Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard announced today that veteran automotive consumer class action partners Stephen D’Aunoy, Thomas Azar, Scott Morgan, and senior counsel Kathy Wisniewski are departing Thompson Coburn LLP to open KTLF’s new St. Louis office. The group has decades of experience handling automotive consumer class actions, successfully defending automakers in venues throughout the country. Led by partner Stephen D’Aunoy, the ex-Thompson Coburn lawyers will join KTLF’s burgeoning Class Actions and MDL Practice Group. D'Aunoy, who was co-chair of the class action practice group at Thompson Coburn, will assume the same role at KTLF.
KTLF Partner Fred Fresard, who has obtained defense verdicts in three certified class actions in the last 18 months, said the former Thompson Coburn lawyers are a perfect fit for the firm’s rapidly growing class action practice: “In the world of automotive consumer class actions, few lawyers have as much experience as the team moving to KTLF. We have been privileged to work with them defending one of our largest automotive clients, and they are superb class action attorneys. Not only are they great lawyers, but they’re wonderful people who fit perfectly into our supportive and collegial culture.” Fresard added that the firm’s automotive clients are seeing increasing class action filings year over year, and need firms who can handle all aspects of a high stakes class action. “Steve and his team round out our very robust class action trial and appellate practice. They give our clients topnotch resources to successfully oppose class certification and, if necessary, to try the case.”
For decades, D’Aunoy and Wisniewski have devoted their careers almost exclusively to defending consumer class actions, primarily for clients in the automotive industry. During that time, they have developed and implemented successful defense strategies for hundreds of class actions throughout the country. Azar has been working on class actions for nearly twenty years, representing companies in a diverse range of industries. For the past seven years, he has focused almost exclusively on the defense of automotive consumer class actions. Morgan, who has a background in product liability and mass tort litigation, has spent nearly ten years of his career defending automotive consumer class actions.
“We have been fortunate to work with Fred and his team on many class actions,” D’Aunoy said. “KTLF has a great group of client-focused lawyers, and has earned a reputation as one of the most respected litigation firms serving the automotive industry. The people and culture are a great fit for our team. We are looking forward to working with them to continue to provide excellent client service.”
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard has offices in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Detroit, Richmond and now St. Louis. The firm represents some of the world’s largest corporations in high exposure product liability, class action and MDL litigation in courts throughout the country.
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that partner Brandon L. Boxler has been selected to serve on Law360’s 2024 Appellate Editorial Advisory Board. In this role, Brandon will offer feedback on news coverage and provide expert insight on how best to shape future coverage of key appellate developments in state and federal courts across the country. Learn more here.
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Marie Mercier has joined the firm’s Richmond office as an Associate. Marie works in the firm’s Appeals and Advanced Motions Practice Group. Prior to joining the firm, she has worked as an Associate at an international law firm. Marie graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School. While in law school, she earned honors in the first-year legal research and writing course and was a teaching assistant in the Legal Practice Program.
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Katya Etemadieh has joined the firm’s California office as an Associate. Katya is a litigator and focuses her practice on product liability. She has experience in preparing all aspects of a case from pre-litigation to trial, including preparing dispositive motions that have led to favorable results for her clients. Katya graduated with honors from the University of California, San Diego in 2015 where she majored in Political Theory and minored in Environmental Science. She earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 2020 where she majored in Civil Litigation and Advocacy. Katya is fluent in Farsi.
By David Minsky
Law360, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (January 30, 2024, 5:55 PM EST) -- A Florida federal jury on Tuesday decided that the Chrysler carmaker doesn't have to pay damages to consumers in the state who suedover alleged faulty automatic head restraints that inadvertently deployed while people were driving, but said the company violated the state's unfair trade practices law.
The seven-member jury delivered its verdict after hours of deliberations, which followed a roughly two-week trial in Fort Lauderdale federal court. While no damages were awarded, jurors found thatFiat Chrysler Automobiles violated Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
A class of more than 70,000 Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler drivers in Florida were seeking more than $56million in damages to pay to replace the automatic head restraints.
The plaintiffs claimed that the automatic head restraints were held in place by a cheap plastic pin that degraded over time and caused them to deploy prematurely in 11 vehicle models. Vehicles include several new and used Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler SUVs and vans that were purchased or leased between 2010 and 2018 in Florida.
The drivers said they overpaid between $800 and $1,100 for each vehicle due to the automatic head restraints.
Peter Prieto of Podhurst Orseck PA, representing the drivers, said at the beginning of the trial thatFCA approved the automatic head restraints components and that supplier Grammer Industries knewabout the problems right after production in 2010, adding that the companies were in communication over the issue.
FCA had extended the warranties on the vehicles for up to 10 years, but Prieto said that wasn't good enough because the drivers had to wait until the automatic head restraints deployed prematurely inorder to get them replaced. Prieto said during opening statements earlier this month that reports came in from consumers claiming that the automatic head restraints "exploded" on them while driving.
Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged that the hard plastic pin holding the automatic head restraints failed because it broke down over time due to incompatible chemicals in their coating and because of constant pressure, leading to what they called "environmental distress cracking," according to Prieto.
Fred Fresard of Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard, representing FCA, said during opening statements the claims were exaggerated and that the premature deployment was more like a "click forward" than an explosion.
He added that the automatic head restraint device is designed to constrain the head and prevent whiplash injuries following rear-end collisions. The AHR was developed in the late 2000s, and hundreds of "extensive" safety tests were performed to ensure it worked properly.
Representatives for both the drivers and the defendants declined to comment Tuesday.
Last year, FCA beat a similar case in Boston, where a federal jury found that the carmaker was un fair to drivers who bought vehicles with the faulty headrests, but said it didn't owe a $122 million award the plaintiffs were seeking, court records show.
The drivers are represented by Peter Prieto, Matthew Weinshall, John Gravante III and Dayron Silverio of Podhurst Orseck PA, Benjamin Widlanski, Rachel Sullivan, Robert J. Neary and Gail McQuilkin of Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton LLP, George Franjola of the Law Office of George Franjola, and Michael Burger of Santiago Burger LLP.
FCA is represented by Fred J. Fresard and Ian K. Edwards of Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard, Scott M.Sarason and Michael R. Holt of Rumberger Kirk & Caldwell PA.
The case is Nuwer et al. v. FCA US LLC, case number 0:20-cv-60432, in the U.S. District Court for theSouthern District of Florida.
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CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE. CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY FUTURE CASE.
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Samuel Nouhan has joined the firm’s Detroit office as a Partner. He is a litigator and focuses his practice on product liability and litigation. Prior to joining Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard, Samuel worked at a national product liability firm where he defended major corporations involving cars, motorcycles, watercraft, ATV’S, tractors and power-take-off-operated agricultural equipment. Samuel obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law.
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Stephen Marlowe has joined the firm’s Richmond office as an Associate. He is a litigator and focuses his practice on product liability and litigation. Prior to law school, Stephen worked as a paralegal at a law firm in Santa Clarita. After law school he clerked for Senior District Judge David A. Faber and Chief Bankruptcy Judge Frank J. Santoro. Stephen obtained his Juris Doctor degree from William & Mary in Virginia.
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Jessica Russo has joined the firm’s Richmond office as an Associate. She is a litigator and focuses her practice on civil litigation and product liability. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. In addition to a Juris Doctor degree, Jessica earned a concentration in civil litigation and a certificate in Compliance, Investigations, and Corporate Responsibility.
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that four firm partners were selected for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. The recognized attorneys, their office locations, and their practice areas are:
Thomas M. Klein of Phoenix, Arizona was recognized as a “Best Lawyer” for the practice area of Product Liability Litigation—Defendants.
Fred J. Fresard of Troy, Michigan was recognized as a “Best Lawyer” for the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions—Defendants and Product Liability Litigation—Defendants.
Stephanie L. Chilton of Phoenix, Arizona was recognized as a “Best Lawyer” for the practice area of Product Liability Litigation—Defendants.
Brandon L. Boxler of Richmond, Virginia was recognized as a “Best Lawyer—Ones of Watch” for the practice areas of Appellate Practice and Administrative/Regulatory Law.
June 28, 2023
In this client alert, we discuss the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Mallory v. Norfolk S. Ry. Co., 600 U.S. __ (2023), which upheld the constitutionality of state “consent by registration” statutes. We also offer some thoughts on how corporate entities can prepare to respond to the inevitable forum shopping that the decision invites.
June 26, 2023
In this client alert, we discuss the importance and implications of Coinbase, Inc. v. Bielski, 599 U.S. __ (2023), a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision holding that district court litigation is automatically stayed when a party appeals an order denying a motion to compel arbitration.
Partner Brandon L. Boxler and associate Ellisse Thompson have published an “Expert Analysis” article with Law360.com providing insights into how courts are resolving motions to compel arbitration brought by automakers based on arbitration agreements between plaintiffs and dealerships.
The article, “Dissecting The Case Law On Automaker Arbitration Provisions,” is available at law360.com.
Los Angeles, California
May 8, 2023
Nicole Salinas, et al. v. Fernando Galvis Ortiz, et al., case number BC569227 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the Honorable J. Stephen Czuleger.
After a five-week trial and a half day of deliberation, a civil jury in downtown Los Angles found no defect and no liability against Nissan North America, Inc. and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., in a requested $126 million products liability design case involving a 2011 Nissan Altima that was struck by a 2014 Ford F150. The co-defendant driver of the Ford F150 was found completely liable for an awarded $21 million verdict for the Plaintiffs.
The lawsuit stems from a two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on May 11, 2014. Fernando Ortiz was driving a 2014 Ford F-150 truck southbound on Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles. At the same time, Nicole Salinas was driving a 2011 Nissan Altima westbound on Manchester Avenue. Her sister, Shanel Salinas, was asleep in the passenger seat. At the intersection, Ortiz failed to stop at a red light, and his 6500 lb. pickup (with four passengers) slammed into the passenger side of the Altima, just inches from where Shanel Salinas was sleeping. When the two vehicles collided, the pickup was going 58 mph, and the Altima was going around 30 mph. The Altima’s front and passenger-side airbags all deployed with the side curtains starting to deploy at two milliseconds or ten times faster than the blink of an eye. Nicole Salinas received minor orthopedic injuries. Shanel Salinas, however, received a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) along with pelvic fractures.
In this client alert, we briefly discuss the importance and implications of Fox v. Saginaw County, Case No. 22-1265-1272, 2023 U.S. App. LEXIS 10405, __ F.4th __ (6th Cir. Apr. 28, 2023), a decision that rejects the “juridical link” doctrine and reinforces that Article III standing requirements are not relaxed in the context of class actions.
Read more | Download ArticlePartner Brandon L. Boxler and associate Ian K. Edwards have published an “Expert Analysis” article with Law360.com providing insights into how automakers can use the prudential mootness doctrine to defend putative class actions when the class seeks relief for a defect that is subject to a NHTSA-supervised recall.
The article, “Prudential Mootness A Valuable Tool In Auto Class Actions,” is available at law360.com.
We are pleased to announce that our firm will now be known as Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard. This change marks the addition of our partner and colleague, Fred Fresard, as a named partner of the firm. Fred is a highly experienced trial lawyer, having tried dozens of catastrophic-exposure cases to verdict across the country. Fred heads up our Detroit office and is integral to the firm’s leadership structure. Fred’s addition as a named partner reflects our growing national presence representing Fortune 500 companies in complex litigation. We look forward to continuing our strategic national expansion while maintaining the highest level of service to our clients.
To learn more about the firm, visit www.kleinthomaslaw.com.
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Ellisse Thompson has joined the firm’s Michigan office as an Associate. Ellisse is a litigator and focuses her practice on product liability and class action defense. She brings a unique perspective to her defense practice with experience working as in-house counsel for a major automobile manufacturer and as a senior attorney at a large national law firm where she defended and counseled manufacturers and retailers of hunting, outdoor, and recreational products on a national basis. Ellisse is also an active member of the Louisa St. Clair Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, where she serves as an Executive Board Officer and Committee Chair. She obtained her JD from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
Partner Brandon L. Boxler has published an “Expert Analysis” article with Law360.com providing insights into how appellate attorneys can work most effectively with trial teams. The article, “Tips For Appellate Counsel Working With A Trial Team,” is available at law360.com.
Read more | Download Article
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that David Dell has joined the firm’s Michigan office as Senior Counsel. David is a litigator with over 20 years of experience representing clients in complex legal matters. David graduated from Michigan State University and obtained his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law. He enjoys spending his free time with his two sons, reading, skiing, running, and traveling.
Welcome to the firm, David!
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Travis Roberts has joined the firm’s Phoenix, AZ office as an Associate. While in the United States Army, Travis developed technical proficiency as a field artillery officer. Travis also served as an attorney and prosecutor with the United States Army for six years. He is experienced in handling high-stakes complex civil litigation cases involving biotechnology against major corporations. Travis received his J.D., with honors, from William and Mary Law School. Welcome to the firm, Travis!
September 20, 2022
FCA US LLC Monostable Electronic Gearshift Litigation, U.S. Dist. Ct., E.D. Michigan
After a two-week trial and 2 ½ days of deliberation, a Michigan federal jury found in FCA US LLC's favor in a common issues trial in multidistrict litigation (MDL) over whether it sold vehicles with defective gearshifts, finding that the gearshift is not defective under the laws of every state involved in the case except Utah. The trial is the first ever multi-state MDL issues class case to go to verdict. The case is FCA US LLC Monostable Electronic Gearshift Litigation, Case Number 2:16-md-02744, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The MDL was consolidated in Michigan federal court in 2016. The MDL covers approximately 800,000 vehicles equipped with the monostable electronic gearshift, including 2012-'14 Dodge Chargers and Chrysler 300s, and 2014-'15 Jeep Grand Cherokees. Plaintiffs contended that the monostable gear shifter was still defective despite FCA’s recall of the vehicles in 2016 and implementation of an auto park feature, which puts the cars in Park when a driver attempts to exit the vehicle with the engine running and the vehicle not in Park.
In a verdict reached Tuesday, September 20, 2022, the jury found unanimously that the evidence does not support a finding of a defect under the laws of Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and Wyoming in answer to the first of three questions certified for the common issues trial. In Utah, the sole state where the jury found a defect, the jury answered "no" to the second certified question, finding that FCA did not conceal knowledge of the alleged defect. On the third certified question — whether information about the defect that was concealed would be material to a reasonable buyer — the jury did not answer, as it had already found that FCA did not conceal information about the defect and in all but one state, there was no defect.
FCA said in a statement that, "FCA US is pleased with this verdict and appreciates the hard work of the jury in this case. Based on the court's prior rulings, our view is that the jury had to find for plaintiffs on all elements of all the claims in order for their claims to survive. We consider this a complete win for FCA on the issues tried in this case."
FCA was represented by Fred Fresard, Ian Edwards and Brandon Boxler of Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard in Troy, Michigan and John Berg of Clark Hill in Detroit, Michigan.
CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE. CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY FUTURE CASE.
We are pleased to announce that Derek Swanson has joined the firm’s Richmond, Virginia office as a Partner. Prior to joining Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard, Derek worked at the office of an AmLaw 50 firm in Richmond, VA. Derek is a veteran trial lawyer with more than 15 years of experience. He has extensive experience arbitrating complex claims and counseling clients on litigation readiness and avoidance. Derek earned his law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. He is admitted in Virginia and Michigan.
Welcome to the firm, Derek!
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Lauren Fibel has joined the firm’s Detroit office as an Associate. Lauren received her J.D. from William & Mary Law School. She brings a unique perspective to her defense practice, with extensive experience serving as plaintiff’s counsel for insurance carriers in large-loss subrogation matters. Welcome to the firm, Lauren!
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Melissa P. Wilner has joined the firm’s Irvine, CA office as an Associate. Prior to joining Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard, Melissa defended fortune 500 companies in product liability cases. She earned her law degree from the University of La Verne College of Law. Melissa is licensed in California, Northern and Southern District of Columbia. Welcome to the firm, Melissa!
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that three firm partners were selected for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. The recognized attorneys, their office locations, and their practice areas are:
Thomas M. Klein of Phoenix, Arizona was recognized as a “Best Lawyer” for the practice area of Product Liability Litigation—Defendants.
Fred J. Fresard of Troy, Michigan was recognized as a “Best Lawyer” for the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions—Defendants and Product Liability Litigation—Defendants.
Brandon L. Boxler of Richmond, Virginia was recognized as a “Best Lawyer—Ones of Watch” for Appellate Practice.
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Kristyn Wong has joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as an Associate. Prior to joining Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard, Kristyn clerked for the Honorable Jeffrey J. Funke on the Nebraska Supreme Court. She focuses her practice on product liability. Kristyn earned her law degree from Creighton University School of Law. Welcome to the firm, Kristyn!
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Nancy Gadallah has joined the firm’s Detroit office as an Associate. Prior to joining Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard, Nancy worked at a large insurance defense firm defending various insurance companies. Nancy focuses her practice on products liability and class actions. She has significant litigation experience in both the private and public sector. Nancy earned her law degree from Michigan State Law school. Welcome to the firm, Nancy!
May 16, 2022
Singh, et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc., et al.
After a five-week trial and a half day of deliberation, a civil jury in Las Vegas returned a defense verdict for Nissan North America, Inc. and Nissan Motor Co., LTD in a $ 250 million products liability case involving a rollover of a 2004 Nissan Xterra. Nirbahi Singh, et. al. v. Nissan North America, Inc., et. al., Eighth District Court of Nevada, Clark County, Case No. A-17-751024-C, the Honorable David Jones.
The lawsuit arose from a multi-vehicle crash on California Highway 99 near Modesto, California on February 16, 2015. The driver of a 2013 Hyundai Elantra steered into a 2014 Nissan Versa which then collided into the subject 2004 Nissan Xterra causing it to rollover. The Xterra’s two rear passengers were ejected resulting in one immediate fatality and the other surviving for almost 3 years, incurring over $9 million in medical bills, before succumbing to his injuries. The front passenger also died due to cervical injuries. The driver, who was properly restrained, received a wrist fracture.
Plaintiffs alleged that the 2004 Xterra was unstable because of its geometry, and should have been equipped with electronic stability control (“ESC”) as standard equipment rather than as an optional feature in that it would have kept the vehicle upright when it experience excessive yaw upon impact. Plaintiffs also alleged that the seat belts were susceptible to inadvertent unlatching.
Nissan offered evidence that the Xterra was stable, and the rollover was caused by the extreme forces involved with the multi-vehicle collision, and that ESC would not have prevented the Xterra’s rollover, or any vehicle in that similarly situated location. Nissan also presented forensic evidence that the rear seat occupants were not wearing their seat belts, and that the front passenger was not wearing his seat belt properly.
Plaintiffs called the following experts: Steve Irwin (accident reconstruction), Mark Arndt (stability), Murat Okcuglu (lack of ESC), Larry Sicher (seat belts), Mariusz Ziejewski (biomechanics), Judy Melinek (forensic pathologist), Tricia West (medical bills), and Robert Johnson (economist).
Nissan called Nick Durisek (accident reconstruction and ESC), Don Tandy (stability), Mike Klima (seat belts), Mike Scott (biomechanics), Sridhar Natarajan (forensic pathologist), and Marilyn Pacheco (medical bills).
Plaintiffs were represented by Bill Robins and Jake Cohen of Robins Cloud, LLP in Santa Monica, California, Mohinder Mann and Gary Mann of The Mann Law Firm of San Jose, California, and Christian M. Morris of Nettles Morris Law Firm in Henderson, Nevada.
Nissan was represented by Thomas M. Klein and Paul R. Lee along with paralegal Caitlin Caldwell of Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard in Phoenix, Arizona and Kurt R. Bonds of Alverson Taylor & Sanders in Las Vegas, Nevada.
CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE. CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY FUTURE CASE.
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard continues its strategic nationwide expansion with the addition of a Richmond, Virginia, office to be led by experienced appellate litigator Brandon Boxler. Brandon will also chair the firm’s Appeals and Advanced Motions Practice Group. After clerking for Judge Ed Carnes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, Brandon litigated for nearly a decade in the appellate groups of two AmLaw 50 firms. With experience arguing in state and federal appellate courts, Brandon has represented clients before the U.S. Supreme Court, most federal courts of appeals, and nearly a dozen state appellate courts. He also routinely provides strategic and briefing support to trial teams in cases involving particularly complex or novel issues. Brandon graduated Order of the Coif from William & Mary Law School, where he received the Lawrence W. I’Anson Award—the law school’s highest honor. He was an editor on the law review, published an award-winning note on Daubert, and won multiple national writing awards. His legal commentary has appeared in numerous publications across the country, including pieces discussing privacy rights, personal jurisdiction, and developments at the Supreme Court. Welcome aboard, Brandon!
Experienced legal industry professional Kimberly D. Wilson has joined Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard as the Firm Manager. Kim has worked in the legal field for thirty-three years. Prior to joining Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard, she worked in Human Resources, Accounting and Firm Management. Kim’s knowledge, training and experience will help the firm streamline processes and improve efficiency to give our clients even better value. Kimberly is the mother of two and a doting grandmother. Kimberly earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Detroit College of Business and a Master of Arts in Strategic Management from Davenport University. Welcome to the firm, Kim!
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is pleased to announce that Frank Hostetler has joined the firm as a Partner in its Orange County office. Frank has over 40 years of litigation and trial experience for automotive manufacturers and industrial equipment manufacturers in product liability, warranty and chemical exposure cases from the claim stage through trial. Frank has handled cases involving all aspects of vehicle design and performance including handling and stability, crashworthiness (seat belts, seats, inflatable restraints), fuel system integrity, roof integrity, component failure (brakes, steering, drivetrain and throttle), lack of safety equipment (optional/standard offering and improper/lack of driver assist equipment). He is also experienced in handling toxic tort litigation including benzene exposure, beryllium exposure, volatile organic compounds (VOC) exposure and pesticide application litigation. Prior to becoming an attorney, Frank Hostetler was a design and test engineer for the Chevrolet Engineering, Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation in Warren, MI where he was responsible for transmissions, transfer cases, transaxles, drive axles and shift controls. Frank is a graduate of the University of Detroit School of Law and the University of Michigan College of Engineering. He is admitted in Michigan, Arizona, California and Connecticut. Welcome to the firm, Frank!
Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard is excited to announce that the firm is expanding its northern California litigation capabilities with the addition of Paul Lecky. Paul’s goal in litigation is to serve the best interests of clients while being respectful of the opposition and working with the other side to resolve disputes with limited rancor and wasted time. Paul's new of counsel role permits him time to utilize his 30 years of experience, especially in consumer warranty law, and work efficiently with other firms on discovery and motion practice.
Attorney Greg Gilmer has joined Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard, opening the firm's Los Angeles office. Greg brings legal and trial experience gained as both in-house counsel and a partner at national and local law firms. He is adept at developing sound legal strategies to defend product liability and mass tort lawsuits on a local and national level while protecting and strengthening the company's key objectives and philosophies. He resolves challenging, high-profile cases by applying innovative yet practical settlement strategies, or by going to trial. Welcome to the team, Greg
We are pleased to announce that Claire Dietrich has joined Klein Thomas Lee & Fresard after 10 years at Bowman and Brooke, LLP. She brings both product liability and breach of warranty experience. Claire has been immersed in automotive product liability litigation throughout California and beyond and has defended the design and manufacture of motor vehicles in alleged wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases involving various defect allegations. Claire also has a unique perspective regarding product liability defense having worked in-house on assignment at one of the nation’s largest automotive manufacturers for several years during her time at Bowman and Brooke, LLP. Welcome aboard, Claire!