Ms. Welch has extensive experience in toxic tort and environmental litigation, including representation of companies in the oil and chemical, utility and mining industries. These matters have involved a range of legal theories including public and private nuisance, negligence, strict liability and multi-party CERCLA cost recovery. She has handled matters involving alleged air, water and soil contamination.
Ms. Welch has been involved in multiple toxic tort cases brought by thousands of individual plaintiffs, where, among other things, she has formulated strategies, prepared settlement and negotiation materials, and oversaw motion practice. In addition to extensive work coordinating the offensive discovery of these complex cases, she has experience with the medical causation aspects of toxic tort cases. For example, she has worked with toxicologists, neurologists and other medical experts to prepare for medical examinations of plaintiffs and trial testimony. Her work has included cases brought by both U.S. and foreign citizens.
Ms. Welch also has experience in other areas of business litigation, including contract disputes, products liability, insurance coverage, fiduciary duties, real estate and development, shareholder derivative claims, and employment.Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Welch was a litigation partner with Latham & Watkins LLP (Los Angeles, CA). She also served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable W. Eugene Davis of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Ms. Welch is a member of the California State Bar. She is admitted to practice in all California courts and the United States District Courts for the Central, Eastern and Northern Districts of California.