Karen Kahle’s practice is devoted to litigation, with a focus on product liability, class actions, and mass torts. She heads the firm’s Class Action & Mass Tort Team. Prior to practicing law, Ms. Kahle was a registered pharmacist and practiced pharmacy full-time from 1982 to 1987.
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
- Represented international electrical manufacturer in seeking to quash records subpoena from state attorney general
- Federal jury trial for school board in high profile litigation alleging sexual discrimination by high school teacher against student
- Represented pharmacist in consumer protection act complaint filed by state attorney general over internet pharmacy practice
- Represented equine massage therapist against state agency over re-instatement of a work permit
- Represent natural gas transmission and storage company in numerous property protection and commercial matters
- Served as trial counsel through verdict in several dozen medical malpractice, personal injury and wrongful death matters
- Prepared and argued numerous motions for summary judgment
- Served as defense liaison counsel for hospital defendants in statewide class action over medical records copying costs
- Counseled employers concerning duties under Controlled Substance Act
- Represented manufacturers and distributors in various product liability actions and class actions
AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
- Product liability
- Class actions and mass torts
- Business litigation
- Energy
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1990 Steptoe & Johnson
1982-1987 Registered Pharmacist
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Chairman, Committee on Lawyer Assistance & Intervention, West Virginia State Bar
- Chairman, Amicus Briefing Committee, Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia
- American Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute
INDUSTRY / CIVIC MEMBERSHIPS
- Board, Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce
- Chairman of the Board, Public Defender’s Corporation for First Judicial Circuit
AWARDS / HONORS
- The Best Lawyers in America®