Caitlin Maly

Class Actions & Complex Litigation

• Obtained a complete dismissal in a putative class action filed in the Southern District of New York on behalf of a nationwide class of sunscreen purchasers. The plaintiffs alleged that the product was deceptively marketed as hypoallergenic and free of oxybenzone because it contained an alleged contaminant, benzophenone, which results from degradation of an FDA-approved active ingredient, octocrylene. Plaintiffs alleged that the defendants should have changed their product labeling to warn of the risk of degradation and altered their manufacturing processes to remove the FDA-approved ingredient from the product’s formulation. The court granted the manufacturer’s motion to dismiss in full.
• Obtained summary judgment in consumer class action litigation challenging the quality of aloe vera gels sold by some of the United States’ largest retailers. The judgment was affirmed on appeal.
• Defended a major pharmaceutical company in class action and individual litigation brought in federal and state courts across the U.S. related to a fertility drug.
• Obtained dismissals on behalf of a major life sciences company in two class actions challenging the sale and marketing of an over-the-counter medical device.
• Defending ongoing litigation regarding ingredient formulations and labeling representations related to sunscreen and personal care products on behalf of several major manufacturers and retailers.

Toxic and Mass Tort

• Representing a contract sterilizer of medical devices in ongoing toxic tort litigation in the Circuit Court of Cook County, IL, as well as in Georgia state court. Plaintiffs claim that exposure to a chemical used by the sterilizer led them to develop cancer and other injuries. The defense team obtained a full defense victory in the second trial in Cook County, leading to a settlement of all 800+ claims filed there.
• Defended an oil refinery in multiple personal injury and class action lawsuits following an explosion and fire in Superior, WI.
• Defended a multinational industrial conglomerate in asbestos litigation in multiple matters, including one complete dismissal by summary judgment.

Caitlin Maly focuses her practice on the defense of companies in class action, product liability, toxic tort, mass tort, and other complex litigation matters. She also has experience in government enforcement actions, internal investigations, and compliance counseling. In both state and federal trial and appellate courts, Caitlin has defended companies in a wide array of industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer products, energy, automotive, and higher education.

Before joining the firm, Caitlin served as a senior managing associate in the litigation group of a multinational law firm. Caitlin has played key roles in the development of creative legal defense strategies and is experienced in leading national litigation teams. She has briefed and argued successful dispositive and discovery motions in both state and federal courts, and she has drafted successful appellate briefs and petitions.

Caitlin demonstrates a commitment to pro bono service. She was part of a trial team that secured a successful jury verdict on behalf of an incarcerated individual who alleged excessive force in a mental health facility. Caitlin was also honored with a 2019 Northern District of Illinois’ Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service for her work representing an individual who alleged excessive force during the execution of a search warrant. In law school, she was a member of the Minnesota Justice Foundation and Asylum Law Project student boards.

Bar Admissions

• Illinois

Education

• University of Minnesota (J.D., 2015)
• University of Wisconsin (B.A., 2010)