On March 15, 2023, U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross appointed CPM partner, Elizabeth T. Castillo, as a member of the Leadership Team in In re: ARC Airbag Inflators Products Liability Litig., MDL No. 3051, Case No. 1:22-md-03051 (N. D. Ga.). Liz was one of seven members appointed to lead this economic loss class action involving allegedly defective airbag inflators designed by ARC Automotive Inc. and installed in millions of vehicles in the U.S. The Court found the Leadership Team has done extensive work identifying and investigating potential claims; has significant experience handling consumer class actions; has demonstrated knowledge of the applicable law; and has made a significant investment in these actions and has shown that it has the resources necessary to vigorously prosecute this MDL through trial and appeal. The Court also noted that the Leadership Team is from diverse backgrounds and represents a balanced team of skills and experience. No stranger to the automotive industry, Liz’s appointment to the Leadership Team in this MDL comes on the heels of her arguing for and obtaining final approval of the fifth and final round of settlements in In re Auto. Parts Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 2311, Case No. 2:12-md-02311 (E.D. Mich.), on February 6, 2023. CPM serves as co-lead counsel for the End-Payor Plaintiffs in that antitrust class action. This last round of settlements closes out 10 years of active litigation against 73 global automotive parts suppliers that resulted in over $1.2 billion in settlements to consumers and businesses in the U.S.
