CHICAGO, February 1, 2011: Morgan Lewis today announced that Scott T. Schutte and Kenneth M. Kliebard—two experienced commercial litigators who have defended consumer services providers, product manufacturers and financial services companies in high-exposure class action lawsuits across the country—have joined the firm as partners in its Litigation practice, resident in Chicago. Gregory T. Fouts and Tedd M. Warden, who previously worked closely with Messrs. Schutte and Kliebard at another AmLaw 100 firm, have also joined the firm as associates.
"At a time when litigation has become increasingly complex, this is a tremendous addition to our team, particularly in the Midwest," noted Jami W. McKeon, leader of the Litigation Practice at Morgan Lewis. "The experience Scott, Ken, and their team will bring to bear on behalf of our clients adds to the robust capabilities we offer companies defending commercial litigation and class actions in a number of key industries."
Mr. Schutte focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation, with an emphasis on class action defense. Mr. Schutte has successfully defended consumer service providers, banks, and product manufacturers in class action lawsuits in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He has also handled a broad array of complex commercial litigation, including claims involving breach of contract, insurance coverage, unfair competition, product liability, lender liability, and breach of fiduciary duty. Mr. Schutte has had first-chair responsibilities in several jury trials, arbitrations, and mediations.
Mr. Kliebard—most recently the Chair of Howrey's Consumer Class Action Defense Group—is an accomplished litigator who focuses his practice on class action defense and business disputes. He has more than twenty years of experience successfully defending class action lawsuits involving consumer fraud, product liability, and false advertising issues for a diverse range of industries in federal and state courts throughout the United States. Mr. Kliebard also has a strong record of success in complex commercial litigation matters in areas including antitrust, RICO, unfair competition, and product liability. In addition, he regularly counsels clients on legal compliance issues in the consumer protection area.