Lisa M. Simonetti

Ms. Simonetti also has been involved in developing unique arguments in defense of actions under California’s Unfair Competition Law (UCL). For instance, Ms. Simonetti was involved in presenting an important and novel issue to the California Supreme Court (in Washington Mutual v. Superior Court [Briseno]) with respect to the propriety of nationwide class certification in actions alleging violations of the UCL where the underlying contract includes a choice-of-law provision. In addition, she has presented issues of first impression under the UCL to the Courts of Appeal, dealing with a range of subjects, including the defense of federal preemption. As an example, Ms. Simonetti prevailed before the Ninth Circuit in Chae v. SLM Corporation, an important decision affirming federal preemption of California contract and consumer-protection laws in the student-lending industry.

In addition, given the current regulatory environment, which has seen the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Ms. Simonetti routinely counsels financial services clients on compliance with state and federal laws. She also makes presentations to both in-house and business representatives with respect to current developments, addressing strategies for avoiding the risk of litigation or regulatory proceedings and for effectively defending actions, if initiated.

• Co-author, "When Is An Action 'Commenced' Under The Class Action Fairness Act of 2005?" Stroock Special Bulletin, January 2007
• Co-author, "Recent Developments in Litigation Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act," Banking Law Journal, 2004
• Co-author, "Recent Developments in Consumer Class Action Litigation," Consumer Financial Services Litigation, PLI, 2004
• "Recent Developments in Residential Mortgage Litigation"
• Co-author, An Overview of California's Unfair Competition Law and the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, a comprehensive article about two of California's most frequently litigated consumer protection laws