Complex Litigation

Represented national retailer in connection with class action litigation arising from worldwide recall of defective pet food. Plaintiffs across the United States and Canada brought more than 100 class actions against more than 30 pet food manufacturers and retailers. After the US-based litigations were included in a multi-district litigation proceeding and through multiple rounds of mediation among the various plaintiffs’ and defense counsel and their insurers in both countries, all litigation was settled, resulting in the establishment of a compensation fund for injured pet owners.

Represented multiple vehicle finance companies in class action litigation alleging that “discounted financing or customer cash back” promotions violated California’s Rees-Levering Automobile Sales Finance Act. Multiple plaintiffs filed putative class actions against multiple vehicle finance companies, which cases were litigated concurrently as part of a statewide coordination proceeding. All litigation was resolved on summary judgment in defendants’ favor.

Represented hedge fund “back office” administration company in contract, business tort and state securities law litigation brought by hedge fund investors. Investors in domestic and offshore hedge funds alleged that administration company breached contract and tort duties purportedly owed to investors to provide information on ill-advised investment decisions made by the hedge fund manager. Despite several rounds of mediation, the case did not resolve on a consensual basis, but instead ultimately terminated by summary judgment granted to defendants against all plaintiffs.

Represented owner of public television station in litigation with consultant it hired to manage the station’s participation in reverse television spectrum auction run by the federal government. Station owner alleged that consultant’s negligence and breach of contract caused the station to be excluded from the auction, causing losses of tens of millions of dollars. After complex expert discovery involving broadcast television technology, auction economics, human systems structure and game theory, litigation ultimately resolved by settlement.