D. Nicole “Nikki” Guntner primarily focuses on representation of Plaintiffs in multidistrict litigation against sophisticated Defendants, and she has substantial experience in the discovery of electronically-stored information (ESI). Nikki has briefed and argued ESI and e-discovery matters before numerous federal and state Courts, including the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal, and has developed systems to facilitate efficient efficient management of e-discovery in large-scale cases. She previously served as both in-house counsel and defense counsel on matters involving complex e-discovery issues and corporate document retention.

Nikki was appointed in January 2021 by U.S. District Judge Brian Martinotti of the District of New Jersey to serve on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in the nationwide Elmiron litigation, where she continues to help lead thousands of lawsuits involving Johnson & Johnson’s bladder drug Elmiron, which causes serious retinal damage and a signature eye disease.

Nikki also represents former NFL players against the NFL Player Disability & Survivor Benefit Plan, the NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan, the Disability Board, and Roger Goodell for wrongful denial of benefits, breach of fiduciary duty, and violations of federal law.

Nikki also represents hundreds of individuals and business owners in their claims against Skanska for damages resulting from the destruction of the Pensacola Bay Bridge. Nikki served as trial counsel in the Northern District of Florida, where she helped successfully defend against Skanska’s limitation action. Nikki also led the effort to uncover Skanska’s destruction of cell phone data for five key custodians, resulting in spoliation sanctions against the company.

Nikki was previously a member of the trial team for the final Xarelto bellwether trial in Pennsylvania state court and was involved in the firm’s efforts in the Xarelto MDL, which resulted in a $775 Million settlement. She also represented women suffering injuries from the birth control implant Essure and individuals suffering injuries from proton pump inhibitors.

Before joining AWKO, Nikki worked as an attorney at Willkie Farr & Gallagher in New York, where her practice focused on commercial litigation and government investigations involving financial institutions. She was also temporarily seconded to serve as litigation counsel for Royal Bank of Canada, where she supported the Bank’s U.S. Capital Markets business.

Nikki earned her J.D. from New York University School of Law. Prior to receiving her law degree, Nikki earned her M.S. in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University her B.S. in Political Science from Florida State University.