Case Updates
Judge Chen Suggests Feinberg as Settlement Master in Fiat Chrysler MDL
U.S. District Judge Edward Chen appointed Kenneth Feinberg as settlement master in In re Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep EcoDiesel Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability, MDL No. 17-MD-02777-EMC ("Fiat Chrysler"), the multidistrict litigation alleging that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles deliberately cheated on emission testing of 2014-2016 model Dodge and Jeep trucks marketed and sold as environmentally friendly "eco-diesel" vehicles. Mr. Feinberg will facilitate settlement discussions between Fiat and the consumers, the car dealers, and the federal government, but will not adjudicate any issues in the proceedings.
Mr. Feinberg, well known for his experience mediating complex litigation matters involving governmental agencies, regulators, and private parties, has served as Special Master in a number of notable matters, including the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, TARP Executive Compensation, the Agent Orange Victim Compensation Program, the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Victim Compensation Fund, and the GM Ignition Compensation Claims Resolution Facility. Mr. Feinberg also currently serves as Special Master of the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund (administered by the Department of Justice). As stated by Judge Chen, "[t]here are few people with better reputation for integrity, judgment, and experience than Mr. Feinberg."
BFA Partner Lesley Weaver was appointed to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee for Fiat Chrysler on June 19, 2017. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Weaver served on the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee that has recovered over $17 billion in In re Volkswagen "Clean Diesel" Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litig., MDL No. 2672 CRB (JSC) ("VW Emissions") – the largest automotive class action recovery in history. Her leadership position in the case included spearheading the investigation that ultimately uncovered German auto supplier Robert Bosch GmbH's significant role in multiple schemes to place software in vehicles purposefully designed to evade emissions laws. Bosch is also a defendant in Fiat Chrysler.
Mr. Feinberg, well known for his experience mediating complex litigation matters involving governmental agencies, regulators, and private parties, has served as Special Master in a number of notable matters, including the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, TARP Executive Compensation, the Agent Orange Victim Compensation Program, the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Victim Compensation Fund, and the GM Ignition Compensation Claims Resolution Facility. Mr. Feinberg also currently serves as Special Master of the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund (administered by the Department of Justice). As stated by Judge Chen, "[t]here are few people with better reputation for integrity, judgment, and experience than Mr. Feinberg."
BFA Partner Lesley Weaver was appointed to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee for Fiat Chrysler on June 19, 2017. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Weaver served on the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee that has recovered over $17 billion in In re Volkswagen "Clean Diesel" Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litig., MDL No. 2672 CRB (JSC) ("VW Emissions") – the largest automotive class action recovery in history. Her leadership position in the case included spearheading the investigation that ultimately uncovered German auto supplier Robert Bosch GmbH's significant role in multiple schemes to place software in vehicles purposefully designed to evade emissions laws. Bosch is also a defendant in Fiat Chrysler.