Alicia A. Baiardo Partner

Save current page as PDF

Ali, a partner in the San Francisco office of McGuireWoods, is a commanding commercial litigator trusted by three of the largest U.S. banks and numerous Fortune Global 500 companies to defend multimillion-dollar class actions and other complex litigation. She defends nationwide consumer class actions brought on behalf of millions of class members, California-wide cases alleging unfair competition, fraud, and violation of various consumer protection statutes, and complex Ponzi-scheme matters brought against banks as well as mass arbitrations.

With over a decade of experience, Ali advocates for her clients at all stages of litigation, often obtaining dismissals with prejudice and negotiating strategically beneficial settlements where appropriate while being prepared to litigate when necessary. She has significant experience defending financial institutions in consumer fraud, aiding and abetting, and ECOA and FHA claims. She is also deeply involved in the evolving mass arbitration landscape and advises clients accordingly.

Additionally, Ali advises clients in commercial disputes, privacy matters, and trust and estate litigation involving undue influence allegations, accounting disputes, life estate valuations, inter-family disputes over distribution of assets, and special trustee’s fiduciary duties in administering family trusts. She is a member of the firm’s Data Privacy & Security Group and a registered member of the IAPP.

She also has significant pro bono experience litigating asylum and prisoners’ rights cases. Ali is a member of the firm’s Board of Partners. She has served on the firm’s Diversity Committee since 2019 and has co-chaired the firm’s Women Lawyers Network since 2022.

Experience

  • Obtained first of its kind order from Ninth Circuit affirming a AAA Process Arbitrator’s order requiring the claimants provide basic information about their claims in order to proceed.
  • Defended major national banks in multidistrict class action litigation and individual class actions while navigating regulatory implications.
  • Represented Fortune 100 manufacturing company in a breach of contract matter involving the company’s software platform.
  • Represented company in fraud-related construction matter securing significant award in arbitration
  • Successfully handle trust and estate litigation matters involving undue influence allegations, accounting disputes, and claims concerning a corporate trustee’s fiduciary duties.
  • Defended major national banks in litigation triggering Articles 3 and 4 of the Commercial Code, including customer obligations, unauthorized signatures, know your customer requirements, electronic funds transfers and applicable federal preemption.
  • Successful representation of clients through trial.