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Introduction
Jenny Kuenster’s practice includes defense of toxic tort matters throughout the country. She is national counsel for companies with large dockets of asbestos and other toxic tort cases. In addition to her focus on toxic tort litigation, she has litigated a broad range of cases, including employment, contract and insurance matters.
My focus
National Counsel
I work closely with clients to find well-reasoned, creative and cost effective solutions to litigation. In my work managing large dockets of asbestos cases, I focus on bringing order to the chaos that sometimes results when companies are besieged with repetitive toxic tort litigation. I often work with clients to revamp the handling of toxic tort cases and bring a considered, but aggressive, approach to the resolution of cases. Through effective defense, we were able to reduce the national case count for one client from 30,000 cases to under 500 without settlement. I work with law firms throughout the United States to bring a coordinated approach to the defense of client’s cases.
California Local Counsel
I regularly defend cases in California as local counsel. I work with a skilled team of attorneys and paralegals who are experienced in asbestos litigation and we handle all aspects of a large docket of local cases, including trial.
Additional Litigation
I have experience litigating and trying a variety of matters, including employment discrimination cases, breach of contract disputes, insurance coverage matters and toxic tort cases.
Looking ahead
In the toxic tort area, I see fewer but more significant cases in need of early case assessment to determine an effective trial strategy from the onset. Asbestos litigation cases are presenting with significant risk that require a defense that includes strong trial experience and a strategic approach.
In the news
- Law360
US Chamber backs energy companies in climate suit fight
This article covers an amicus brief filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Rhode Island’s climate change lawsuit against several energy companies, arguing the lawsuit should proceed in federal court rather than state court. The story mentions NP for the work of San Francisco partner Jenny Kuenster and Providence partner Jeff Brenner, both of the Complex Commercial Disputes group, in representing Shell Oil Company in the case.Aug 2, 2021
Admitted to practice
California
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
Education
University of California, Berkeley, A.B.
University of California, Berkeley, M.S.
University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), J.D.
Professional activities
- State Bar of California
- American Bar Association
Recognition
- Selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 in the field of Commercial Litigation; listed in Best Lawyers since 2023
- Recommended in The Legal 500 United States 2024 editorial for practice focus—Dispute resolution - Product liability, mass tort and class action: toxic tort - defense
- Jenny Kuenster has been recognized as a “Super Lawyer” by the publishers of the Northern California Super Lawyers magazine for 2013 and 2014 and several years since 2004
Professionals in the Practice Area
View AllDavid A. Kaufman
Director of Global Strategies- San Francisco
- Office:+1 415.984.8241Mobile:+1 415.244.2224
- dkaufman@nixonpeabody.com
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Elizabeth Zamora Meraz
Partner
Co-Team Leader, Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation Team- Chicago
- Office:+1 312.977.4361
- ezmeraz@nixonpeabody.com
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