Speakers
Liza Kessler has extensive experience in complex litigation including multijurisdictional cases and class actions with a focus on nationwide product liability cases. Her experience includes defending manufacturers of products such as medical devices, cigarettes, recreational vehicles, paints, and chemicals. She appears in courts throughout the U.S. and coordinates the defense for clients in joint defense groups.
Liza's experience covers issues including conspiracy, fraud, false advertising, breach of contract, public and private nuisance, medical monitoring, duty to warn, preemption, andliability from trade association activities. She works with experts, including toxicologists, epidemiologists, statisticians, historians, economists, marketing and advertising professionals, oncologists, radiologists, and industrial hygienists.
Liza defended Sherwin-Williams in public nuisance suits brought by various governmental entities and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco in smoking and health litigation, including medical recoupment suits by various state attorneys general and in class actions. Liza served as trial counsel for RJR in Engle progeny cases throughout the state of Florida, including as lead counsel. She currently serves as the lead lawyer for a global retailer in consumer class action litigation pending in federal and state court. She also serves as lead counsel in a mortgage services class action. Liza was a trial team member representing R.J. Reynolds in a $2 billion class actionthat was named a "Top Defense Wins of the Year" by The National Law Journal.
Liza is Partner-in-Charge of the Columbus Office. Her community involvement includes serving as a member of the Ohio Board of Regents and on nonprofit boards such as the Wexner Center Foundation and as chair of the Women's Leadership Council of United Way.