AMANDA BLAU advises and defends companies in complex product liability, mass tort, and commercial litigations. Amanda has a diverse range of experience representing pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer product manufacturers in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) practice and state court coordinated proceedings and has managed all aspects of a case—from initial pleading and briefing strategy, to fact and expert development and depositions, early resolution negotiations, jury exercises, and trial. She also advises clients regarding risk management and litigation avoidance strategies.
Amanda was part the Sidley trial team, in 2021, that obtained a unanimous defense verdict for a consumer health products company after a five-week jury trial. During the trial, Amanda successfully argued critical motions in limine, negotiated video deposition designations with opposing counsel, helped prepare lead counsel for cross examination of fact and expert witnesses, and assisted with closing arguments and jury instructions.
Amanda also maintains an active pro bono practice and has been a recipient of the Sidley Austin Pro Bono Award (2018–2023). She was also honored as a pro bono partner at the 2021 Brooklyn Defender Services’ Family Defense Benefit for her work in helping to secure a win in the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division - Second Department, successfully overturning a family court decision. Amanda went on to lead the team in a bench trial before the Family Court judge in Kings County.
While attending law school at the University of Michigan, Amanda successfully argued two family law cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals. And prior to joining Sidley, she was an intern at The Office of White House Counsel and for United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan Judge Judith E. Levy.