Centered in Philadelphia with further access to broader products and mass tort competence throughout the country, DLA Piper LLP (US) provides ‘outstanding representation’ to multinational automotive and automobile component part manufacturers in complex litigation in federal and state courts across the US. Matthew Goldberg heads up the automotive subgroup and has recently secured a number of victories for Hyundai Mobis, including in multi-party actions (MPAs) regarding alleged defective airbags. Nathan Heller, who is praised for his ’capacity to ask the right questions to get to the heart of the matter’, also has experience in handling auto-related product liability and consumer fraud class actions, as does associate Timothy Pfenninger, who is active across all phases of litigation. Automotive clients also benefit from the experience of Washington DC-based Paul Hemmersbaugh, who can draw upon vast risk management and regulatory expertise (including in relation to autonomous vehicles) for clients due to his experience both in private practice as well as his former roles at GM and as Chief Counsel to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All named practitioners are based in Philadelphia unless otherwise indicated.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'DLA Piper is excellent in every regard. Quick communication, outstanding representation, taking the time to fully understand and offer good counsel for the given situation.'
  • 'Nathan Heller has the capacity to ask the right questions to get to the heart of the matter. Through his expertise, the right points of note, concern, information, or legal information come to the surface in ways that are understandable and applicable.'

Key clients

  • Hyundai Mobis
  • Iberia Lineas Aereas de Espana SA Operadora (Iberia Airlines)
  • British Airways plc
  • KLM Airlines

Work highlights

  • Secured a victory for Hyundai Mobis Co and Mobis Parts America LLC when the US District Court for the Central District of California granted a motion to dismiss all claims brought against them in multidistrict litigation.
  • Successfully negotiated a favorable settlement for British Airways in a putative nationwide class action relating to an alleged failure to pay refunds to consumers for flights cancelled due to Covid-19.
  • Secured a significant litigation victory on behalf of client KLM in a putative ESG class action case in the Southern District of New York.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Matthew Goldberg