Next Generation Partners

Rising Stars

Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: automotive/transport in United States

Bowman and Brooke LLP

Often working with relevant local counsel andbenefitting from practitioners spread across the length and breadth of the country, litigation-focused firm Bowman and Brooke LLP is well-positioned to defend clients in complex and high-profile product liability actions, irrespective of geographical location. A significant proportion of this work relates to litigation brought against automotive manufacturers, including household names such as Toyota, Ford Motor and BMW, where the firm is appreciated for its ‘extensive subject matter knowledge’, as well as its ability to simplify complex scientific issues for juries. The automotive practice group, which is co-headed from Minneapolis and Detroit by Bard Borkon and Tom Branigan, respectively, is conversant not only with conventional product liability-related disputes but has also been at the vanguard of issues arising from the increased automation of technology in the space, including in the defense of “computer decision making” in vehicles, such as auto emergency braking and airbag control technology. In this context, Branigan is recognized as ‘a top choice nationally… due to his technical mastery of emerging technology and approachability with both juries and corporate executives’. The firm’s proactive approach to trying cases is also a strong selling point for clients, ensuring that it is in a position of strength to potentially gain favorable settlement terms, as well as, should the case go to trial, the ability to make persuasive arguments in both bench and jury trials. Phoenix-based Paul Cereghini and San Jose-based Vincent Galvin have regularly handled bellwether trials in the automotive space, with Galvin recently securing a favorable verdict for Tesla in its first automotive jury trial in the country, following a fatal accident case involving issues relating to the deactivation of a speed limiter device.

Practice head(s):

Bard Borkon; Tom Branigan


Other key lawyers:

Paul Cereghini; Vincent Galvin; Joel Smith; Jordan Tabak; Whitney Cruz; Matthew Berard


Testimonials

They display extensive subject matter knowledge in the space.’

Retaining Bowman & Brooke communicates to plaintiffs that we want to and will be ready to go to trial on our cases where we believe in the quality and performance of our vehicles.’

‘Tom Branigan has been working our cases for the past four years and is a top choice nationally for our cases due to his technical mastery of emerging technology and approachability with both juries and corporate executives.’

Tom Branigan has tirelessly worked to not just understand the technology but also represent car companies to defend against these claims and present the extraordinary benefits of ADAS to juries.’

Key clients

Toyota Motor North America, Inc.


Ford Motor Company


Honda North America, Inc.


Stellantis/FCA US LLC


Nissan North America, Inc.


Hyundai Motor America


Kia America, Inc.


BMW AG


Tesla, Inc.


Jaguar Land Rover North America


Yamaha Motor USA Corp


Work highlights


  • Acting as national automotive product liability counsel to Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. on their highest exposure claims and mass torts involving a wide range of high exposure issues routinely faced by the automotive industry including rollover, crashworthiness, airbags, restraint systems, seat backs, advanced driver assistance systems, and more.
  • Lead trial counsel to Tesla in the company’s first product liability trial.
  • Lead counsel in multiple mass actions for Ford Motor Company, including their DPS6 transmission, 10R80 transmission class action, 6F35 transmission and Diesel litigation.

Dykema Gossett PLLC

Drawing upon outstanding overarching litigation credentials, as well as a deep and broad knowledge of issues affecting clients in the automotive space, Dykema Gossett PLLC regularly acts as national and regional counsel for leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) across a range of product liability matters, including as it pertains to economic loss, economic loss and product recall claims. Spearheaded from Los Angeles by Tamara Bush, the firm is particularly accomplished at handling class action matters, where it is adept at safeguarding clients’ interests from initial challenges to the pleadings, through to class certification, dispositive motions trial, and appeal. Although it is accomplished at handling work throughout the litigation life cycle, the firm is particularly skilled at handling class action discovery, so much so that clients frequently turn to the firm to manage discovery even where another firm is retained as lead counsel. Formerly in-house counsel at Ford Motor Company, Michigan-based practitioner John Thomas has superb credentials representing major automotive manufacturers in major class actions throughout the country; regularly securing notable victories for clients at class certification stage, at summary judgment, as well as at a final trial stage. The firm also makes strategic use of appellate lawyers, including Michigan-based Jill Wheaton, in relation to product liability mandates, bringing them in at an early stage to ensure that important issues are properly raised and preserved for appeal, if necessary. Los Angeles-based practitioner Derek Whitefield has developed a market-leading reputation in the context of automotive crash safety cases, regularly serving as trial, support, and discovery counsel to several automotive manufacturers in airbag cases. The firm is also abreast of continual technological developments in the automotive space and the subsequent potential for litigation, with Minneapolis-based practitioner Michael Carey continuing to gain plaudits for his work on behalf of clients, both at a pre-litigation as well as in litigation, in relation to Automated Driving Systems (ADS) and other advanced automotive safety technologies.

Practice head(s):

Tamara Bush; John Thomas


Other key lawyers:

Brian Smith; Michael Cooney; James Feeney; Dommond Lonnie; Derek Whitefield; Michael Carey; Clay Cossé; Krista Lenart; Boyd White; Kelly Houk; Rebekah Hudgins; Christine Nitoff; Bryce Rucker; Connor Walby


Key clients

Ford Motor Company


General Motors LLC


Toyota Motor Sales USA


Harley-Davidson


American Honda Motor Company


Porsche Cars N.A.


Kia America Inc


Hyundai Motor America


Robert Bosch LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented Porsche in a high-profile product liability case brought by a plaintiff who sustained a catastrophic brain injury and partial quadriplegia – alleging that a defect in a changeover valve caused the Porsche 911 to lose power and come to a stop and subsequently crash.
  • Represented General Motors (GM) as lead counsel in a class action where plaintiffs alleged that GM committed fraud by failing to disclose that the “Destination Charge” listed on the window stickers of GM vehicles included a profit to GM.
  • Lead counsel to Ford Motor Company in a class action where plaintiffs alleged that all 2013-2016 Mustangs, 2013-2017 Expeditions, and 2013-2018 Explorers have a design defect that leads to cosmetic corrosion on the leading edge of the aluminum hoods.

King & Spalding LLP

Co-headed from New York and Atlanta by John Hooper and Susan Clare, respectively, and drawing upon significant resources across other key national offices, including Los Angeles, King & Spalding LLP‘s automotive and transport litigation team is well-positioned to defend clients in high-profile product liability and mass action disputes throughout the country. The team, which is noted for its deep subject matter knowledge, ‘technical excellence’ and ability to provide ‘class leading litigation strategy and execution’, regularly secures high-profile roles as national and trial counsel in big-ticket litigation. In addition, it often acts as strategic counsel to major automotive manufacturers in potential reputational threatening litigation, and has gained market acclaim for its ability to minimize any negative press attention and to effectively protect brand reputation. Hooper is leading the firm’s efforts for Toyota as strategic counsel across a myriad product liability and class action cases pending in various courts nationwide. Clare continues to grow her reputation in the market among domestic and foreign automotive manufacturers as a result of her ability to secure favorable outcomes in plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions in cases involving allegations of vehicle safety defects. As part of her impressive docket of work, alongside fellow Atlanta practitioner Geoffrey Drake, she leads the firm’s ongoing efforts for GM on the strategy for managing 3,000 plus breach of warranty and consumer fraud lawsuits.

Practice head(s):

John Hooper; Susan Clare


Other key lawyers:

Alexander Calfo; Livia Kiser; Susan Vargas; Eric Gladbach; Jacquie Seidel; Geoffrey Drake; Madison Kitchens; Adam Reinke; Jessica  Shook; Anneke Shepard


Testimonials

The team exhibits tremendous technical excellence.’

They provide class leading litigation strategy and execution.’

The versatile team is excellent at all aspects of risk assessment, litigation, and resolution.’

Key clients

American Honda Motor Co.


AUTOMOBILI LAMBORGHINI AMERICA


Ford Motor Company


General Motors


Mercedes-Benz USA


Subaru of America Inc.


Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.


Volkswagen


Work highlights


  • Representing Toyota in several product liability and many of the currently active class action cases pending in various courts nationwide, including actions alleging defects in Denso fuel pumps, defective fuel tanks, defective inverters, and defective batteries, among others.
  • Representing General Motors in various high-profile, high-exposure class action litigation matters throughout the country.
  • Representing Daimler and MBUSA in an array of US-based litigation matters, including the multiple putative class actions filed in federal courts around the country, including the Northern District of Georgia and the Southern District of Florida.

Condon & Forsyth LLP

Combining deep industry knowledge with regulatory and litigation smarts, gleaned from many years’ experience in the sector, Condon & Forsyth LLP remains the go-to-practice in the market for handling aviation/aerospace product liability matters for a stellar roster of clients that includes leading carriers and manufacturers. Many of the disputes arise in the aftermath of loss of life following major disaster/crashes and require great sensitivity in relation to dealing with plaintiffs, coupled with potential reputational threatening issues for defendant carriers. New York and Los Angeles remain the primary drivers of workflow, however, its less well-established Miami office continues to thrive, picking up key mandates for Latin American and Caribbean clients. John Maggio has been pivotal to the success of this office, bringing to bear vast expertise at handing civil, commercial, and product liability litigation, as well as litigating claims governed by international treaties and aviation statutes, including the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions and the Airline Deregulation Act. New York-based partner Bartholomew Banino is steeped in knowledge of the sector, including across multi-lateral aviation treaties, which he brings to bear for carriers on liability following major crashes and in a crisis management setting. Also based out of New York, Christopher Christensen co-heads the team alongside Maggio and Banino and is noted, not only for his aviation accident litigation expertise and attendant knowledge of the National Transportation Safety Board investigation process, but also in a risk management and liability prevention context.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Christensen; Bartholomew Banino; John Maggio


Other key lawyers:

Anthony Battista; Scott Cunningham; Katherine Posner; Jonathan  DeMay; David Harrington; Diana Gurfel Shapiro; Marshall Turner; Jennifer Johnston; Jane Sigda; Mary Dow; Allison Surcouf; Evan Kwarta; Andrew Johnson; Marissa Lefland


Key clients

Advent Aircraft Systems, Inc.


Aer Lingus


Aerolineas Damojh, S.A. de C.V. (d/b/a Global Air)


Aerovías de México, S.A. de C.V. (d/b/a Aeromexico)


Air Charter Service


Air Lease Corporation


AIG


AirAsia


Air India


Air New Zealand


Airparts Company, Inc.


AJ Gallagher


Alaska Airlines


Allianz


All Nippon Airways


American Airlines


Aon Risk Services


Aruba Airlines


Asiana Airlines


Avianca


Bahamasair


BAE Systems Plc


Bangkok Airways


British Airways Plc


Caribbean Airlines


Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd.


Cebu Pacific Air, Inc.


China Airlines


Compañía Panameña de Aviación, S.A. (d/b/a Copa Airlines)


Croatia Airlines Ltd.


Dassault Falcon Jet


Delta Air Lines


Duncan Aviation


Eaton Corporation plc


Embraer Executive Aircraft and Embraer Maintenance Services


Embraer S.A.


Etihad Airways


F&E Aircraft Maintenance


Flight Lease Capital Management


Fly 7 Executive Aviation SA


Global Aerospace


Iberia


International Underwriting Association


Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.


Kalitta Air


Kenya Airways Ltd.


KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (aka Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V.)


Kuwait Airways


LATAM Airlines


Lion Air


LOT Polish Airlines (aka Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT S.A.)


Lufthansa German Airlines (aka Deutsche Lufthansa AG)


Marsh Aviation


Martinair Holland N.V.


Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.


Nature Air


NetJets


Nippon Cargo Airlines


Northrop Grumman


Pakistan International Airlines


Pegasus Air


Philippine Airlines


Piiq Risk Partners


Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.


PrimeFlight Aviation Services


Qantas Airways


Royal Air Maroc


Royal Jordanian Airlines


Saudia (formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines)


Scandinavian Airlines System


Servotronics, Inc.


SIMCOM International Inc.


Singapore Airlines


Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance


South African Airways


Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA)


Spirit Airlines


Starlux Airlines


ST Aerospace Engineering


Sun Country Airlines


TACA


TAP Air Portugal


Tokyo Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.


Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London


United Airlines


US-Bangla Airlines


Volaris (aka Concesionaria Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V.)


Willis Towers Watson


Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Drawing upon a trial-ready approach should the need arise, litigation powerhouse Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a popular choice among major automotive brands in the defence of high-profile potentially reputational threatening litigation. General Motors remains a cornerstone client for the firm, with Renee Smith continuing to represent the automotive giant across a range of class actions and MDLs, including as it relates to the high-profile Takata airbag inflator recall and its alleged use of emissions defeat devices. Although he has perhaps gained most acclaim for his product liability work in the pharmaceuticals space, ‘well-respected’ Washington DC-based practitioner Mike Brock has also handled a considerable amount of work in the automotive space and is one of many experienced trial lawyers at the firm who is adept at handling a myriad bet-the-company defense work before both judges and juries. All named practitioners are based out of Chicago unless otherwise noted.

Other key lawyers:

Mike Brock; Andrew Bloomer; Renee Smith; Wendy Bloom


Key clients

General Motors


Polaris Industries


ZF-TRW Automotive Holdings Corporation


McGuireWoods LLP

Led from Richmond by Diane Flannery , McGuireWoods LLP‘s overarching products and mass tort litigation group regularly acts as trial and national counsel for transportation clients in the defence of cases brought by plaintiffs, including those based on sophisticated defect theories. Although it handles some work in the aviation sector, the team is particularly well-versed in automotive-related matters, with longstanding relationships having been built over the years with several high-profile manufacturers. Combining deep industry knowledge alongside strong litigation capabilities, the team regularly achieves success at a dispositive motion stage, as well as in jury trials throughout the country, including in so-called “judicial hell-hole” jurisdictions. Perry Miles exemplifies these qualities and has become a popular choice among clients in the sector to co-ordinate their litigation strategy and to act as counsel at a trial stage. Samuel Tarry  is also recommended.

 

Practice head(s):

Diane Flannery


Other key lawyers:

Perry Miles; Virginia Bondurant Price; Samuel Tarry


Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

A raft of lateral hires over recent years, including the recruitment of over 50 partners from product liability heavyweight firm Bowman and Brooke LLP (a number of which have a considerable focus on matters within the automotive space) has raised Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP‘s profile in the market and has already translated into an increased number of mandates in the space. Richmond-based Sandra Ezell is one of the new members of the team who has leveraged her contacts and expertise in the space to good effect. She is leading the firm’s efforts on behalf of numerous high-profile auto manufacturers, including Nissan, who she represents as national trial counsel in relation to several product defect cases. Also based in Richmond, Rob Wise is another new member of the team, having joined in January 2022 alongside Ezell, and brings significant litigation expertise, including at an appellate level. South Carolina-based Mark Jones  co-heads the overarching product liability group alongside Ezell that also includes renowned Washington DC-based litigator Terri Reiskin , who has extensive experience leading on high-profile MDLs in the automotive sector, and Atlanta-based Richard North, who has experience at handing aviation/helicopter-related matters.


Practice head(s):

Mark Jones; Sandra Ezell


Other key lawyers:

Terri Reiskin; Rob Wise; Eden Darrell; Ryan Cosgrove; Heather Fields; Richard North


Testimonials

‘Nelson Mullins has decades of experience representing almost every major automobile/truck/offroad manufacturer. This experience is brought to bear on ever matter, existing and new, in the form of efficiencies in handling discovery and a deep understanding of the legal landscape.’

 

Key clients

FCA US LLC (Fiat Chrysler)


Ford Motor Company


General Electric Company/Global Aerospace Inc.


Honda


Hyundai


Mazda


Mitsubishi


Mercedes-Benz USA


Nissan (Nissan North America, Inc. and Nissan Motor Co. LTD)


Razor USA LLC


Safran Helicopter Engines


Skinny Labs Inc. d/b/a Spin


Tesla, Inc.


Textron (comprising Textron, Inc., Textron Specialized Vehicles, Inc., and various Arctic Cat subsidiaries)


Toyota (comprising Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Toyota Motor North America, inc., and certain other Toyota subsidiaes)


Winnebago


Work highlights


  • Representing Fiat Chrysler in a $50m-plus jury trial in federal court in Corpus Christi, TX in relation to a fatal vehicle crash and fire.
  • Represented Nissan Motor Co. LTD and Nissan North America, Inc. in Billie Spizzano, et. al v. Nissan Motor Co. LTD, Nissan of North America, et al. – a $6m case pending in Virginia Beach, Virginia involving an alleged automotive product defect in an Infiniti Q50.
  • Represented General Electric Company/Global Aerospace Inc. in a Blackhawk military helicopter crash case pending in the United States District Court, Southern District of Georgia, relating to a crash off the coast of Yemen.

Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP

Drawing upon a ‘superior depth of knowledge’ within the auto industry, both in terms of emerging liability theories and products/emerging technologies, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP‘s California-centered practice is well-positioned to represent automotive companies across a wide range of product liability, class actions and consumer fraud claims. Displaying ‘a willingness to invest in client relationships’, the team has established longstanding relationships with high-profile manufacturers, including Volvo, Kia and Honda, regularly picking up work in some major national class action disputes. The team has also effectively moved with the market and has deep knowledge of the ever increasing technological advances in the sector, including as it relates to highly autonomous vehicles. Consequently it is very adept at dealing with expert witnesses and at explaining complex scientific/technological issues with clarity to juries. As part of her broad product liability expertise, Orange County-based Janet Hickson often handles work in the auto space and has achieved successes for clients in dispositive motions as well as at a final trial stage. Dividing his time between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Frank Kelly  has had considerable success over the years in the Californian courts, as well as further afield across a range of high-stakes product liability matters, including in the defense of automotive manufacturers accused of causing catastrophic injury and wrongful death. In San Francisco, Amir Nassihi  has developed deep expertise handling class action matters throughout the litigation continuum and along with Hickson and Kansas City-based trial lawyer Robert Adams , heads up the overarching automotive and machinery litigation team.

Practice head(s):

Janet Hickson; Amir Nassihi; Rob Adams


Other key lawyers:

Colm Moran; Frank Kelly; Michael Mallow; Darlene Cho; Grant Law; Rachel Straus; Amy Maclear


Testimonials

They demonstrate a progressive approach to billing; a superior depth of knowledge; and show a willingness to invest in client relationships.’

‘The firm’s product liability and class action teams are among the best. They seem to always come up with new and innovative theories and ideas regarding how best to position the cases to come up with the optimal results.’

Key clients

American Honda Motor Co.


Kia America, Inc.


Ford Motor Company


Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.


Nissan North America, Inc.


Porsche Cars North America, Inc.


Mazda Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor of America, Inc.


Volvo Car USA, LLC


U-Haul International, Inc.


Hyundai Motor Company


Ballard Spahr LLP

Led by the ‘extremely responsive’ Neal Walters , Ballard Spahr LLP‘s New Jersey-based team regularly represents automotive clients in the defense of single plaintiff consumer and catastrophic injury actions, as well as in nationwide consumer class actions and appeals in state and federal courts.  As well as handling litigation throughout the life cycle, through to trial if necessary, the firm also provides risk management advice, helping to minimize any potential disputes. Walters has an excellent relationship with longstanding client Subaru and continues to lead the firm’s efforts in a slew of class actions progressing in the District of New Jersey. Associate Casey Watkins, who rejoined the firm in October 2022 following a stint as in-house counsel, also regularly provides vital input on litigation matters, as well as guiding clients through regulatory compliance matters, including in the context of autonomous vehicles.

Practice head(s):

Neal Walters


Other key lawyers:

Roberto Rivera-Soto; Steven Burkhart; David Haworth; Casey Watkins


Testimonials

Neal Walters is extremely responsive.’

Key clients

Subaru of America, Inc.


Subaru Corporation of Japan


Omnicare, Inc., a CVS Health company


Sottoriva SPA


Oracle Finance


Lubert Adler and 2400 Market, Inc.


Lisec America


DLA Piper LLP (US)

Primarily centered out of Philadelphia and also drawing upon litigation resources spread throughout the firm’s national network of offices, DLA Piper LLP (US) is well-positioned to represent automotive companies and parts manufacturers in product liability cases at federal and state level throughout the country. Clients benefit from a very efficient service which effective utilizes legal technology and a flexible approach to charge-out rates. Matt Goldberg  has amassed a significant amount of experience in the sector and heads up the firm’s product liability automotive subgroup. Goldberg has had considerable success for Hyundai Mobis in defective airbag disputes, achieving notable successes for the client. Leveraging vast transportation regulatory expertise developed both in private practice, as well as in-house, as chief counsel to the federal auto safety regulator, Washington DC-based partner Paul Hemmersbaugh is popular among clients in a risk management setting as well as in litigation. On the aviation front, the New York office has secured successful outcomes for several airlines in putative nationwide class actions brought by plaintiffs seeking recourse for an  alleged failure to pay refunds for flights cancelled due to Covid-19. Joel Dewey left the firm in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Chris Campbell; Loren Brown; James Brogan


Other key lawyers:

Matt Goldberg; Tim Pfenninger; Aaron Shaddy; Paul Hemmersbaugh


Testimonials

‘The firm is very efficient and professional in the field of automotive product litigation.’

‘They are very quick to respond to client’s request or case reporting. They know what to do and provide practical guidance, case preparation and assistance. We can ensure that the case in their hands are very well manage in a precise and timely manner.’

Key clients

Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.


Iberia Airlines


British Airways


Work highlights


  • Represented Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. and Mobis Parts America LLC when the US District Court for the Central District of California, granted a motion to dismiss all claims brought against them in a multidistrict litigation.
  • Represented Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. and Mobis Parts America, LLC in a product liability case that arose from an eight-car accident on US I-77 in South Carolina.
  • Represented Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. and Mobis Parts America LLC in a putative class action filed in the US District Court for the District of South Carolina.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Resourcing matters utilising litigators throughout the country, including many with general product liability and class action prowess, as well as lawyers with deep industry knowledge within the firm’s discrete automotive practice, Norton Rose Fulbright provides robust representation on behalf of an eclectic mix of auto clients, including component part manufacturers and dealers; retail outlets and automotive companies. Many of these disputes relate to product defects and frequently involve the firm acting as national/regional co-ordinating counsel and lead trial counsel in class actions and MDLs. Much of the work in the space is centred out of the firm’s Texas offices, with San Antonio-based automotive head Jeffrey Webb  a popular choice among clients, as a result not only of his work in private practice but also because of his engineering background and previous in-house role for an Ohio-based tire manufacturer. The team is also increasingly active handling trucking accidents involving catastrophic injury and death, with both Brett Young and Steven Jansma serving as regional trial counsel to Vulcan Materials Company, in that regard.


Practice head(s):

Brett Young


Other key lawyers:

Steve Jansma; Jeffrey Webb; John Herring; Alicia Grant


Key clients

Walmart


Cooper Tire & Rubber


Vulcan Materials Company


Energy Transfer Partners


BMW AG


Safety-Kleen / Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.,


NuStar Energy L.P.


Parsley Energy Inc. and Parsley Energy Operations LLC (now Pioneer Natural Resources)


Work highlights


  • Advising Walmart and Sam’s Club on their automotive and tire litigation docket for many years, expanding it from 10 states to the entire country.
  • Represented BMW in the MDL (involving over 90 class actions) related to a the largest automotive recall of its kind in history involving more than 100 million vehicles worldwide that are using Takata airbags.
  • Representing Vulcan in a docket of trucking accidents involving catastrophic injury and death.

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

Co-headed by Steve Brody and Sabrina Strong from Washington DC and Los Angeles, respectively, O'Melveny & Myers LLP‘s broad-based product liability and mass torts team regularly defends automotive clients in product liability cases as well as consumer fraud and false advertising claims. Although most of the work relates to private litigation, it is also adept at handling multi-pronged disputes in the event of parallel civil and government investigation/enforcement proceedings. Key practitioners include Los Angeles-based partners Carlos Lazatin and Richard Goetz, who both not only handle traditional auto-related work but are also adept at dealing with product liability and consumer-related litigation arising in the context of automated vehicles.

Practice head(s):

Steve Brody; Sabrina Strong


Other key lawyers:

Richard Goetz; Amy Laurendeau; Jonathan Schneller; Carlos Lazatin; Esteban Rodriguez


Key clients

Ford Motor Co.


Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP provides ‘cost-effective and business-savvy advice’ to clients in the defense of product liability and mass tort claims across a range of sectors, including a significant amount of work for manufacturers and parts suppliers within the transportation space. Princeton-based Patrick Bradley is one of many in the team that has a focus on work in the aviation space, and has built up a particularly strong track record defending corporate/personal aviation carriers in the defense of wrongful death, personal injury and property loss/damage product liability claims. In his role as co-head of the firm’s global aviation and aerospace group, New York-based Oliver Beiersdorf is steeped in knowledge in aviation industry knowledge, including as it relates to major international aviation treaties; knowledge which he deploys to good effect on behalf of clients including commercial aviation carriers on risk management advice, as well as litigation, including product liability defense work. Melissa Geist and Robert Roth co-head the product liability team from Princeton and Chicago, respectively, with Roth regularly involved in product liability-related matters in the automotive sector.

Practice head(s):

Melissa Geist; Robert Roth


Other key lawyers:

Patrick Bradley; Oliver Beiersdorf; Marilyn Moberg; Gregory Speier; Catherine Kiernan


Testimonials

The team provides cost-effective and business-savvy advice. The fact that they have cross-border resources when needed, and their top notch writing and advocacy are also key strengths.’

They have a really deep knowledge of current technologies that will probably lead the future, the ability to speak with senior team members when needed, their commitment to achieving highest possible outcomes in the most stressful and complex situations.’