Collins Kilgore represents clients facing complex litigation and business threats, primarily those concerning marketing, labeling, and environmental compliance for consumer goods. He leads teams of litigators defending retailers and manufacturers of food products and other consumer products against mislabeling and deceptive marketing statements ranging from health and wellness claims to alleged greenwashing, as well as allegations of noncompliance with environmental labeling laws. Collins has been instrumental in developing defenses that consumers must act reasonably when interpreting product marketing and labeling, including the principle affirmed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that consumers must not ignore other available context—such as the source of goods or price of a product—that would prevent their misinterpretation of a marketing or labeling statement. He also advises and defends clients as to compliance with California’s Proposition 65 and other laws concerning the disclosure of chemicals in food products and other consumer goods.
Collins’ significant pro bono work has involved immigration, reproductive, and veterans’ rights. He currently represents asylum-seeking migrants in litigation with the federal government over the now-abandoned policy of separating migrant children from their parents requesting asylum at the southern US border. He also has experience managing contract disputes and other business litigation, mass torts, false claims litigation, internal investigations, and complex eDiscovery needs.
- Represented leading retailers and manufacturers in the food and beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries—matters include putative class actions and mass actions alleging false advertising and consumer protection claims, alleged Proposition 65 violations, business disputes involving breach of contract and interference with contract claims, EPA compliance and reporting, and product liability.
- Advised retailers and manufacturers in drafting supplier contracts, managing indemnity and contract disputes and negotiations, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
- Defended large retirement and welfare benefit plans against class-action and nationwide claims of alleged fiduciary breaches and other ERISA violations.
- Represented a national insurer in qui tam action asserting False Claims Act violations and in government investigation.
- Defended national health insurers in litigation over payment disputes and alleged unfair competition.
Admissions
Bar Admissions
- California
Court Admissions
- US District Court for the Central and Northern Districts of California
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Education
- Vanderbilt University, J.D.
- Hendrix College, B.A., Philosophy