Appreciated for its ‘thoughtful approach’ and ’excellent judgment on how to handle overall case strategy’, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP has a strong reputation among leading automotive companies across a range of product liability class actions and MDL. Much of this work is led from its California offices, where the team has developed notable expertise in cases alleging traditional product defects, as well as an increasing volume of mandates involving autonomous driving systems. ‘Highly skilled’ San Francisco-based litigator Amir Nassihi has secured favorable results for clients at trial and the appellate level through persuasive argument of issues issues including personal jurisdiction challenges and class waiver arbitration clauses. Also based in San Francisco, Amy Alexander, who joined the firm in September 2023 from Gordon & Rees, enhances its already strong reputation in issues facing autonomous vehicles, joining the ranks of expert litigators including Frank Kelly and Amy Maclear. Orange County-based Janet Hickson and Los Angeles-based Michael Mallow (who is ’very creative in developing strategies to defeat class actions‘) co-head the overarching automotive and machinery litigation team, while the arrival of numerous accomplished litigators from Herzfeld & Rubin, P.C., including Michael Gallub and Homer Ramsey, enhances the firm’s ability to handle mandates from its New York office.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'In addition to being very knowledgeable on developments in the law, the team exercises excellent judgment and are zealous advocates.'
- 'The class action team is open to innovative approaches and strategies and plays to win, whether that is in trial, through motion practice, on appeal, or by negotiating the best outcome possible with opposing counsel.'
- 'I am impressed with the team's thoughtful approach to these matters and excellent judgment on how to handle overall case strategy, motion practice, and speedy response to requests for legal advice or case updates.'
- 'Amir Nassihi is a highly skilled litigator with a proven track record of success. His strategic thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to his clients make him an exceptional attorney.'
- 'Michael Mallow is a leading class action defense attorney and is very creative in developing strategies to defeat class actions.'
Key clients
- American Honda Motor Co.
- Ford Motor Company
- Hyundai Motor America & Kia America, Inc.
- Mazda Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
- Nissan North America, Inc.
- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
- U-Haul International, Inc.
- Volvo Car USA, LLC
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.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Janet Hickson, Amir Nassihi, Michael Mallow