Singer, Sheldon R.

Deborah Simmons has been extensively involved in product liability litigation in state and federal courts. She has particular experience in mass tort cases and complex product liability matters, including public entity cost recovery litigation involving tobacco and firearms manufacturers, and class actions. She regularly works with other counsel in multidefendant lawsuits in which a significant amount of joint defense coordination is necessary. Deborah also has experience in automotive product liability litigation, class action certification, protecting privileges in discovery disputes, preparing and responding to evidentiary motions, defending punitive damage allegations, and coordinating with insurers in connection with defense and coverage issues.

Deborah is a member of the legal team representing Mattel in connection with congressional and state investigations and a nationwide putative class action arising from the company's voluntary recalls of certain toys. The Mattel litigation is ongoing and has been consolidated by the MDL panel as In Re Mattel, Inc. Toy Lead Paint Products Liability Litigation, Case No. 2:07-ml-01897-DSF-AJWT, pending in United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Deborah has participated in the defense of Parker Hannifin related to litigation arising out of commercial aircraft disasters, which were allegedly caused by Parker components. These lawsuits, brought in the United States as well as overseas, involve complex technical and legal issues. Deborah's work on behalf of Parker has included assisting in concluding a complex settlement of the claims of more than 100 non-U.S. plaintiffs in one case.

Deborah also contributed to the defense of Sherwin-Williams in a public nuisance lawsuit brought by the city of Milwaukee, in which Milwaukee sought abatement of lead paint in housing units throughout the city. Shortly before trial, and in response to motions filed on behalf of Sherwin-Williams, the city severed and effectively dismissed the Sherwin-Williams entity involved. The case ultimately resulted in a jury verdict in favor of the remaining defendant.

Deborah's other significant litigation experience includes representation of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in medical recoupment litigation brought by various state attorneys general and representation of Colt's Manufacturing Company in a series of nationwide lawsuits brought by numerous public entities.

Deborah was an adjunct professor and legal writing instructor at Southern Methodist University School of Law from 1982 to 1984.

She has performed volunteer work on behalf of a variety of charitable and educational organizations, including the Junior League of Dallas, the Gladney Center for Adoption, and The Hockaday School.