Steven Hwang
Steven is an experienced litigator focused on complex product liability and commercial litigation matters.
Steven Hwang works closely with his clients to develop effective litigation strategies by carefully evaluating each client's case-specific goals and business objectives. He represents clients in the defense of high-stakes product liability, commercial, and other complex litigation matters. Steven's ability to assess risk, develop cost-effective and efficient litigation and settlement strategies, and successfully manage many multimillion-dollar cases simultaneously has earned the respect of his clients and colleagues alike.
Steven always prioritizes his client's needs by developing, balancing, and managing legal strategies that meet their particular objectives and goals. His clients range from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses in various industries, including automotive, aviation, entertainment and media, food and beverage, manufacturing, technology, and financial services.
Education & Credentials
Education
- UC Berkeley School of Law, J.D., (formerly Boalt Hall), 2001
- University of California, San Diego, B.A., 1997
Bar and Court Admissions
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California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
Additional Languages
- Korean
Impact
Professional Leadership
- Korean American Bar Association of Southern California (KABA), Current Member and Former VP, Treasurer, Secretary and Governor.
- National Asian Pacific Bar Association
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
Community Involvement
- KABA and Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Pro Bono Legal Clinic, Volunteer Attorney
Insights
Professional Experience
Product Liability
- Represented e-commerce company nationwide in multiple product liability lawsuits and pre-litigation claims involving a wide array of consumer products purchased using its online store.
- Represented airplane manufacturer in wrongful death and personal injury litigation arising from airplane crashes.
- Represented automotive manufacturer and retailer against claims alleging defective component parts.
- Represented construction product manufacturer against wrongful death and personal injury claims.
- Represented food and beverage client against claim for personal injury arising from the ingestion of a defective product.
- Represented multiple clients nationwide in mass tort and toxic cases.
Class Action Defense
Represented healthcare industry client in a federal putative class action alleging various consumer claims including under the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) for failure to implement and maintain reasonable security practices to protect class members’ personal identifiable information from unauthorized access during a data security breach.
Obtained dismissal of federal putative class action alleging slack fill consumer fraud claims. Court dismissed all claims finding that client’s product packaging clearly and accurately displayed its contents and was not deceptive.
Obtained dismissal of federal putative class action concerning the lawful use of partially hydrogenated oils on federal preemption grounds pursuant to the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and Section 754 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
Obtained dismissal of federal putative class action alleging deceptive and false product labeling based on plaintiff’s failure to allege injury sufficient for Article III standing.
Represented clients in multiple wage-and-hour class actions, including claims related to failure to pay overtime, failure to provide meal and rest breaks, and failure to reimburse expenses. Obtained favorable resolutions after engaging in discovery and motion practice.
Litigation
- Successfully represented a sports and entertainment industry client in highly contested business litigation matter involving cross-claims for breach of contract, fraud and business torts which resulted in favorable settlement for client after extensive discovery and filing of a motion for summary judgment.
- Represented various clients across industries involving claims for breach of contract and other business disputes.
Representative Case:
The Red Hat Society v. Ena Clarke d/b/a Red Hat Ladies
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Successfully prosecuted Internet domain name trademark infringement matter in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Obtained permanent injunction for client.