Todd B. Benoff

• Counsel for a mining company in a toxic tort action alleging cosmetic talcum powder was contaminated with asbestos and caused cancer. After a two-month trial, the jury returned a complete defense verdict. 
• Counsel for an international automobile manufacturer in large-scale automotive products liability and consumer class action MDL and state court consolidated proceedings involving over 200 nationwide class actions. 
• Counsel for a manufacturer of control valves in a bellwether product liability matter involving pressure vessel failures. After a two-week trial, a verdict exonerating the client led to the dismissal of all remaining actions, and indemnification from the pressure vessel manufacturer against all future claims. 
• Counsel for a manufacturer of plumbing components in a nationwide class action. After deposing plaintiffs’ experts and establishing grounds to preclude each of them from testifying, the class action settled for a fraction of plaintiffs’ demand. 
• Defended real estate investors in litigation stemming from a series of foreclosures. Obtained an arbitration award exonerating the clients. 
• Counsel for the manufacturer of a high-voltage electrical distribution panel in a products liability action involving severe burn injuries sustained during an explosion and fire. In less than two hours, the jury returned a unanimous defense verdict for the manufacturer. 
• Counsel for the manufacturer of water distribution components in false claims act litigation in which more than 160 municipal entities alleged lead contamination in their drinking water and damages in excess of $1 billion. This litigation included the defense of a companion common law action brought by more than 40 municipalities, and a verdict on summary judgment against a related unfair competition action brought on behalf of every consumer of drinking water in California. 
• Counsel for a minority shareholder in a dispute over the operation of a closely held corporation that owned and operated several nursing homes. Even though the majority shareholder’s actions resulted in increased profits for the corporation, obtained a multimillion-dollar verdict for minority shareholder after several weeks of trial. Also obtained an award of more than 100 percent of the attorneys’ fees requested. 
• National trial team for a manufacturer of trucks and trailers in products liability litigation. 

Todd Benoff focuses his trial practice on high-exposure cases in the areas of products liability, toxic tort/mass tort and business litigation, including complex False Claims Act matters and consumer class actions. He also focuses on cybersecurity issues presented by connected and autonomous vehicles. 

In his products liability and toxic tort work, Todd has defended manufacturers of cars, trucks and trailers, as well as electrical distribution products, specialty chemicals and water distribution systems and components. 

He has also handled a wide array of business litigation matters including consumer class actions, unfair business practice claims, contract disputes and shareholder derivative actions, as well as disputes involving real estate purchases and investments. Todd has also practiced at the appellate level. 

Todd was selected to the “Rising Stars” list by Southern California Super Lawyers from 2007-2012. He received both his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Virginia in 1994 and 1997, respectively.

Bar Admissions

• California

Education

• University of Virginia (J.D., 1997)
• University of Virginia (B.A., 1994)