DLA Piper LLP (US) continues to secure significant victories for a blue-chip roster of automotive and aviation clients, maintaining a strong reputation in handling high-stakes, cross-border disputes. Recognized for its capability in both class action and product liability litigation, the firm serves as a trusted advisor to global brands such as Porsche, Hyundai Mobis, and The Goodyear Tire Company. Beyond the automotive sector, the firm’s formidable presence in the aviation market is underscored by its long-term partnership with British Airways. The practice is led by a broad group of co-heads, including New York-based Loren Brown and Keara Gordon; Philadelphia-based Ilana Hope Eisenstein; Atlanta-based Christopher Campbell; Angela Agrusa in Los Angeles; and Isabelle Ord, based in San Francisco. Matthew Goldberg is another key partner of the firm who is frequently sought out by multinational manufacturers for his expertise in complex federal and state litigation. Furthermore, Timothy Pfenninger handles complex commercial, class action, and multi-district litigation, primarily for automotive manufacturers and distributors, and advises US and international clients through all stages of civil, product liability, and criminal proceedings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The DLA Piper class action team is highly knowledgeable, experienced, and efficient. We have confidence in their ability to help us navigate even the most complex and unpredictable litigation challenges.'
- 'Colleen Carey Gulliver has been the lead partner in charge of our class action cases, which are now more than five years into complex litigation, and her high level of competency, leadership, and communication skills have made our experience of managing these cases infinitely easier and more manageable. We always feel well-informed about all options and confident that Colleen will lead us through every aspect of the cases with the highest level of competence and professionalism.'
- 'Matt Goldberg and Timothy Pfenninger are very experienced lawyers. They are able to adapt their defense strategies to each customer's/defendant's specific character and company attitude. They are very sensitive and are able to anticipate their customers' needs well, in addition to executing the general defense strategy. They are very much interested in the products they defend and are technically able to understand the products and their related backgrounds easily. This is very helpful for the cooperation.'
Key clients
- British Airways plc
- CrowdStrike, Inc.
- Deutsche Lufthansa
- Hyundai Mobis
- Iberia
- Kia Motors
- KLM Airlines
- Porsche AG and Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Royal Enfield
- British Airways plc
- CrowdStrike, Inc.
- Deutsche Lufthansa
- Hyundai Mobis
- Iberia
- Kia Motors
- KLM Airlines
- Porsche AG and Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Royal Enfield
Work highlights
Secured a significant victory on behalf of Porsche AG and Porsche Cars North America (“PCNA”), defeating class certification for the second time in Klein v. PCNA and Porsche AG, No. 20-10079 (C.D. Cal.), a hotly contested case the team has been defending since 2020.
Continue to represent British Airways Plc (“BA”) in its putative class actions and other significant litigation. Recently obtained enforcement of BA’s arbitration agreement for its frequent flyer program in a matter in California, and defending them in a putative class action in Pennsylvania regarding its “no show” policy. Also routinely advise BA on ways to mitigate its class action and litigation risk.
Won two victories on behalf of Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, N.V. (KLM) in putative ESG/sustainability consumer class actions. The federal court in Michigan granted a motion to dismiss, and in the Southern District of New York, the Court also awarded KLM sanctions against the plaintiff’s counsel. Also won a motion to dismiss previously in federal court in Virginia, and currently defending KLM in a fourth, similar putative class action in New York state court.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Tim Pfenninger
Practice head
Loren Brown; Ilana Hope Eisenstein; Christopher Campbell; Angela Agrusa; Keara Gordon; Isabelle Ord
Other key lawyers
Matthew Goldberg; Timothy Pfenninger; Colleen Carey Gulliver