Megan R.
Nishikawa

Defending Shell Oil Company against product liability claims in a four-month jury trial relating to contamination of a California water system as a result of historical use of agricultural chemicals.

• Presenting witnesses on direct and re-direct examination;
• Cross-examining numerous witnesses;
• Drafting and arguing substantive and dispositive motions;
• Drafting and arguing evidentiary motions;
• Preparing expert witnesses for direct and cross-examination; and
• Preparing and arguing jury instructions and verdict form.

Defending The Dow Chemical Company and Dow AgroSciences LLC in a docket of drinking water contamination cases brought by California water purveyors relating to the use of agricultural and industrial chemicals. In connection with this work, over the last six years, Megan has:

• Defended over thirty depositions of fact witnesses;
• Coordinated joint defense groups;
• Aided in investigations and preparation of witnesses;
• Worked with expert witnesses; and
• Analyzed and managed large document productions.

Member of a team defending a global automobile manufacturer against a government investigation and civil lawsuits brought as a result of allegedly defective emissions technology.

• Development of expert witnesses.

Representing Petitioner in Ocasio v. United States, argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court considered whether a person accused of conspiracy to commit extortion under the Hobbs Act (18 U.S.C. § 1951) may be convicted for extorting a fellow conspirator.

• Assisted with argument preparation and in drafting of Petitioner’s opening and reply briefs.

Member of the team defending Chevron U.S.A. Inc. against numerous actions filed by 30,000+ plaintiffs and the City of Richmond as a result of the Richmond Refinery fire/explosion.

• Prepared responsive pleadings, including motions to strike and demurrers;
• Conducted legal research and prepared numerous legal memoranda;
• Aided in deposition preparation; and
• Analyzed and managed large document productions.

Defending the Dow Chemical Company against product liability claims concerning a plastic resin formerly manufactured by Dow.

• Prepared and responded to written discovery;
• Negotiated with opposing counsel regarding written discovery, dispositive motions, and settlement;
• Analyzed and managed large document productions;
• Worked closely with plastics expert during investigation of failure of subject part;
• Aided in preparation of summary judgment motion that ultimately led to a favorable settlement; and
• Successfully argued an ex parte motion seeking continuance of the hearing date on Dow Chemical’s summary judgment motion.

Defending the Dow Chemical Company against personal injury claims in which plaintiffs alleged that exposure to certain chemicals caused cancer and reproductive and immunological diseases.

• Prepared pre- and post-trial motions;
• Negotiated with opposing counsel regarding deposition testimony designations;
• Aided in preparation of expert witnesses;
• Managed preparation and introduction of trial exhibits; and
• Supported a four-partner trial team in a three month trial resulting in a complete defense verdict.

Defending a major pharmaceutical company against product liability claims pending in state and federal courts nationwide.

• Prepared responsive pleadings to numerous complaints; and
• Prepared change of venue motions, including removals to Federal Court and Forum Non Conveniens motions.