Vanessa represents manufacturers in complex toxic tort and product liability matters, with a particular focus on silica litigation. She practices from Chico, California as a member of our virtual office, The Link.
With nearly 30 years of experience, including defending clients in asbestos and PFAS litigation, she offers a broad background handling high-stakes claims and a deep understanding of the scientific, regulatory, and legal issues involved in silica exposure cases. Vanessa helps clients navigate these challenges through careful risk assessment, strategic advocacy, and a clear understanding of the issues that matter most to their businesses.
Vanessa has represented clients in California silica litigation since its early stages, remaining at the forefront as coordinated proceedings have expanded over time. She has served as lead defense counsel in numerous plaintiff depositions.
Evaluating exposure, developing defense strategies, and building the factual record through discovery are central to Vanessa’s work helping clients assess risk and make informed decisions. Her experience handling large-scale, multiparty litigation and coordinated proceedings enables her to effectively manage challenging matters while advancing clients’ goals.
Clients value Vanessa’s responsiveness, clear communication, and thoughtful guidance. She provides objective assessments of available options, keeps clients informed throughout each stage of a matter, and helps them evaluate potential exposure, litigation risk, and financial considerations. She is prepared to take cases to trial when doing so best serves clients’ interests.
Vanessa’s trial readiness is grounded in substantial litigation experience. Earlier in her career, she handled a wide range of matters across diverse industries and practice areas, including product liability, toxic torts, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury cases. She conducted and defended hundreds of depositions involving technical and scientific issues and tried cases to verdict.