One of the preeminent retail and e-commerce attorneys in the country, Stephanie was one of the first lawyers to build a retail-focused practice aimed at providing a “one stop shop” for retailers across the industry. Since then, she has defended and advised dozens of the most iconic retail brands, spanning from luxury brands, department stores, big-box stores, hotels, and restaurants, in addition to many of the country’s most promising start-ups.
Named a Law360 “MVP in Retail & E-Commerce” for four consecutive years and the only law firm representative on the Board of the California Retailers Association, Stephanie helps clients build and maintain marketplace dominance while proactively addressing the multitude of federal, state and local consumer protection laws.
A seasoned trial lawyer, Stephanie has tried many civil jury actions to verdict, which have all resulted in defense verdicts or, in one case, a verdict that required no monetary payout from her client. One of her cases was selected by the California Daily Journal as one of the “Top 10 Defense Verdicts” of the year.
Stephanie has defended well over 50 consumer class actions brought under a broad array of consumer statutes, involving allegations of deceptive pricing, false advertising, federal and state privacy laws, “Made in the USA” claims, and ADA website and Braille access cases, in addition to automatic renewal law, gift card law, call recording laws, and violations of California’s Proposition 65. Many of her cases have involved nuanced technological issues, including data cooperatives, session replay, chatbots, and social media pixel technology.
Stephanie’s discerning industry knowledge and extensive first-chair trial experience has also helped her provide practical advice to retailers looking to mitigate the risk of potential claims. She regularly advises retailers on issues relating to advertising, privacy, automatic renewals, accessibility, and more.
Every year, she presents on emerging trends and issues to in-house legal counsels through the Retail Industry Leaders Association, National Retail Federation, and other industry organizations.
Stephanie is a member of Benesch’s Executive Committee, Vice Chair of the Litigation Group, and Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s San Francisco office.
Representative Experience
- Representing multiple retailers with respect to investigations by California’s “Greenwashing Taskforce” into their advertising of biodegradable and plastic-free products.
- Engaged by largest retailer industry group in the country to prepare comments on updates to the FTC’s Endorsement Guides.
- In support of a motion to dismiss based on feigned injury, secured prompt voluntary dismissal after introducing video surveillance footage showing Plaintiff taking photographs and videos of in-store price displays at the time she was allegedly duped into making a purchase.
- Acting as outside marketing counsel for several household names, which routinely involves reviewing and revising pricing policy; advising on online and in-store marketing campaigns; representing the company in government actions for weights and measures violations; advising on changes to return policy; advising on changes to website’s terms and conditions; and advising on influencer negotiations and related agreements.
- Defended more than 40 class actions across the country alleging deceptive pricing practices with an unmatched track record, including winning at trial, summary judgment, defeating class certification, and multiple appeals.
- Defended more than 100 retailers in more than 200 filed or threatened lawsuits nationwide alleging violations of federal and state disability laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), California’s Unruh Act, and New York’s Human Rights Law. Met with the Department of Justice in Washington, DC to discuss potential legislative solutions to this onslaught of litigation.
- Representing multiple e-commerce companies with respect to investigations by the California Auto Renewal Taskforce (CART) into their subscription programs.
- Defending fifteen retailers against claims brought under the federal Wiretap Act and California’s Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) concerning the alleged recording of chat conversations, use of session replay technology, and use of the Facebook Pixel.
- In a government enforcement action brought by the state of California, obtained a Court of Appeal decision laying the groundwork for finding that California’s former price law violates the First Amendment; in response, the government dropped that significant claim under that statute.
- Defending numerous eyeglasses manufacturers and retailers against allegations arising from the company’s claims concerning blue light’s harmful effects and how its products can diminish or lessen those effects.