Kevin R. Budner

Kevin R. Budner: Leading Litigation Attorney Specializing in Consumer Protection

Kevin R. Budner is a partner at Lieff Cabraser in San Francisco, recognized as a leading force in complex, high-impact litigation. With a proven track record of securing substantial recoveries for consumers, Mr. Budner specializes in mass tort litigation and class actions, particularly within the areas of product liability and consumer protection. He is consistently sought after for his strategic approach, deep legal expertise, and unwavering commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.

Mr. Budner's career is defined by landmark victories and significant settlements, demonstrating his ability to navigate intricate legal challenges and hold corporations accountable. Notably, he was a key architect of San Francisco’s successful case against Walgreens in the nationwide opioid litigation, playing a pivotal role in uncovering critical evidence and driving a transformative $230 million recovery. This monumental achievement, culminating in Walgreens’ multi-billion dollar settlement, solidified Mr. Budner’s reputation as a strategic litigation leader.

Beyond the opioid litigation, Mr. Budner’s expertise extends to representing the interests of vehicle owners impacted by deceptive marketing and defective products. He spearheaded the Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” multidistrict litigation, working alongside lead counsel Elizabeth Cabraser to expose deceptive practices and secure nearly $15 billion in settlements. This case, along with subsequent settlements with Hino Motors ($445 million), Fiat-Chrysler (“EcoDiesel” MDL) ($307.5 million), and Audi and Porsche (overstating fuel economy), highlights his dedication to consumer advocacy and his ability to successfully litigate complex product liability claims.

What sets Mr. Budner apart is not just his legal acumen, but also his collaborative approach and dedication to his clients. He works closely with a team of experienced attorneys and legal professionals, leveraging a wealth of resources and expertise to maximize the value for his clients. His leadership within the team ensured the ‘devastating’ evidence presented against Walgreens resulted in a landmark victory, and his strategic guidance during the Porsche settlement, where class members would recover “close to all of the damages they might expect to receive at trial,” underscored the exceptional results achieved.

Mr. Budner’s accomplishments have garnered numerous accolades, recognizing his exceptional talent and dedication. He has been consistently recognized as a “Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer” by the Daily Journal, a “Rising Star for Class Action Law” by Law360, a “Rising Star of the Plaintiff’s Bar” by the National Law Journal, a “Rising Star for Northern California” by Super Lawyers, and a “One to Watch” by Best Lawyers. These distinctions include being named a “Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America” (2021-2026), a “Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America” (2023-2025), a “Lawdragon 500 Global Plaintiff Lawyers” (2024), and a “Rising Star for Northern California” by Super Lawyers (2019-2022). He has also received awards for “Trial Lawyer of the Year” from Public Justice, “Trial Lawyer Excellence Award” from the Law Bulletin, “California Lawyer of the Year” from the California Daily Journal, and was a “Consumer Attorney of the Year Finalist” with the Consumer Attorneys of California.

Practice Areas

• Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
• Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
• Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs

Awards & Recognition

• Recognized: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
• Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
• Recognized: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
• “Ones to Watch,” Best Attorney USA
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America (2021-2026)
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America (2023-2025)
• Lawdragon 500 Global Plaintiff Lawyers (2024)
• Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation (2023, 2024)
• Rising Star for Northern California, Super Lawyers (2019 - 2022)
• Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer, Daily Journal (2021)
• Rising Star for Class Action Law, Law360 (2021)
• Rising Star of the Plaintiffs’ Bar, National Law Journal (2021)
• Trial Lawyer of the Year, Public Justice (2019)
• Trial Lawyer Excellence Award, Law Bulletin (2019)
• California Lawyer of the Year, California Daily Journal (2018)
• 40 and Under Hot List, Benchmark Litigation (2018)
• Consumer Attorney of the Year Finalist, Consumer Attorneys of California (2017)

Education & Credentials

Mr. Budner is a partner at Lieff Cabraser, a leading national law firm specializing in complex litigation. He possesses an extensive understanding of federal and state regulations related to product safety and consumer protection. He remains actively involved in the legal community, participating in various professional organizations and continuing to advocate for consumer rights.

Affiliations

Lieff Cabraser LLP

San Francisco, California