Lawyers

Joshua D. Cools

Position: Partner
Phone: tel:+1-949-301-9960
Email: jcools@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Automobiles, Commercial Litigation, Discovery, Mass & Toxic Torts, Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals, Product Liability
Location: Las Vegas, Newport Beach
Joshua D. Cools defends companies in high stakes litigation from a variety of industries, including automotive, medical device, consumer products and services, and public institutions. Josh has broad experience litigating and managing all aspects of complex litigation including trial, motion practice, preparing high-level company witnesses for and defending them at depositions, managing experts, fact and expert depositions, written discovery, complex document management and e-discovery, and settlement conferences, private mediation, and arbitrations. Josh also advises companies regarding risk assessment and regulatory compliance. This advice has included both proactive and reactive management of a variety of issues, including assessing compliance with state and federal regulations, privacy and data management, and contractual obligations.
  • Practice Areas

    Consumer and Industrial Products Mass and Toxic Torts Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals Commercial Litigation Discovery Automobiles

  • Education

    Ave Maria School of Law (J.D., 2009, magna cum laude)
    Hillsdale College (B.A., 2003, History, cum laude)

  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Supreme Court of California
    Supreme Court of Nevada
    Supreme Court of Oregon
    United States District Court, District of Nevada
    United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
    United States District Court, Northern District of California
    United States District Court, Southern District of California
    United States District Court, Central District of California

  • Publications

    “Keeping Out of The Weeds: Defense Should Focus on Winning Liability Instead of Damages at Trial,” Author, Nevada Lawyer Magazine (January 2017).

  • Legal Memberships/Honors

    DRI, Member
    Mountain States Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars (2015-2019, 2021)
    Legal Aid Center of Nevada Honor Roll (2017)

Joshua D. Cools

Partner

Joshua D. Cools defends companies in high stakes litigation from...

Colin P. Cronin

Position: Associate
Phone: +1-949-743-0874
Email: ccronin@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Automobiles, Commercial Litigation, Employment Litigation, Product Liability
Location: Newport Beach

Colin P. Cronin primarily defends manufacturers in product liability litigation and consumer warranty litigation. He has successfully litigated several cases to a favorable verdict and resolved a great many more for his clients. Colin prides himself on his tenacious approach and thorough analysis of all possible defenses. He presents confidently in court and values prompt reporting and direct communication with clients. His practice also includes work on employment litigation, premises liability, personal injury, and the defense of complex toxic tort environmental exposure claims. Colin has drafted a large variety of legal memoranda, pleadings, motions, briefs, and reports on product liability, consumer warranty, personal injury, and environmental claims. He has deep experience managing the discovery process through both federal and state courts in California, as well as preparing, defending, and/or examining witnesses at deposition and trial. He is prepared to provide a zealous defense through all stages of litigation, including appellate work. 


  • Practice Areas

    Automobiles
    Consumer and Industrial Products
    Commercial Litigation
    Employment Litigation


  • Education

    Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, J.D., 2018
    Scott Moot Court National Team, 2017 – 2018
    University of California, Los Angeles, B.A. Political Science, 2009
    UCLA Water Ski Team, Captain 2006 – 2008


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Supreme Court of California
    United States District Court, Central District of California
    United States District Court, Northern District of California
    United States District Court, Southern District of California
    United States District Court, Eastern District of California
    United States District Court, Colorado


  • Publications

    “Civil Court Crisis: Cuts in Services Due to Budget Shortfall Impact Public.” Author, Verdict, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, 2(1) 8-12, 2012.


  • Legal Membership/Honors

    Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
    South Bay Bar Association

Colin P. Cronin

Associate

Colin P. Cronin primarily defends manufacturers in product liability litigation...

Christine Diaz Reynolds

Position: Partner
Phone: +1-949-519-1050
Email: creynolds@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Commercial Litigation, Discovery, Employment Litigation, Product Liability
Location: Newport Beach

Christine Reynolds defends clients in complex employment, commercial, and product liability matters in state and federal courts. Her practice is focused on handling complex employment matters involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as product liability matters for manufacturers of automobiles, consumer/recreational products, and industrial equipment. Christine defends organizations against allegations of breach of the Fair Employment and Housing Act, unfair business practices (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17200, et seq.), violations of the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and regulatory matters. In her free time, Christine enjoys serving on the boards of the Davis Magnet School Education Foundation, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace Alumnae Association Council, and Rugby Exchange 501(c)(3).


  • Practice Areas

    Employment Litigation
    Commercial Litigation
    Consumer and Industrial Products
    Discovery


  • Education

    University of San Diego School of Law (J.D., 2009)
    University of California, Berkeley (B.A., 2004, Integrative Biology, Rhetoric)
    NCAA Div. I Women’s Crew


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Supreme Court of California
    United States District Court, Northern District of California
    United States District Court, Central District of California
    United States District Court, Eastern District of California
    United States District Court, Southern District of California


  • Legal Memberships/Honors

    Southern California Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2020-2021)
    Orange County Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law section
    Hispanic National Bar Association
    Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County

Christine Diaz Reynolds

Partner

Christine Diaz Reynolds defends clients in complex employment, commercial, and...

Kelly A. Evans

Position: Partner
Phone: +1-702-805-0213
Email: kevans@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Automobiles, Commercial Litigation, Mass & Toxic Torts, Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals, Product Liability
Location: Las Vegas

Kelly A. Evans is a founding partner of EFSMM. His practice is focused on trials of product liability cases. Kelly has tried cases for major pharmaceutical, medical device, and automotive companies in many courts throughout the country. Kelly knows how to select juries and present complex facts and arguments in a manner that is simple to understand and results in verdicts for his clients.

Kelly A. Evans

Partner

Kelly A. Evans is a founding partner of EFSMM. His...

Chad R. Fears

Position: Partner
Phone: +1-702-805-0215
Email: cfears@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Appeals, Commercial Litigation, Employment Litigation, Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals
Location: Las Vegas

One of the founding partners of EFSMM, Chad Fears’ practice focuses on product liability cases with an emphasis on medical devices and pharmaceuticals.  He has defended major pharmaceutical companies regarding their medications for hormone therapy, diabetes,  high cholesterol, and varies birth control products.  He has been a member of strategy, company witness, expert, and trial teams in these litigations.  Chad also litigates cases involving mass and toxic torts, consumer products and business disputes.  Chad knows how to develop themes and strategies that will lead to success in resolving the litigation, whether at motion practice or at trial.


  • Practice Areas

    Mass & Toxic Torts
    Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals
    Appeals
    Consumer & Industrial Products
    Business Law & Commercial Litigation


  • Education

    J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University (J.D. 1999)
    Magna cum laude
    Order of the Coif
    Brigham Young University (B.A. with University Honors, 1996)
    B.A. – Political Science, B.A. – French
    Thesis – Moderation in the Federalist: A Modern Republican Virtue


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Supreme Court of Nevada
    District of Columbia Court of Appeals
    United States District Court, District of Nevada
    United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
    United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit


  • Legal Membership/Honors

    Defense Research Institute
    International Association of Defense Counsel
    Honor Roll, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
    Mountain States Super Lawyers, Products (2019-2023)
    Legal Elite/Top Rank Attorneys, Nevada Business Magazine (2012-2022)

Chad R. Fears

Partner

Chad R. Fears’ practice is concentrated on product liability cases...

Samantha Geraghty

Position: Associate
Phone: +1-949-296-0710
Email: sgeraghty@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Commercial Litigation, Product Liability
Location: Newport Beach

Samantha Geraghty’s practice is focused on defending product liability matters, primarily for the manufacturers of automobiles. Samantha also handles commercial litigation, premises liability, and the defense of personal injury matters. She graduated cum laude from Western State College of Law while taking practical courses such as Interviewing and Counseling, Advanced Trial Advocacy, and Negotiations. She earned three Witkin awards for earning the top grade in Contracts, Constitutional Law, and Remedies. During law school, Samantha was a paralegal in litigation, bankruptcy, and civil rights firms where she focused on skills building and advocating for clients while mastering substantive legal principles.


  • Practice Areas

    Consumer and Industrial Products
    Commercial Litigation


  • Education

    Western State College of Law (J.D., 2022, Cum Laude) – Dean’s Fellow, Certificate of Public Service, Mock Trail Team – Witkin Awards in Contracts, Remedies, and Constitutional Law
    San Diego State University (B.A., 2018, Political Science)


  • Bar Admissions

    Supreme Court of California
    United States District Court, Central District of California


  • Legal Memberships/Honors Section

    Member, Orange County Bar Association
    Member, Orange County Women Lawyer’s Association
    Member, Ball-Hunt-Schooley Chapter of American Inns of Court
    Buffalo Niagara Trial Competition Best Advocate Nominee 2021

Samantha Geraghty

Associate

Samantha Geraghty’s practice is focused on defending product liability matters,...

David W. Gutke

Position: Partner
Phone: +1-702-805-8444
Email: dgutke@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Commercial Litigation, Discovery, Mass & Toxic Torts, Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals, Product Liability
Location: Las Vegas

David W. Gutke defends a variety of product liability actions, including representation of vehicle, construction equipment, medical device, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. In particular, David manages coordinated proceedings and collections of numerous mass tort products lawsuits. He further handles electronic discovery and document management aspects of coordinated litigation.

David also prosecutes and defends commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract, business torts, and real property disputes on behalf of a variety of clients. He frequently serves as local counsel in the prosecution and defense of patent infringement matters in federal court. David has been involved in multiple high-stakes trials of products liability and commercial litigation matters.


  • Practice Areas

    Consumer and Industrial Products
    Mass & Toxic Torts
    Commercial Litigation
    Discovery
    Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals


  • Education

    University of Utah (J.D., 2005)
    William H. Leary Scholar
    President, Student Intellectual Property Law Association
    Utah State University (B.S., Physics, 2001)
    College of Science Scholarship


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Supreme Court of Nevada
    United States District Court, District of Nevada
    Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals


  • Legal Memberships/Honors

    Mountain States Super Lawyers®,
    Personal Injury – Products: Defense (2015-2018, 2020)
    Mountain States Super Lawyers®,
    Product Liability Defense (2019)
    Mountain States Super Lawyers®,
    Business Litigation (2013-2014)
    Legal Elite
    Top Southern Nevada Attorneys,
    Nevada Business Magazine (2014)
    Mountain States Super Lawyers®,
    Rising Star, Business Litigation (2012)
    Super Lawyers (2021-2022)
    Chair Elect of Product Liability and Mass Tort Section, State Bar of Nevada

David W. Gutke

Partner

David W. Gutke’s practice is focused on product liability defense,...

Hayley E. LaMorte

Position: Associate
Phone: +1-702-805-0245
Email: hlamorte@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Appeals, Commercial Litigation, Discovery, Mass & Toxic Torts, Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals, Product Liability
Location: Las Vegas

Hayley E. LaMorte defends pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and chemical companies in product liability, mass tort, and personal injury litigation. Hayley has exceptional legal research skills, and is able to review, process, and analyze large amounts of information quickly for use during litigation. Hayley has experience in fact development and discovery, including drafting and responding to written discovery and preparing fact and company witnesses for depositions. Hayley also has significant experience with e-discovery, including document collection, review, production, and coordinating large-scale document review projects.


  • Practice Areas

    Consumer and Industrial Products
    Mass & Toxic Torts
    Discovery
    Appeals
    Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals
    Commercial Litigation


  • Education

    William S. Boyd School of Law (J.D., 2016, magna cum laude)
    Nevada Law Journal, Editor-in-Chief
    Scribes Award Recipient, The American Society of Legal Writers
    CALI Award for Legal Writing I
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas (B.A., 2013, cum laude and University Honors Scholar, Political Science)


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Nevada Bar No. 14241
    U.S. District Court – District of Nevada


  • Publications

    Taming the Wild West; Using Unsecured Bail Bonds in Nevada’s Pretrial-Release Program, 16 Nev. L.J. 1239 (2016).


  • Legal Memberships/Honors

    Rising Star
    Issued by Mountain States Super Lawyers · Jan 2022
    Associated with Evans Fears & Schuttert LLP
    Rated in products liability defense litigation.
    Rising Star: Issued by Mountain States Super Lawyers · Jan 2022

Hayley E. LaMorte

Associate

Hayley E. LaMorte defends pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and...

Alexandria L. Layton

Position: Associate
Phone: +1-702-901-7026
Email: alayton@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Automobiles, Commercial Litigation, Mass & Toxic Torts, Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals, Product Liability
Location: Las Vegas

Alexi Layton’s practice is focused on defending companies in product liability, mass tort, premise liability, negligence, and warranty cases. Alexi has defended a diverse range of products, including vehicles, recreational vehicles, escalators and elevators, aviation products, piping products, industrial masks, motorcycles, refrigerators, consumer products, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and others. Alexi has also defended major retailers, apartment complexes, construction companies, and general contractors in premises liability cases. With a strong focus on early risk analysis, Alexi has consistently been able to secure favorable outcomes for clients at advantageous stages in litigation.

In addition to handling all aspects of case management from pre-litigation to trial, including overseeing pleadings, discovery, taking and defending depositions, motion practice, and appearances in state and federal court, Alexi has also been an integral member of multi-functional trial teams, coordinating with team members in multiple law firms nationwide for discovery and trial preparation in consolidated lawsuits with thousands of pending cases. Alexi has experience preparing company witnesses and experts for depositions and trials in high-stakes litigation and regularly works with experts in all fields, including industrial hygienists, epidemiologists, engineers, medical experts, and economists.

Notably, Alexi was a member of the trial team for a high-stakes, 3-month, $2 billion-dollar trial in Oakland, California in the spring of 2019, and most recently, was the second chair in a premises liability action involving a major retailer in Brighton, Colorado in April 2022 that resulted in a complete defense verdict for her client.

Alexi also serves as coordinating expert counsel for a product manufacturer facing more than 30,000 asbestos cases nationwide.


  • Practice Areas

    Consumer and Industrial Products
    Mass & Toxic Torts
    Automobiles
    Commercial Litigation
    Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals


  • Education

    The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law (J.D., 2016, cum laude)
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas (B.A., Communications, 2013, magna cum laude)


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Nevada
    Colorado
    Wyoming
    United States District Court, D. Colorado
    United States District Court, D. Nevada


  • Publications

    2021-2022 9th Circuit Product Liability Case Law Update, DRI Products Young Lawyers Group (2022).

    Unconditional Waivers Found Conditional When Lienholder Doesn’t Get Paid, Snell & Wilmer Under Construction Newsletter (2016).

    Yahoo Faces Nationwide Class Action for Email Mining, Author, American Bar Association Corporate Counsel News & Development, (2015).

    Lack of female sources in NY Times front-page stories highlights need for change, Poynter (2013).

    Speaker at 2023 DRI Product Liability Conference: “TikTok Lawyering” In Today’s Legal Landscape: The Continuing Impact of Social Media on Litigation Strategy


  • Legal Memberships/Honors

    DRI, Member
    Nevada Business Magazine, Best Up and Coming Lawyer list (2018)
    Legal Aid Center of Nevada, Pro Bono Award (250+ hours) (2018)
    Super Lawyers: Rising Stars 2022
    Completed 100 hours of pro bono service in 2022
    Mountain States Super Lawyers – Rising Stars list for 2021 & 2022

Alexandria L. Layton

Associate

Alexandria L. Layton’s practice is focused on product liability litigation,...

Elizabeth V. McNulty

Position: Partner
Phone: +1-949-339-5026
Email: emcnulty@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Automobiles, Commercial Litigation, Employment Litigation, Product Liability
Location: Newport Beach

Elizabeth V. McNulty defends manufacturers in diverse industries such as automobiles, motorcycles and off-road vehicles, sports equipment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, recreational and towing products, construction and industrial equipment, and other consumer products in complex catastrophic injury and fatality litigation. She defends class action and mass tort claims, relating to a variety of consumer products, in both federal and state courts. In addition, she oversees national and regional counsel defense programs put in place to manage repetitive litigation involving design, manufacture, and warnings defect claims.

In her regulatory and environmental practice, Elizabeth defends clients against Proposition 65, asbestos, toxic tort and other environmental exposure claims. She regularly works on behalf of her clients with state and federal environmental agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission, the California EPA, Department of Toxic Substance Control, OEHHA, and the Southern California Air Quality Management Board. She provides compliance advice and program management guidance for the ever-changing state, national, and international chemical and toxin regulations including the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, the Lacey Act, California’s Proposition 65, California’s Green Chemistry Initiative, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and other related federal and state regulatory issues.

Elizabeth also has substantial experience in defending employment litigation matters including those focusing on harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination as well as commercial litigation involving breach of contract, business-related torts, breach of warranty, covenants not to compete, and confidentiality issues.


  • Practice Areas

    Defense of Products
    Employment Litigation
    Automobiles
    Commercial Litigation


  • Education

    University at San Diego School of Law (J.D., 1997)
    University of California, Irvine (B.A., 1994)


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Supreme Court of California
    United States District Court, Central District of California
    United States District Court, Eastern District of California
    United States District Court, Northern District of California
    United States District Court, Southern District of California
    United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit


  • Publications

    California’s Proposition 65: The Target is Moving–Will it Land on You? 

    Regulation and Litigation Surrounding ECigarettes.

    Proposed Changes to Proposition 65 Provide Limited Benefit to Business.

    Supreme Court Arbitration Decisions: A Reminder to Draft Contracts and Arbitration Provisions with Care, Co-author, The Voice, Defense Research Institute, September, 2013.

    The Act of Unintended Consequences: The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, Co-author, OC Lawyer Magazine, September, 2009.


  • Legal Memberships/Honors

    Southern California Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2004-2012)
    Southern California Super Lawyers® (2016-2017, 2020-2022)
    Martindale Hubbell, AV Rated (2017-2022)
    Defense Research Institute
    Lawyers for Civil Justice
    PLAC, formerly known as the Product Liability Advisory Council – Board of Directors
    Super Lawyers 2023

Elizabeth V. McNulty

Partner

Elizabeth V. McNulty defends manufacturers in diverse industries such as...

Lee Mickus

Position: Partner
Phone: +1-303-656-2199
Email: lmickus@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Appeals, Automobiles, Commercial Litigation, Discovery, Mass & Toxic Torts, Product Liability
Location: Denver

Lee Mickus defends manufacturers and other business interests in product liability and tort lawsuits around the country, guiding cases through the discovery, trial, and appeal stages. He has successfully tried cases to juries in Colorado, Texas, California, New York, Puerto Rico, Montana, and several other states. Lee has handled cases involving a wide variety of industries and products, including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, industrial machinery, wine, and recreational equipment. Lee has made court appearances, argued appeals, and submitted amicus briefs in numerous jurisdictions across the country.


  • Practice Areas

    Consumer and Industrial Products
    Mass & Toxic Torts
    Appeals
    Discovery
    Automobiles
    Commercial Litigation
    Discovery


  • Education

    The University of Virginia School of Law (J.D., 1993)
    Williams College (B.A. cum laude, 1990)
    Exeter College, Oxford University (1988-1989)


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    United States Supreme Court
    Supreme Court of Colorado
    Supreme Court of Montana
    Supreme Court of Texas
    Supreme Court of Wyoming
    United States District Court, District of Colorado
    United States District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas
    United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas
    United States District Court, Central District of Illinois
    United States District Court, Montana
    United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas
    United States District Court, Northern District of Texas
    United States District Court, Southern District of Texas
    United States District Court, Western District of Texas
    United States District Court for Wyoming
    United States Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
    United States Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
    United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
    United States Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit
    United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit


  • Publications

    “Georgia Supreme Court’s Doubts on Seat Belt Gag Rule’s Constitutionality Puts Legislature on Notice,” Washington Legal Foundation Legal Opinion Letter (July 29, 2022).

    “Trial Court’s Evidentiary Ruling in ‘Natural Vanilla’ Class Action Reflects Need for Changes to Rule 702,” Washington Legal Foundation Legal Opinion Letter (November 12, 2021).

    “Stop Calling Them ‘Daubert Motions’: Federal Rule of Evidence 702 and Why Words Matter,” Washington Legal Foundation Working Paper No. 221 (August 2021) (with Abigail Dodd).

    “Gatekeeping Reorientation: Amend Rule 702 to Correct Judicial Misunderstandings about Expert Evidence,” Washington Legal Foundation Working Paper No. 217 (May 2020).

    “Follow Louisiana’s Lead: The Case for Eliminating State Gag Rules on Motorists’ Failure to Buckle Up,” Washington Legal Foundation Working Paper No. 219 (August 2020).

    “Iowa Limits Medical Expense Damages to the Sums Actually Paid to a Plaintiff’s Health Care Provider,” Washington Legal Foundation Legal Opinion Letter (June 26, 2020)(with Marc Beltrame).

    Opening the Courts to Seat Belt Non-Use Evidence,” Author, Law 360 Expert Analysis Online Website (December 24, 2015).

    “Fifty-State Compendium on the Law of Punitive Damages,” Contributing Author for Colorado, Defense Research Institute (2009).

    “New Statutes Change Civil Litigation in Colorado,” Co-Author, 33 Colo. Lawyer 65 (May 2004).

    “To Beep or Not to Beep: The Optional Equipment Defense,” Co-Author, 19 LJN’S Product Liability Law & Strategy 4 (April 2001).

    “Discovery of Work Product Disclosed to a Testifying Expert Under the 1993 Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,” Author, 27 Creighton L. Rev. 773 (1994) (cited in five published federal and state court cases and more than a dozen law review articles, and treatises).


  • Legal Memberships/Honors

    Colorado Civil Justice League
    President, 2009-2010; 2015
    Board of Directors
    Legal Advisory Board

    Lawyers for Civil Justice – Co-Chair, Rule 702 Committee

    International Association of Defense Counsel

    Defense Research Institute

    Colorado Defense Lawyers Association

    Lawyers for Civil Justice “Alfred W. Cortese Jr. Award,” given for “outstanding contributions to the promotion of excellence and fairness in the United States civil justice system” (2020)

    Lawyers for Civil Justice Outstanding Contributor (2017)

    Colorado Civil Justice League’s “Lawyer of the Year” (2005)

    The Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (2008 – Present); Production Liability Litigation – Defendants (2015 – present)

    5280 Magazine Top Lawyers, Personal Injury: Defense (2015-Present)

    Colorado Super Lawyers®, Personal Injury Defense: Products (2009-Present)

    Martindale Hubbell, AV Rated

Lee Mickus

Partner

Lee Mickus defends manufacturers and other business interests in product...

Jay J. Schuttert

Position: Partner
Phone: +1-702-805-0216
Email: jschuttert@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Automobiles, Commercial Litigation, Mass & Toxic Torts, Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals, Product Liability
Location: Las Vegas

Jay J. Schuttert is a go-to trial lawyer whose lead and co-lead trial experience includes numerous jury trials in federal and state courts in Nevada and around the country for product manufacturers and corporations, involving claims of serious illness, catastrophic injury and/or wrongful death. As a founder of EFSMM, Jay’s practice is primarily focused on defending product liability matters for manufacturers of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automobiles, motorcycles, consumer/recreational products, and industrial equipment. Jay also handles premises liability, vehicle/trucking collisions, medical malpractice, commercial disputes, and employment matters. 


  • Practice Areas

    Mass & Toxic Torts
    Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals
    Automobiles
    Consumer and Industrial Products
    Commercial Litigation


  • Education

    Syracuse University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2003)
    Associate Editor, Syracuse Law and Technology Journal
    Justinian Honorary Law Society

    University of Rhode Island (B.S., Business Management, highest distinction, 1999) – Beta Gamma Sigma


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Supreme Court of Nevada
    United State District Court, District of Nevada
    United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit


  • Publications

    “Keeping Out of the Weeds: Defense Should Focus On Winning Liability Instead of Damages at Trial,” Co-Author, Nevada Lawyer Magazine (January 2017).


  • Legal Membership/Honors

    Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
    Defense Research Institute
    Legal Elite – Top Southern Nevada Attorneys, Nevada Business Magazine (2015-2016, 2018)
    Mountain States Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars Edition, Personal Injury Defense (2012-2016)
    Mountain States Super Lawyers®, Product Liability Defense (2019-2022)
    The Product Liability Lawyers, Nevada Product Liability Lawyer of the Year (2023)

Jay J. Schuttert

Partner

Jay J. Schuttert is a go-to trial lawyer whose lead...

Paige S. Silva

Position: Associate
Phone: +1-702-901-7050
Email: psilva@efstriallaw.com
Categories: Commercial Litigation, Mass & Toxic Torts, Product Liability
Location: Las Vegas

Paige S. Silva defends pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and chemical companies in product liability, mass tort, and personal injury litigation. Paige treats each client and case as unique, building a strong connection in order to provide the best representation. Paige values attention to detail and excels at strategically identifying and presenting thorough analyses of complex legal issues. Paige also has experience with various aspects of litigation including motion practice, written discovery, legal research, and document review and coding. 


  • Practice Areas

    Consumer and Industrial Products
    Mass & Toxic Torts
    Commercial Litigation


  • Education

    William S. Boyd School of Law (J.D., 2021, magna cum laude)
    Nevada Law Journal, Business Editor; Society of Advocates Moot Court
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas (B.A., 2017, Criminal Justice)


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Supreme Court of Nevada
    United States District Court, District of Nevada


  • Publications

    2021-2022 Ninth Circuit Product Liability Case Law Update, Co-Author, DRI Products Young Lawyers Group (publication forthcoming).


  • Legal Memberships/Honors

    Membership Chair, Product Liability and Mass Tort Section of Nevada Bar
    Member, Young Lawyers Section of Nevada Bar
    First Place Winner, August A. Rendigs National Products Liability Moot Court Competition
    Scribes Award Recipient, The American Society of Legal Writers
    CALI Award for Excellence in Civil Discovery

Paige S. Silva

Associate

Paige S. Silva defends pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and...

Christina Trotz

Position: Associate
Phone: tel:+1-720-901-9124
Email: ctrotz@efsmmlaw.com
Categories: Automobiles, Commercial Litigation, Discovery, Mass & Toxic Torts, Product Liability
Location: Denver

Christina Trotz defends manufacturers in product liability and tort lawsuits around the country, advising and defending clients through the litigation process. She has successfully tried cases before juries in several jurisdictions in Colorado and has taken or defended over 200 depositions. An experienced and skilled oral advocate, Christina thrives when she is on the record. She has been involved in litigation arising from a variety of products, including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.


  • Practice Areas

    Consumer and Industrial Products
    Mass and Toxic Torts
    Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals
    Commercial Litigation
    Discovery
    Automobiles


  • Education

    University of Denver, Sturm College of Law (J.D., 2012)

    University of Denver, Daniels College of Business (M.B.A., 2009)

    University of Denver, Daniels College of Business (B.S.B.A., 2008)


  • Court/Bar Admissions

    Supreme Court of Colorado


  • Legal Memberships/Honors

    Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
    Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2019, 2020)
    Star of the Quarter, American Bar Association, Young Lawyer’s Division (Fall Conference 2014, Mid-Year Conference 2016)
    Outstanding Service to the Civil Pro Bono Panel, United States District Court for the District of Colorado (2015)

Christina Trotz

Associate

Christina Trotz defends manufacturers in product liability and tort lawsuits...