Steve has decades of experience handling product liability lawsuits and consumer class actions involving allegations of harmful exposure to medications and chemicals. His experience includes serving as lead counsel in federal multi-district litigation and state coordinated proceedings involving thousands of claimants. He has also handled several cases brought by individual state Attorneys General, alleging violation of state false advertising statutes.
In the context of these matters, Steve has defended against improper labeling claims of all types, including alleged false and deceptive advertising and off-label promotion of consumer products. He is well-versed in medical causation issues and has worked with leading scientific and regulatory experts in defending against claims that the products at issue caused harmful exposures to individuals or the environment.
Steve has handled numerous cases alleging violations of the California Legal Remedies Act (CLRA), False Advertising (B&P section 17500), and Unfair Competition (B&P section 17200) statutes. For example, in a published opinion, Steve defeated class certification in a chemical exposure consumer class action case in the Central District of California. Plaintiffs allegedly were exposed to plasticizers that can contaminate foods through food packaging and handling equipment and are associated with reproductive disorders, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Plaintiff’s last demand at mediation before the class certification hearing was $45 million.
Presently, Steve is defending consumer class actions alleging violations of 17200, 17500, and CLRA in the Northern District of California and similar statutes in New York State. He is also part of a team at Benesch advising clients on PFAS exposure and compliance issues.
Beyond his national engagements, Steve has represented clients in numerous California employment litigation matters involving claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination. He has also handled banking and securities fraud, breach of contract, trade secrets, and shareholder dispute cases.
Steve is also a member of Benesch’s GenAI Commission, a multi-disciplinary AI-focused legal team.
Representative Experience
- Lead counsel for major life science manufacturer in an 18,000-plaintiff mass tort coordinated proceeding in LA County Superior Court. Through trials and aggressive motion practice over a period of 5 years, eliminated 90% of case inventory.
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a major healthcare manufacturer in an employment wrongful termination and retaliation lawsuit in the Northern District of California.
- National coordinating counsel representing multiple pharmaceutical companies in defense of state attorney general actions, alleging violation of state unfair trade practice statutes.
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In a 2023 case garnering national attention, obtained a $5 million judgment in a Northern District of California banking fraud case on behalf of a national cannabis retailer/distributor against Washington state-based payment processing company. Case involved issues of federal cannabis illegality as well as violations of FinCEN regulations and the Bank Secrecy Act.
- Represent manufacturer of diabetes medication in ongoing marketing and sales practices class action litigation pending in New Jersey District Court, alleging breach of express and implied warranties, fraud, negligent misrepresentation and violation of state consumer protection statutes.
- In a published opinion, defeated class certification in consumer products class action in the Central District of California. Prior to ruling, plaintiff's last demand at mediation had been $450 million. Webb v. Carter’s Inc, et al.
- In a published opinion, obtained summary judgment in the Central District of California on behalf of life sciences manufacturer in product liability failure to warn case. Thompson v Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Represented developer of neuropathic pain medication in international arbitration of breach of contract and fraud action against manufacturer/distributor over worldwide marketing and distribution of the product.
- Significant business tort litigation experience across various industries involving claims of breach of contract, violation of Business and Professions Code sections 17200 and 17500, breach of warranty, fraud, theft of trade secrets, interference with contract and trade libel.
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Represented multiple cannabis companies in breach of contract actions and employment disputes.
- Represented companies in toxic tort and Prop 65 litigation alleging harmful exposures to chemicals.
- Represented clients in environmental and land use litigation matters in California state trial and appellate courts involving Petitions for Writ of Mandamus, seeking injunctive relief and alleging CEQA violations.