Judge taps Uber MDL veterans to lead Lyft sexual assault litigation

Given their similar allegations and business models, overlap between two multidistrict litigations against Uber and Lyft over driver sexual assault claims appeared likely. That became clearer Wednesday when U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin appointed three veterans of the Uber MDL to lead the Lyft case.

Roopal P. Luhana of Chaffin Luhana and Rachel B. Abrams of Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise, both co-lead counsel in the Uber MDL, will serve as co-lead counsel alongside Aimee H. Wagstaff of Andrus Wagstaff. In re: Lyft, Inc. Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation, 3:26-md-03171 (N.D. Cal., filed Feb. 5, 2026).

The three firms were the only applicants.

"I think it's a great team," Lin said after announcing the appointments.

Wagstaff said the group's prior experience working together would allow them to manage the litigation efficiently. Much of the proposed plaintiffs' steering committee also worked on the Uber MDL, she said.

Before making her decision, Lin asked Luhana how she planned to balance responsibilities in both cases.

The Uber MDL is awaiting its second bellwether trial after an Arizona jury awarded $8.5 million in the first case earlier this year, finding the driver acted as an apparent agent of the company despite being classified as an independent contractor.

Luhana said the key issues in the Uber litigation have largely been resolved, and future trials are expected to be more streamlined.

"There are limited, pointed issues and we have a very strong team," she said. "So, it's about dividing and conquering."

Lin said the leadership appointments will last one year, with the option to seek extensions.

With lead counsel in place, Lin directed the parties to begin discovery rather than wait for a consolidated complaint, noting there is already evidence the parties know will be produced.

"I just don't see a reason to wait," she said.

Lin also said she plans to take a hands-on role in selecting bellwether cases, potentially involving a court-appointed settlement master, emphasizing that the process is intended to help resolve the litigation.