7 Best Class-Action Law Firms in Pennsylvania
When facing a legal challenge that affects many people, finding the right representation is crucial. Pennsylvania has several law firms specializing in class-action lawsuits that can help groups of plaintiffs seek justice together. These specialized attorneys handle complex litigation where many individuals with similar claims join forces against larger entities, often resulting in significant settlements or judgments for the affected class members.
Class action lawsuits require specific expertise and substantial resources to manage effectively. Pennsylvania offers top-rated class action lawyers who have the experience and knowledge to navigate these complicated legal processes. The best firms have established track records of success and understand the unique procedural requirements for class certification and representation in state and federal courts.
1) Shub Johns & Holbrook LLP
Shub Johns & Holbrook LLP is a top-rated Pennsylvania class action law firm representing consumers nationwide. The firm focuses exclusively on class action litigation, making them specialists in this complex legal area.
The firm operates from Conshohocken, PA and has earned recognition for its dedicated consumer advocacy. Their attorneys combine decades of experience in fighting for consumer rights in class action cases.
Recently, a Pennsylvania federal court appointed Partner Benjamin F. Johns as interim co-lead counsel in a class action against Geisinger Health and Nuance Communications. This appointment demonstrates the firm's respected position in class litigation.
Client feedback indicates strong satisfaction with the firm's services. They have accumulated 40 reviews on Birdeye, providing potential clients with transparent insight into their performance and reliability.
The firm describes itself as dedicated to advocating for individuals nationwide, positioning them as an accessible option for class members seeking representation. Their specialization in class actions makes them a focused choice for claims administrators seeking experienced counsel.
2) Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check is one of the most prominent plaintiff class action attorneys in Pennsylvania. The firm specializes in securities litigation, shareholder derivative suits, antitrust litigation, and other complex cases.
The firm has built a strong reputation for taking on corporate fraud and other forms of wrongdoing. Their attorneys regularly face and defeat well-capitalized defense teams in high-stakes litigation across the globe.
Kessler Topaz is particularly noted for its services to institutional investors in shareholder class actions and individual opt-out litigation. Their client base continues to grow internationally as they expand their global reach.
The firm provides services under both US and foreign securities laws, making them versatile for clients with multinational interests. Their expertise has earned them recognition among the top plaintiff law firms in North American securities-related class actions.
Claims administrators working with Kessler Topaz benefit from their extensive experience and successful track record in complex litigation. The firm maintains offices in Radnor, PA and continues to be a finalist in prestigious legal awards for class action litigation.
3) Berger Montague PC
Berger Montague stands as one of the nation's premier litigation law firms with a strong presence in Pennsylvania. Founded in Philadelphia, the firm has expanded to include six offices across the United States.
With 105 lawyers on staff, Berger Montague specializes in class action lawsuits and commercial litigation. Their practice areas include ERISA compensation and benefits, antitrust, and various forms of civil litigation.
The firm has built a reputation for handling precedent-setting cases. Their legal team frequently takes lead roles in high-profile class actions, representing clients across multiple industries.
Berger Montague's capabilities in plaintiff-side class action work continue to grow. Recent expansion includes the addition of more antitrust practitioners and four new offices throughout North America.
Claims administrators should note that Berger Montague litigates class actions in courtrooms nationwide. Their track record in civil litigation makes them a formidable choice for complex cases requiring experienced representation.
4) Fine Kaplan and Black RPC
Fine Kaplan and Black RPC is a Philadelphia-based law firm that specializes in antitrust and class actions litigation. The firm has gained national recognition for its expertise in these areas.
This boutique litigation firm focuses entirely on complex legal matters, including class actions, antitrust cases, and commercial litigation. They also handle consumer protection cases and white collar criminal defense.
Fine Kaplan and Black maintains a smaller team of attorneys who are highly specialized in their practice areas. This allows them to provide focused attention to each case they handle.
The firm has built a strong reputation for taking on significant complex commercial litigation cases against major corporations. Their attorneys have substantial experience in federal courts across the country.
For claims administrators, Fine Kaplan and Black offers valuable expertise in navigating the intricacies of class action settlements. Their experience with various industries makes them a strong choice for complex antitrust matters.
The firm's Philadelphia location serves as a strategic hub for cases throughout Pennsylvania and the broader mid-Atlantic region.
5) Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP stands as one of the nation's leading complex class action firms. Their reputation is built on securing substantial recoveries for investors in securities fraud and shareholder rights litigation.
The firm has achieved remarkable results, including the largest securities class action recovery of $7.2 billion in the Enron case. They've also secured the largest antitrust class action settlement of $5.5 billion in the Visa/Mastercard case.
Chambers USA has consistently recognized Robbins Geller with a Band 1 ranking, the highest available. The firm has earned this prestigious ranking for fifteen consecutive years, cementing their position as elite practitioners.
With approximately 200 attorneys across nine offices nationwide, Robbins Geller offers comprehensive representation. Their Pennsylvania operations benefit from the firm's deep resources and specialized expertise in complex litigation.
For claims administrators, the firm's track record of successfully managing large-scale settlements makes them a reliable partner. Their experience handling intricate distribution processes ensures efficient claim administration.
6) Morgan & Morgan
Morgan & Morgan stands as one of Pennsylvania's largest personal injury firms with significant class action experience. Their Pittsburgh office has built a strong reputation for representing multiple plaintiffs in civil lawsuits.
The firm's class action lawyers in Pittsburgh have accumulated over 35 years of experience initiating and managing class action lawsuits. This extensive background makes them particularly valuable for claims administrators seeking experienced counsel.
Morgan & Morgan employs over 1,000 attorneys nationwide, providing substantial resources for complex litigation. Their size allows them to take on major defendants while maintaining personalized client relationships.
The firm specializes in representing groups of individuals or businesses damaged by corporate misconduct. One individual typically acts as the representative of the group similarly situated while attorneys manage the broader case strategy.
Morgan & Morgan has been recognized in multiple legal rankings, including Super Lawyers selections. Their class action practice covers areas like consumer protection, insurance coverage issues, and product liability cases.
Claims administrators will find their experience particularly valuable when dealing with large plaintiff groups requiring efficient case management and communication.
7) Girard Sharp LLP
Girard Sharp LLP has established itself as a standout firm in class action litigation. The firm has earned Tier 1 rankings in mass tort litigation and class actions for plaintiffs, appearing on the "Best Law Firms" list for over a decade.
Based on their track record, Girard Sharp attorneys have built a reputation for excellence in representing plaintiffs in complex litigation. Their practice focuses on comprehensive knowledge of civil procedure and dedicated client advocacy.
The firm has been recognized nationally in multiple practice areas. In 2023, Girard Sharp was featured in the National Law Journal's Elite Trial rankings and included in the 2023 U.S. News - Best Lawyers list.
Girard Sharp's team brings deep resources to each case they handle. While not headquartered in Pennsylvania, their national presence makes them accessible to Pennsylvania clients seeking experienced class action representation.
Claims administrators working with Girard Sharp can expect a professional approach to case management and settlement administration. Their comprehensive understanding of class action mechanisms makes them valuable partners in complex litigation scenarios.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Class-Action Law Firm
Selecting the right class-action law firm requires careful evaluation of their litigation experience, available resources, and proven results. These elements directly impact your case's potential success and the quality of representation you'll receive.
Experience in Class-Action Litigation
When evaluating potential law firms, their specific experience in class-action litigation should be a top priority. Look for firms with attorneys who have handled cases similar to yours in terms of legal issues and industry. Many successful class action attorneys understand that these complex cases require specialized knowledge.
Check how long the firm has been practicing class-action law. Firms with 10+ years of experience typically have developed effective strategies for certification, discovery, and settlement negotiations.
Ask about the attorneys who will actually work on your case. Senior partners may bring their names to the firm, but you need to know who will handle day-to-day litigation tasks.
Request examples of past class actions they've handled, especially those that reached favorable settlements or verdicts. This practical experience is invaluable for navigating the complexities of class-action litigation.
Resources and Firm Size
Class-action lawsuits demand substantial resources that not all firms can provide. Larger firms often have advantages in these resource-intensive cases.
Consider these key resource factors:
- Financial capacity to fund lengthy litigation
- Sufficient staff to handle document-intensive discovery
- Access to qualified expert witnesses
- Technology infrastructure for managing case data
- Administrative support for class communications
The firm size impacts various aspects of representation including attention to your case, available resources, and billing approaches. Mid-size firms may offer a balance between resources and personalized attention.
Examine if the firm routinely partners with other firms on large cases. These co-counsel arrangements can expand available resources while maintaining client focus.
Ask about their funding model for expenses like expert witnesses, document management, and court costs. This information helps assess their ability to sustain lengthy litigation.
Track Record of Success
A firm's history of results provides concrete evidence of their effectiveness in class-action litigation. Request information about their settlement and verdict history for similar cases.
Look for these success indicators:
- Settlement amounts in comparable cases
- Percentage of certified classes
- Appeals success rate
- Time from filing to resolution
- Fee structures in previous cases
Examine whether they typically serve as lead counsel or play supporting roles. Lead counsel experience demonstrates their ability to direct complex litigation strategies.
The best class action law firms have proven records of protecting consumers and delivering justice through favorable outcomes. Their reputation among peers and within the legal community can provide valuable insight into their effectiveness.
Ask about their approach to settlement negotiations versus taking cases to trial. Some firms excel at efficient settlements while others build their strategy around courtroom victories.
Class-Action Lawsuits in Pennsylvania
Class-action lawsuits in Pennsylvania allow groups of people with similar injuries to sue as a collective. Pennsylvania has specific procedures that govern these cases, with certain types of claims being more common than others in the state.
Types of Cases Commonly Filed
In Pennsylvania, consumer protection class actions frequently appear on court dockets. These cases often involve:
- Defective products causing injury or economic loss
- Pharmaceutical drugs with undisclosed side effects
- Motor vehicle defects affecting safety
- Consumer fraud and deceptive business practices
- Employment issues like wage violations or discrimination
- Securities fraud affecting investors
- Environmental contamination affecting communities
Financial services cases have seen a rise in recent years, with banks and lenders facing litigation over hidden fees and improper charges. Data privacy violations are also becoming more prevalent as Pennsylvania consumers become more concerned about how their information is used.
State-Specific Regulations and Procedures
Pennsylvania follows the federal class certification requirements but maintains some unique aspects. To proceed as a class action in Pennsylvania courts, plaintiffs must satisfy:
- Numerosity - enough affected people to make individual lawsuits impractical
- Commonality - shared legal or factual questions
- Typicality - representative claims match class members
- Adequacy - fair representation by lead plaintiffs and counsel
The state has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those in class actions. Pennsylvania courts often apply a "predominance" standard, requiring common issues to outweigh individual ones.
Filing fees and procedural rules differ between federal and state courts, with many class action attorneys strategically choosing venues based on these differences. The Pennsylvania courts generally follow federal precedent but may interpret certification requirements with slight variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right class-action law firm in Pennsylvania requires careful consideration of several key factors. These questions address important aspects of selecting and working with top firms in the state.
What criteria should be considered when selecting a top-class action law firm in Pennsylvania?
When evaluating class-action law firms, experience in similar cases should be your primary consideration. Look for firms that specialize in your specific type of claim.
Firm resources matter significantly. Pennsylvania class action attorneys must have sufficient staff and financial capacity to handle potentially lengthy litigation against well-funded defendants.
Reputation among peers and past clients provides valuable insight. Check online reviews, bar association standings, and ask for references from previous clients.
Which Pennsylvania law firms have a proven track record in managing successful class-action cases?
Shub Johns & Holbrook LLP has established themselves as leaders in consumer protection class actions throughout Pennsylvania and nationally.
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP stands out for securities litigation and shareholder rights cases with numerous multi-million dollar settlements.
Berger Montague PC has over five decades of experience handling complex class actions, particularly in antitrust and employment cases.
Fine Kaplan and Black RPC and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP round out the top performers with significant victories in various class-action categories.
What are the characteristics of a reputable and reliable class-action law firm?
Transparency about fee structures and case progress is essential. Reputable firms communicate clearly with class members throughout the litigation process.
Ethical standards must be unwavering. The best firms maintain high ethical standards and prioritize client interests above quick settlements.
Courtroom experience matters tremendously. Firms should have attorneys with substantial trial experience, not just settlement negotiation skills.
Technical expertise in the relevant area of law ensures your case receives proper handling and the strongest possible arguments.
How do attorneys' fees work in Pennsylvania class-action lawsuits?
Most class-action attorneys work on contingency fees, typically ranging from 25-33% of the final settlement or judgment. This arrangement means clients pay nothing upfront.
Court approval is required for all fee arrangements in class actions. Pennsylvania class action lawyers must submit detailed fee applications that judges review for reasonableness.
Additional costs such as expert witnesses, document management, and court filing fees may be advanced by the firm and later reimbursed from the settlement.
What are the notable victories or settlements achieved by leading class-action law firms in Pennsylvania?
Kessler Topaz secured a $688 million settlement in securities litigation related to pharmaceutical industry misconduct in 2020.
Berger Montague obtained $197 million for plaintiffs in an antitrust case against major electronics manufacturers for price-fixing.
Shub Johns & Holbrook recently won $45 million for consumers in a data breach case against a national retailer.
These victories demonstrate the capability of Pennsylvania firms to achieve substantial results against powerful corporate defendants.
Can individuals opt out of a class-action lawsuit if they desire to pursue independent legal action in Pennsylvania?
Yes, class members receive notification of pending litigation and have the right to opt out by the court-established deadline.
Opting out preserves your right to file an individual lawsuit. However, this path requires securing your own legal representation and bearing the associated costs.
The decision to opt out should be carefully considered. Individual claims may not be economically viable if the potential recovery is small compared to legal expenses.