Gustafson Gluek Names Cathy Smith<br>New Firm Manager

Effective January 1, 2025, Cathy Smith will succeed Karla Gluek as Gustafson Gluek’s new Firm Manager. Cathy brings an exciting new perspective to the Firm as Gustafson Gluek continues to litigate nationwide plaintiffs’ cases and promote diversity in its own firm management. 

Cathy joined the Firm in 2007 and quickly became a leader in some of the Firm’s highest-profile antitrust class actions. She played a pivotal role in cases including In re Lithium-Ion Batteries Antitrust Litig. (N.D. Cal.), In re Optical Disk Drive Products Antitrust Litig. (N.D. Cal.), In re Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Antitrust Litig. (N.D. Cal.), and In re TFT-LCD (Flat Panel) Antitrust Litig. (N.D. Cal.). Recently Cathy was a key member of the trial team for the CRT Antitrust case. In addition to her antitrust practice, Cathy has been very active in the Firm’s consumer protection practice group.

“I am excited to support Cathy in her new expanded role and I think it will be a great benefit for the Firm to add Cathy’s experience and insight into its leadership,” said Karla Gluek, outgoing Firm Manager. “Cathy has the right temperament and skills for the job.”

“Cathy is going to continue the strong firm management that Karla has managed for the past decade but also brings a new outlook to the Firm as it enters its twenty-third year,” says Founding Partner Dan Gustafson. “Although Karla and I remain active at the Firm representing our clients and the classes of plaintiffs, we think it is time for the next generation of talented lawyers, including Cathy, to lead us into the future.”

The Firm congratulates Cathy on her new role and looks forward to joining in on her success.