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Kathy Wisniewski

Kathy Wisniewski

Senior Counsel

St. Louis
314 552 6337 314 552 6337 direct


  • OVERVIEW
  • EXPERIENCE

INDUSTRIES

PRACTICES

  • Education

    • Saint Louis University School of Law,

      J.D., cum laude, 1989

    • Bradley University,

      B.S., cum laude, 1979

  • Admissions

    • Illinois

    • Missouri

    • US Ct Appeals, 2nd Circuit (Covers CT, NY, VT)

    • US Ct Appeals, 5th Circuit (Covers LA, MS, TX)

    • US Ct Appeals, 6th Circuit (Covers KY, MI, OH, TN)

    • US Ct Appeals, 7th Circuit (Covers IL, IN, WI)

    • US Ct Appeals, 8th Circuit (Covers AR, IA, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD)

    • US Ct Appeals, 9th Circuit (AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, Guam, M. Isles)

    • Missouri USDC, Eastern District

    • Missouri USDC, Western District

    • Illinois USDC, Southern District

    • Illinois USDC, Central District

    • Illinois USDC, Northern District

    • Michigan USDC, Eastern District

    • Wisconsin USDC, Eastern District

  • Affiliations

    • Class Action Reports, Inc.

      Editorial Board, 2005-2008

  • Representative Clients

    • FCA US LLC (formerly known as Chrysler Group LLC)

    • Chrysler Corporation

    • Ferrari North America, Inc.

  • Recognitions

    • Listed in "The Best Lawyers in America®" (by BL Rankings), 2013-2023

  • Employment

    • Thompson Coburn LLP

      Partner, 2008-Present

    • Bryan Cave LLP

      Partner, 1997-2007

    • Thompson Coburn/Coburn & Croft

      Associate, 1989-1997

    • Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

      Student Assistant, 1986-1989

    • Illinois Department of Children & Family Services – Child Welfare Worker

      1982-1986

    • County Juvenile Services Organizations

      1979-1982

Kathy is a highly experienced litigator who has spent the majority of her career defending large corporations, including major auto manufacturers, in class actions across the country.

Kathy has developed a track record of positive results for clients in this area, including the dismissal of claims both at the pleading stage and through strategic summary judgment motions, and defeating class certification motions. Kathy frequently represents clients through the appeal of these rulings, and has been successful in these efforts in both state and federal appellate courts.

Throughout her career, Kathy has worked collaboratively with in-house counsel, client employees, engineers, and experts to develop strategies that have led to success. She has counseled clients on litigation strategies for all types of claims including those involving state consumer fraud violations, torts, contracts, insurance coverage, and a host of other commercial issues.

Representative Experience

Secured dismissal of case in Eastern District of Michigan at pleading stage alleging defects in air bag systems, and briefed and argued Sixth Circuit appeal affirming ruling.

Obtained judgment on pleadings in Northern District of Ohio in case alleging defects in tire valve stems, which was subsequently affirmed on appeal.

Secured ruling in District Court of South Carolina denying class certification in a suit alleging defects in truck exhaust systems.

Obtained dismissal of class action filed in the Western District of Missouri based on arguments that plaintiff's interpretation of warranty contract was not reasonable.

Successfully defended motion in case filed in state court in California seeking certification of class of owners of vehicles with allegedly defective seatbelt buckles.

As lead counsel, obtained dismissal of class actions filed in California, Illinois, and New Jersey state courts alleging defects in exhaust manifolds, and briefed and argued appeals affirming dismissals.

Obtained dismissal of class action filed in Tennessee state court on grounds of mootness where client had provided voluntary relief to identified class prior to filing of claims alleging defects in fuel rail system, and subsequently briefed successful appeal.