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Scott L. Winkelman

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Scott L. Winkelman is a partner in the firm's Litigation Group and co-chair of the firm’s Transportation Practice. Scott co-founded the firm’s Product Risk Management Practice, has served on the firm’s Management Board and Executive Committee, and for a time managed the firm’s New York office and its Regulatory initiative.

Scott represents clients in class actions, force majeure and other contract disputes, multidistrict proceedings, arbitrations, and other complex litigation in products and commercial matters nationwide.

Scott represents clients in agency proceedings before the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and related product regulatory bodies, including in connection with four of the largest automotive recalls in United States history.

Scott conducts product and business risk assessments; performs crisis management; and counsels on liability prevention, commercial contracting, warranty, and best practices in law functions and legal management.

Scott is a certified "black belt" in Six Sigma methodology and brings project efficiencies to his client engagements.

Scott has been recognized by BTI Consulting Group as a 2020 Client Service All-Star. The honor, bestowed by corporate counsel, recognizes attorneys who “stand above all the others in delivering the absolute best in client service. Amid all the changes and unexpected events, they stand tallest.”

Since 1997, Scott has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers In America as a "Best Lawyer" in the area of product liability litigation, and has been ranked in Super Lawyers.

Scott served as judicial clerk to the Honorable John Pratt of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Scott is married with two children and roots for all Detroit sports teams.

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A high-stakes jury trial is underway in Ohio federal court to determine whether GATX and OxyVinyls should reimburse Norfolk Southern (NS) for some or all of a $600 million class-action settlement tied to the 2023 East Palestine derailment.

The Backstory

  • In April 2024, NS agreed to the class payout after months of litigation over the derailment that led to chemical fires and allegations of widespread community harm. NS brought OxyVinyls and GATX into that mass litigation before it settled with the plaintiff class. Now, NS wants GATX (owner of the tank car with the failed wheel bearing) and OxyVinyls (shipper of the chemicals) to foot the bill.
Continue Reading Rail Derailment Trial Kicks Off: Who Pays For East Palestine?
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has rescinded Biden-era memorandums from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that prioritized infrastructure projects with social justice and climate goals, aligning with the Trump administration’s policy direction. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stated these memos lacked statutory basis and will no longer influence DOT programs. Critics of the earlier policies had noted that the policy prioritized infrastructure projects intended to maintain or upgrade existing roads, highways, and bridges rather than new construction. This will also give states more autonomy in prioritizing funding allocations.  

Continue Reading DOT Reverses Course and Rescinds Policy Memos Related to Infrastructure Projects

Our partner Amna Arshad is participating in the Grand Debate at The International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Legal Symposium 2025 in Shanghai on February 20! At the Grand Debate – the main event that closes out the conference – the panel will debate a matter of controversy in aviation law. Crowell International Dispute Resolution Partners Rob Hager and Michael Guiffre also are attending the Symposium.

Continue Reading Partner Amna Arshad To Take the Main Stage at IATA Symposium in Shanghai