Peter E. Masaitis

• Obtained a complete defense verdict as co-lead counsel in a two-month jury trial in Pasadena defending claims that talcum powder in Johnson & Johnson baby powder was contaminated with asbestos and caused the plaintiff’s cancer. 
• Obtained dismissal of a case during a three-week jury trial in Los Angeles on claims that talcum powder in Johnson & Johnson baby powder was contaminated with asbestos.
• Obtained pleadings-stage dismissal of a $400 million-plus putative class action alleging product defect and false advertising claims against an industry-leading satellite television provider. 
• Counsel for Twentieth Century Fox in the Watchmen copyright litigation in which Fox obtained summary judgment establishing that it owned the distribution rights to this major motion picture. 
• Obtained summary judgment of a potentially billion-dollar nationwide class action for an industry-leading satellite television provider involving false advertising, unconscionability, and breach of implied covenant claims. 
• Obtained a no-payment dismissal before trial of an international manufacturer of plumbing products in an asbestos product liability action. 
• Prevailed on a motion to dismiss at the pleadings stage of a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas against the Chinese manufacturer of an automotive lift.
• Defended a major aerospace client in a multiparty community toxic tort action, working the plaintiff pool down from several hundred to 27 to position the client for a favorable pre-trial settlement. 
• Defeated a contractor’s claims of breach of contract, fraud, and discrimination against a major wireless carrier after a four-week jury trial. The plaintiff sought over $6 million in damages for claims arising out of site acquisition, architectural, and engineering and construction services related to network expansion. 
• Defended a class action alleging unfair business practices and false advertising against a major petroleum company for its marketing of dual-branded motor oils in what was the first-known challenge of multiple branding as an unfair trade practice. 

Peter Masaitis concentrates his practice on complex litigation matters, focusing on products liability claims, toxic torts, consumer class actions, and business-to-business disputes. He brings value to his clients by efficiently defending high-value, large-scale claims while taking care to minimize the impact these serious cases have on his clients’ business operations. His international clients span a variety of industries, including automotive, telecommunications, aerospace, consumer electronics, and chemical products. 

Peter has significant experience representing many China-based companies, as well as the largest insurer in China, skillfully helping them navigate litigation in the U.S. He is a seasoned litigator with trial and arbitration experience. While California can be a difficult venue in which to defend complex litigation claims, Peter offers thoughtful, effective representation throughout the entire process, from creative initial case management planning through trial. 

As a strong believer in green initiatives and their related efficiencies, Peter is national chair of Alston & Bird’s Sustainability Committee, whose goal is to promote efficient use of limited resources by preventing waste, reducing negative impacts on the environment, and promoting the health and wellness of people within our firm and communities. He is former president of the national Law Firm Sustainability Network. 

Bar Admissions

• California

Education

• University of California, Los Angeles (J.D., 1998)
• University of California, Irvine (B.A., 1994)

Memberships