Litigator Lisa Gilford Joins Skadden

Skadden has added another all-star to its roster, nabbing product liability defense powerhouse Lisa Gilford in Los Angeles.

“Lisa Gilford is the real deal,” says Thomas J. Nolan, chair of Skadden’s West Coast Litigation practice. “I’ve seen a lot of great talent in my years trying cases, and Lisa is at the very, very top of that list.”

Gilford, formerly of Alston & Bird, has served as lead counsel defending Toyota Motor Corporation in the massive unintended acceleration cases since 2009. Her notable successes in that litigation include securing dismissal of the class claims of plaintiffs from more than 14 different countries from multi- district litigation pending in Orange County, according to a press release. She also has represented clients such as DuPont and T-Mobile USA, among others, in connection with consumer class action and products liability claims.

Nolan met Gilford as co-lead defense counsel for Toyota. In May, he suggested to her that she join Skadden and asked what it would take to make that happen.

“I knew she would be a perfect fit with us,” he says. “She’s an amazing trial lawyer, an exemplary person and a dynamo. I couldn’t be more proud that she’s now a Skadden partner.”

"Skadden's global reach and the breadth and scope of the firm's practice capabilities are unparalleled," said Gilford. "I have had the opportunity to work closely with the firm and its lawyers in representing Toyota, and I am excited about joining such an impressive group of attorneys."