Introduction
Tracey Scarpello represents companies in a wide variety of commercial and complex business disputes throughout the country. She devotes a significant amount of time defending and counseling clients involved in the aviation, food, pharmaceutical, medical device, manufacturing and health care industries and has successfully represented clients in federal and state courts.
My focus
Commercial Litigation & Regulatory Compliance
Much of my work involves defending companies in all aspects of complex and commercial litigation as well as counseling clients regarding safety and regulatory compliance, including claims regarding false labeling of products. I have successfully managed various matters involving a broad range of issues such as contract disputes, business torts and product liability matters.
Health Effects Litigation
In addition to my experience as an attorney, I have a background in science and medicine, which provides an excellent foundation for working with various product manufacturers, including pharmaceutical and medical device companies, life sciences companies as well as food manufacturers and distributors.
Looking ahead
Companies in all industries are facing new and evolving challenges both in terms of litigation and government regulation. In particular, I’ve been following the increased filing of class actions and recent regulatory activities directed at the food industry. Helping our clients develop strategies to address these issues is one of my top priorities.
/Insights
- “‘Ascertainability’ in Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Cases,” DRI For the Defense, September 2019 (co-author with V. Quinn)
- “Ascertaining Potential Plaintiffs,” Product Liability Law & Strategy, December 2015 (co-author with V. Quinn)
- “Food Labeling Claims: Differing Approaches,” Product Liability Law & Strategy, June 2014 (co-author with V. Quinn)
- “Off-Label Communications: The FDA’s Proposed Approach,” Product Liability Law & Strategy, July 1, 2012 (co-author with A. Kupchyk)
- “Overview of 2011 Food Safety Legislation,” Product Liability Law & Strategy, June 1, 2011 (co-author with V. Quinn)
- “Recent Developments in Class Actions,” Product Liability Law & Strategy, January 1, 2011 (co-author with B. Dwyer)
In the news
- Law360
7th Circuit says Wisconsin regulators have toxic dust handled
This article covers a court’s unanimous refusal to revive litigation claiming that client SPX Corp. contaminated Wisconsin properties, with the panel noting a lower court was correct to find the requested injunctive relief improper. Buffalo partner Vivian Quinn, Long Island partner Joe Ortego, and Buffalo counsel Laurie Bloom and Tracey Scarpello, all of the Complex Commercial Disputes group, led the successful defense of SPX.May 27, 2021 - Law360
Plated Sues Albertsons in Del. Claiming Post-Merger Letdown
Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partners John Ruskusky and Lisa Sullivan were mentioned in this article for representing Shareholder Representative Services LLC in a post-merger suit accusing the food and drug chain of breaches of contract, fraudulent inducement and breaches of good faith covenants. Complex Commercial Disputes counsel Tracey Scarpello in Buffalo and associate Tina Jonsson in Chicago were also part of the litigation team.Sep 2, 2020 - Law360
Bayer Ducks Suit Over Birth Control Device Defect Claims
This article, covering a federal judge’s dismissal of claims against NP client Bayer Corp. related to the company’s Essure birth control device, mentions Buffalo Complex Commercial Disputes partner Vivian Quinn and counsel Tracey Scarpello for representing Bayer.June 25, 2020 - Defense Research Institute
“Ascertainability” in pharmaceutical and medical device cases
Complex Commercial Disputes partner Vivian Quinn and associate Tracey Scarpello, both of the Buffalo office, co-wrote this article in the Defense Research Institute’s publication, analyzing the impact of the ascertainability requirement on pharmaceutical and medical device class actions.Sep 4, 2019 - Modern Restaurant Management
According to a recent study/survey … End-of-August 2018 edition
This end-of-month roundup of top restaurant news includes highlights from Nixon Peabody’s Food, Beverage & Agriculture team’s quarterly Crystal Ball outlook report. Boston Financial Restructuring and Bankruptcy partner Lee Harrington, Los Angeles Corporate partner Ellie Altshuler, Rochester Corporate partner Tyler Savage, and Buffalo Complex Commercial Disputes associate Tracey Scarpello are quoted.Aug 30, 2018 - Product Liability Law & Strategy
Will ascertainability split finally be resolved?
Buffalo commercial litigation partner Vivian Quinn and associate Tracey Scarpello co-authored this piece about how the federal appeals court has been divided over the significance and scope of the ascertainability requirement in litigation involving low-cost consumer goods.Dec 1, 2016 - Law360
Product Liability Regulation & Legislation: Midyear Report
Buffalo commercial litigation associate Tracey Scarpello is quoted in this piece discussing FDA labeling with regard to nutritional facts and regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act.July 30, 2016 - Rochester Business Journal
FDA takes steps to define ‘natural' on food labels
Rochester partner Jeff LaBarge and Buffalo associate Tracey Scarpello co-authored this column on steps the Food and Drug Administration is taking to define “natural” on food labels in the changing landscape of food ingredient and production.Feb 12, 2016 - Product Liability Law & Strategy
Ascertaining Potential Plaintiffs
Buffalo Commercial Litigation partner Vivian Quinn and Buffalo Commercial Litigation associate Tracey Scarpello authored this column “ascertainability” developments to watch as the issue in all likelihood winds its way to the United States Supreme Court.Dec 1, 2015 - Law360
Courts Line Up Behind 3rd Circ.'s Ascertainability Logic
Buffalo Commercial Litigation associate Tracey Ehlers, Buffalo Commercial Litigation partner Viv Quinn, and Chicago IP Counseling & Transactions partner Janet Garetto discuss federal courts’ increased attention to the ascertainability of class members especially in the food and beverage industries where consumers do not typically retain receipts.July 25, 2014 - Product Liability Law & Strategy
Food Labeling Claims: Differing Approaches
Buffalo Products: Class Action, Trade & Industry Representation partner Viv Quinn and associate Tracey Ehlers authored this column discussing how courts are deciding whether and on what basis to certify class actions involving food and beverage products.June 1, 2014 - Law360
Claims and Classes in Medical Monitoring Cases
Buffalo partner and deputy leader of the firm’s Products: Class Action, Trade & Industry Representation practice group Viv Quinn and Buffalo Products: Class Action, Trade & Industry Representation associate Tracey Ehlers discuss the New York Court of Appeals decision in Caronia et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc. to not adopt a new cause of action.Jan 22, 2014
Admitted to practice
New York
U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
Education
Duquesne University, B.S., Health Sciences, magna cum laude
Duquesne University, M.P.A.
University at Buffalo, School of Law
Professional activities
- American, New York State, and Erie County bar associations
- Defense Research Institute
- United Way's Women United Advisory Board
Recognition
- Selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 in the fields of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants
- Listed in Best Lawyers since 2021.
- Recommended in The Legal 500 United States 2024 editorial for Dispute resolution - Product liability, mass tort and class action: Toxic tort - Defense and identified as a Rising Star for Industry focus - Transport: Aviation and air travel - Litigation and regulation
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllElizabeth Zamora Meraz
Partner / Co-Team Leader, Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation Team- Chicago
- Office:+1 312.977.4361
- ezmeraz@nixonpeabody.com
-
William E. Reynolds
Partner / Co-Team Leader, Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation Team- Albany
- Office:+1 518.427.2687
- wreynolds@nixonpeabody.com
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Michael J. Philippi
Senior Counsel- Chicago
- Office:+1 312.977.4875Mobile:+1 312.953.5159
- mphilippi@nixonpeabody.com
-