Ballard Spahr LLP

At Ballard Spahr LLP, the product liability and mass tort team frequently work on high-value and complex product cases pending in both the federal and the state courts. Operating primarily out of New Jersey, the team specializes in handling complex product liability cases nationwide, from catastrophic injury claims to national class actions and appeals. The firm serves a diverse client base, including leading automotive companies and emerging technology firms, offering strategic counsel on product risks, warranties, and compliance to prevent litigation. Notable recent achievements include defending Subaru in six national class actions, securing rare post-trial class decertification in a major case, and successfully limiting class actions at early stages. Head of team Neal Walters directs the group, with extensive experience counseling automotive companies on regulatory, product development, and service issues, as well as defending them in product liability litigation. Steven Burkhart, a former general counsel, works out of Maryland to bring additional expertise in commercial litigation, internal investigations, product liability, and risk management matters, while Casey Watkins specializes in hands-on autonomous vehicle regulatory experience, further bolstering the team’s technical expertise. All lawyers mentioned are based in New Jersey unless otherwise stated.