The rail and road offering at King & Spalding LLP is noted for its comprehensive involvement in regulatory and disputes proceedings, advising on product liability, safety regulations, bankrputcy disputes, settlements, and single-plaintiff catastrophic injury cases for automakers. The team is particularly reputed for its expertise in diesel-related issues. Atlanta-based Geoffrey Drake is experienced in representing automakers in mass tort litigation, product liability, and class action cases at the federal and state level. He co-heads the team with Granta Nakayama, who is active in regulatory and enforcment matters with an environmental component, especially diesel-related issues. Susan Clare often represents automakers in mass tort, class action and product liability litigation, while John Hooper is retained for his experience in viral, mass tort and high exposure litigation. Atlanta-based Madison Kitchens and Adam Reinke are both sought after by clients for their class action, mass tort and general product liability capacities, while Livia Kiser highly active in vehicle component disputes. Ilana Saltzbart ‘s practice focuses on environmental regulation and enforcement defence. Susan Vargas is experienced in catastrophic injury and safety litigation.
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Key clients
- AUTOMOBILI LAMBORGHINI AMERICA
- Bentley Motors Limited
- Daimler AG/Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and Daimler Trucks North America
- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group companies
- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors LLC
- Kia Motors America, Inc.
- Porsche AG and Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Tesla
- Toyota Motor Sales and Toyota Motor Company
Work highlights
Represented Toyota in product liability and class action litigation, including in most of the currently active class action cases pending in various courts nationwide, including actions allegingdefectiveairbags battery assembly units,HVAC systems, engines, Bluetooth phone systems, and power liftgate hinges,among others.
Represented General Motorsas lead counsel in various high-profile, high-exposure class action litigation matters throughout the country.
Represented Volkswagen in high-profile multidistrict litigation involving allegations of defective driver and front passenger airbag inflators, a high-profile product liability matter involving catastrophic injuries, and appellate counsel in multiple product liability and asbestos matters involving personal jurisdiction issues.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Susan Clare
Livia Kiser
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Adam Reinke
Practice head
Geoffrey M. Drake; Granta Nakayama
Other key lawyers
Susan M. Clare; John P. Hooper; Livia Kiser; Ilana Saltzbart; Susan Vargas; Madison H. Kitchens; Adam Reinke