion settlement.
Defense of a major oil company in a class action by the lessee service station dealers of all the major oil companies challenging the way gasoline is marketed in the United States, resulting in a court-approved settlement allowing the marketing practices to continue unchanged.
Representation of a major utility in a case involving whether or not a nuclear generating facility should be constructed, resulting in a $3.2 billion generating unit being built.
Representation of a large health insurer in a case of first impression involving First Amendment protection for commercial speech in the healthcare field.
Representation of a major glass producing company against antitrust charges of worldwide conspiracies involving the technology for making glass as well as the sale of glass in various world markets.
Representation of a health insurer in preserving a most-favored nation clause in its hospital contracts.
Representation of an electric utility in seeking $3.6 billion in stranded costs in connection with the deregulation of the electric utility industry.
Representation of a major bank in a series of actions resulting from the bankruptcy of a health system, including claims of RICO violations.
Representation of a major pharmaceutical company in a series of antitrust cases brought by retail pharmacists alleging price fixing in brand name prescription drugs.
Defense of a foreign technology transfer organization against a claim of breach of a license agreement involving patents relating to gene and protein technologies.
Representation of a major airline in a case of first impression allowing direct access to reinsurance, thus avoiding necessity of participating in a direct insurer's liquidation proceeding.
Successful representation of an officer in a claim by his company alleging breach of fiduciary duties allegedly resulting in $3 billion in damages.
Successful representation of a major financial institution alleged to have violated Section 10b-5 by failing to advise purchases of an annuity that there were lower-cost alternatives.
Representation of a major healthcare insurance company in three nationwide class actions challenging the method of payment for out-of-network medical services.
Successful representation of a maker of wood products in an antitrust case alleging price fixing.
Education
Amherst College, 1967, B.A.
University of Virginia School of Law, 1970, J.D.
Admissions
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third and Sixth Circuits
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Supreme Court
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Awards and Affiliations
Listed, BTI Client Service All-Stars (2017)
Listed, The Best Lawyers in America – Philadelphia, Commercial Litigation (2008–2018)
Listed, Philadelphia's Best Lawyers, Commercial Litigation (2011–2017)
Listed, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Business Litigation (2004–2017)
Member, American Bar Association
Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
Member, Philadelphia Bar Association
Member, American Health Lawyers Association
Board of Directors,
The Zoological Society of Philadelphia (1992–2015 and 2016–present) and Chairman (2008–2015)
Member, Executive Committee, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Board of Trustees