Federal judge in Calif. begins housekeeping of Toyota lawsuits as lawyers jockey to take lead

Lawyers jockey for lead slots in Toyota lawsuits

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Dozens of lawyers are jockeying to take the lead in the litigation involving sudden acceleration problems in Toyota vehicles.

More than 70 lawyers are expected to try and dazzle U.S. District Judge James Selna at a hearing Thursday with their expertise to head three committees that will oversee key components of the case.

At stake is potentially millions of dollars that a judge can appropriate for attorneys if a settlement or award is reached.

More than 320 lawsuits have been filed in federal and state court against Toyota Motor Corp. Some lawsuits are claiming economic loss after the Japanese automaker recalled millions of vehicles, while others allege injury and death due to sudden acceleration.

A judicial panel consolidated the federal cases in Orange County, Calif., and chose Selna to preside over them.