History
Martyn & Associates was formed in 1989 and, since that time, we have concentrated our law practice on protecting produce companies and enforcing their rights under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act ("PACA") and the corresponding federal regulations. We have the knowledge and experience of working with hundreds of produce companies across the United States, and have encountered and successfully overcome all sorts of issues which can arise under PACA. We not only enforce our clients’ PACA rights through United States District and Bankruptcy Courts, but we also know when to utilize the formal and informal procedures established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or when other techniques will maximize our clients’ recovery. Because of our understanding of all facets of PACA and our industry contacts, we can efficiently determine which path will achieve the most successful resolution for our clients.
The lawyers at Martyn & Associates have litigated and successfully resolved hundreds of cases in courts across the country. The team at Martyn & Associates knows what it takes to maximize the recovery for our clients under PACA. We frequently obtain Restraining Orders and Injunctions from federal courts in favor of our clients. These effectively suspend the operations of a derelict produce buyer and freeze its assets – often times along with the assets of that buyer’s principals – until our clients are paid in full. If you are concerned about protecting your company’s PACA rights, or have questions about PACA enforcement or collection, contact one of the attorneys at Martyn & Associates today.
Contact Us
If you are concerned about protecting your company's PACA rights or have questions about PACA enforcement or collection, contact Martyn & Associates today for a complimentary consultation.
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Attorneys
Education
CLEVELAND MARSHALL COLLEGE OF LAW
Juris Doctor, 1986
Partner
Hartley B. Martyn
Hartley is the principal shareholder of the Martyn and Associates law firm. His practice is concentrated in the areas of Complex Litigation, Trust Litigation, and Class Action Litigation including Anti-Trust, Security Fraud, and Derivative Suits. He has served as Special Master to several United States District Courts in Ohio and Michigan. In addition, Hartley and the firm have served as Court Appointed Special Counsel to several Bankruptcy Courts.
Hartley has acted as Lead Counsel or Class Counsel in cases in a number of other Federal Courts, representing a wide variety of individuals and corporations ranging from small family owned businesses to industry giants such as Nestle N.A., ConAgra, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc., C&S Oil/Cross Properties, Inc. and others.
Bar Admissions
Ohio
Florida
Washington
Federal Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals - Third Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - Sixth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - Ninth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals -Tenth Circuit
U.S. District Court - District of Arizona
U.S. District Court - Northern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court - Southern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court - District of Colorado
U.S. District Court - Central District Illinois
U.S. District Court - District of Nebraska
Pro Hac Vice admission in over 40 states
Education
CLEVELAND MARSHALL COLLEGE OF LAW
Juris Doctor
JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY
B.S., Business Administration and Finance
Bar Admissions
Ohio Supreme Court
Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Federal Court Admissions
U.S. District Court - Northern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court - Southern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court- Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Michigan
U.S. District Court - Western District of Michigan
U.S. District Court - District of Nebraska
U.S. District Court - District of Colorado
U.S. District Court - Central District of Illinois
U.S. District Court - Northern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court - Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court - Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Arkansas
U.S. District Court - Western District of Arkansas
U.S. District Court - District of Columbia
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court - Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. Court of Appeals - First Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - Second Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - Third Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - Fifth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - Sixth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - Eleventh Circuit
Partner
Mark A. Amendola
Mark joined Martyn and Associates in 1996, following seven years in the general practice of law. His current practice is focused on federal court litigation under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act ("PACA") in district courts and bankruptcy courts nationwide. He has played a significant role in the largest PACA trust cases of all time, including the likes of Fleming Companies, Winn-Dixie, AmeriServe, Fresh America, Zema Foods and Demma Fruit.
Mark uses his special expertise in PACA law to his clients' advantage by personally attending and conducting court hearings in cases across the country, rather than delegating to local counsel. As such, he has appeared in federal courts in virtually every state and has argued cases in numerous U.S. Courts of Appeal. His representative clients include Nestle, ConAgra/Lamb-Weston, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc., J.R. Simplot Company and Castellini Company, LLC.
Mark handles all aspects of civil litigation under the PACA trust - from Complaint to Trial - and has tried several cases, particularly in the area of personal liability and bank disgorgement. He also represents clients in reparation proceedings before the U.S. Department of Agriculture and defends clients in preference actions in bankruptcy court. As more courts move toward alternative dispute resolution, he has skillfully negotiated settlements through mediations and settlement conferences on a great many cases. His overall success as a PACA litigator has resulted in appointments as special counsel in federal courts to address PACA related issues. He also is an author and legal consultant to produce industry credit reporting and media outlets such as The Blue Book, The Produce News, Blueprints Magazine, The Red Book and The Packer.