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Andrew F. Gann, Jr. Partner

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Richmond T +1 804 775 1643 F fax +1 804 698 2143
Charlottesville
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Drew is a litigator, with a primary focus on class actions, mass tort lawsuits, high-stakes commercial litigation, and litigation arising out of catastrophic incidents. His expertise includes handling multidistrict litigation (MDL) and providing counsel on punitive damages in high-stakes personal injury actions. Drew has a wealth of experience representing clients facing investigations by various regulatory bodies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”), Department of Transportation (“DOT”), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), state attorney general offices, and public utility commissions. His clients span diverse industries, including energy, transportation, construction, and product manufacturing.

Drew is a nationally recognized commentator and speaker on legal issues, including class actions and catastrophic incidents. Drew was recognized as a top author in the area of class action during the 2023 JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards, determined by the author’s visibility, reach, and reader engagement. He has had articles published in numerous leading publications including: Law360.com, SCOTUSBlog, Oil & Gas E-Report, Energy Advisor, Texas Lawyer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Litigation Blog, Password Protected, and Class Action Countermeasures. He has also been co-author of chapters for the following books: Infectious Disease Litigation: Science, Law & Procedure; The Legal 500: Product Liability Country Comparative Guide; and, A Practitioner’s Guide to Class Actions.

Drew also has an active pro bono practice, which includes serving as a Triage Champion for the City of Richmond’s Eviction Diversion Program, representing clients in no-fault divorce cases in Southwest Virginia, and representing prisoners in 42 U.S.C. §1983 actions.

Before joining McGuireWoods, Drew served as a law clerk to the Honorable Eugene E. Siler, Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and to the Honorable Norman K. Moon of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia. During his clerkship, Drew assisted with appeals before the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Ninth, and Eleventh Circuits. While in law school, Drew served on the Editorial Board for the Virginia Law Review and as the articles editor for the Virginia Journal of Social Policy and the Law.

Experience

Energy Litigation

  • Serve as national wildfire counsel for numerous utilities, which entails assisting with development of comprehensive wildfire mitigation plans and seeking appropriate legislative and regulatory limitations of liability.
  • Serve as cross jurisdictional counsel for one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in a wide variety of litigation matters, including catastrophic incidents, commercial disputes, and pipeline integrity investigations.
  • Represented a utility company in a consolidated class action following a pipeline explosion from an over-pressurization event that resulted in seven class actions and more than 30 bodily injury actions.
  • Represented a leading hydrocarbon exploration and pipeline transportation company in litigation concerning environmental defects from a $500 million commercial deal.
  • Represented a natural gas transmission company in claims concerning alleged contamination of natural gas.
  • Represented a hydrocarbon exploration company in claims against the oil and gas industry for earthquakes.
  • Represented one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in connection to an explosion and fire in a shopping center.
  • Represented a natural gas transmission company in a series of lawsuits related to pipeline integrity and land rights.
  • Represented a natural gas production company in claims for negligence and trespass in the construction of a pipeline.
  • Represented natural gas distribution companies in connection to house explosions in various jurisdictions, including Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
  • Represented a natural gas transmission company in a breach of contract lawsuit related to the implementation of compressor stations and resulting first party and third party damage.
  • Represented electric utility company in bodily injury litigation and insurance recovery following a lithium-ion battery thermal runaway event.
  • Represented a utility company in a series of commercial disputes with contractors surrounding installation of pipelines.
  • Represented utility companies on issues related to force majeure, impossibility, and frustration of purpose in construction disputes.
  • Represented multi-national energy company on various litigation issues, including negligence, trespass, unjust enrichment, and punitive damages.
  • Represented a natural gas distribution company in claims against a contractor for installation of polyethylene plastic pipe with fusions.
  • Represented a natural gas midstream company on breach of contract issues, including liquidated damages, indemnification, and alternative dispute resolution.

Product Liability Litigation

  • Represented a Fortune 100 equipment manufacturer in a nationwide products liability class action concerning engine component parts.
  • Represented a national flooring retailer in MDL litigation involving more than 140 class actions and 30 personal injury actions alleging excessive levels of formaldehyde in Chinese-manufactured laminate flooring.
  • Represented an American Fortune 100 engine manufacturer in claims of deceptive trade practices and breach of warranty.
  • Represented a national flooring retailer in class action litigation alleging premature scratching of bamboo flooring prior to the 30-year warranty.
  • Represented a consumer product manufacturer in more than 400 claims in a Florida mass action involving alleged deceptive trade practices.
  • Represented a water treatment product manufacturer in a New Jersey class action related to deceptive trade practices.
  • Represented a retail furniture company in a Consumer Product Safety Commission investigation following a child’s death.
  • Represented one of the largest family-owned product portfolio businesses in an investigation related to fire resistant products.
  • Represented a national furniture retailer before the Consumer Product Safety Commission after a voluntary recall.
  • Represented a specialty chemical company in a complex commercial lawsuit related to adhesive film.
  • Represented a fully integrated real estate company in claims related to corded window blinds.
  • Represented a national furniture retailer in wrongful death lawsuits in numerous jurisdictions.

Other High-Stakes Litigation

  • Represented Class I railroad as punitive damages counsel in high-exposure personal injury actions.
  • Represented a former Fortune 500 Chief Executive Officer in preventing an “Apex” deposition.
  • Represented a private Christian university in various matters including claims for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and business conspiracy.
  • Represented one of the largest baking companies in the United States in various high-stakes personal injury claims.

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