Joel Dewey

Represented a major domestic automotive manufacturer as lead counsel in MDL proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The MDL included more than a dozen putative class actions covering 29 states, alleging consumer fraud and breach of warranty claims relating to claimed misrepresentation of fuel economy performance of certain vehicles. The court granted the company's motion to dismiss, ruling plaintiff’s claims were preempted under federal law.

Represented a major domestic automotive manufacturer in a putative class action in the Eastern District of Michigan involving allegations of defective shifter bushings in a series of vehicles. Motion to dismiss was granted in its entirety on prudential mootness grounds.

Defended a major domestic automotive manufacturer in a putative class action in the Central District of California involving allegations of defective exhaust manifolds in best-selling trucks. Motion to dismiss was granted in its entirety.

Represented a major domestic automotive manufacturer as lead counsel in consolidated proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The MDL included a group of putative class actions alleging consumer fraud and breach of warranty claims relating to claimed misrepresentation of emissions performance of certain diesel vehicles.

Represented a major domestic automotive manufacturer as lead counsel in a series of eight putative class actions alleging consumer fraud and warranty claims relating to claims that certain model vehicles are defective because exhaust fumes might enter the passenger compartment.

Represented a major domestic automotive manufacturer as lead counsel in MDL proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The MDL included more than 18 putative class actions covering nine states, alleging consumer fraud and warranty claims based on claimed airbag defects in certain model vehicles.

Represented a major domestic automotive manufacturer as lead counsel in MDL proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The MDL included more than a dozen putative class actions covering 29 states, alleging consumer fraud and breach of warranty claims relating to claimed misrepresentation of fuel economy performance of certain hybrid vehicles.

Represented a major Japanese automotive manufacturer as one of its Regional Counsel coordinating nationwide defense of "unintended acceleration" in its vehicles. This program included overall case management, development of strategies and defenses for groups of cases, developing defense witnesses, coordinating information and depositions of key fact, and expert witnesses and trial responsibility.

Represented a tire manufacturer in a class action on behalf of all United States purchasers of certain Japanese vehicles alleging breach of warranty and fraud for alleged misrepresentations and omissions relating to tires on the vehicles. Obtained decision affirming dismissal of the entire action.

Represented an international hotel company in a putative class action where plaintiffs, seeking to represent a worldwide class of guests at the hotels, sued the organization under the District of Columbia consumer protection law. Obtained summary judgment. The court rule that plaintiffs who stayed at the hotels on business travel were not "consumers" under the D.C. law.

Represented a major Japanese automotive manufacturer in a class action on behalf of all United States purchasers of certain vehicles, alleging violation of consumer protection statutes and breach of warranty due to misrepresentation of the performance of wheel rims on those vehicles. Obtained decision denying class certification.

Represented a luxury automotive manufacturer in class action on behalf of all United States purchasers of vehicles sold in the United States between 1987–1999, alleging negligent misrepresentation of the corrosion characteristics of these vehicles and Maryland Consumer Protection Act violations. Obtained decision denying class certification.

Represented a major Japanese automotive manufacturer in a nationwide class action brought against six automotive manufacturers, alleging that all vehicles with airbags were dangerously defective because when deployed, the airbags could injure or kill front-seat occupants. The court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss, holding that the warnings issued by the defendants combined with the extensive publicity concerning the risks of airbag injuries placed plaintiffs on notice as to the potential for airbag injuries.

Represented a major U.S. automotive manufacturer as one of its National Acceleration Counsel coordinating nationwide defense of "sudden acceleration" cases. Responsible for certain classes of cases in eastern half of United States and California. This program included overall case management, development of strategies for groups of cases, coordination of all discovery, developing defense witnesses, coordinating depositions of key plaintiff's experts, and trial responsibility.

Represented a national hand-tool manufacturer as national counsel, responsible for monitoring all litigation nationwide where exposure potential exceeds $250,000 and in cases that involve certain types of products and allegations. This assignment included individual case management, development of strategies for particular classes of cases, coordination of discovery responses, plant interviews with potential defense witnesses, and selected trial responsibility.

Represented a major Japanese automotive manufacturer as regional airbag counsel responsible for handling all airbag litigation in the Middle Atlantic States and New York. This program included all levels of potential verdict exposure, individual case management, coordination with other regional counsel on discovery, development of trial exhibits and strategy for claims involving allegations of "overpowered airbags," and trial responsibility.

Represented a major Japanese automotive manufacturer as one of its national rollover counsel coordinating defenses of cases alleging that certain types of vehicles have design characteristics that render them unstable and prone to roll over in accidents. Geographic responsibility included primarily the eastern United States and California. Responsibilities included participation in developing overall strategies for defense, working with outside experts, individual case management, and trial.