Sheila Carmody's practice is concentrated on complex litigation with an emphasis on defense of insurance companies and manufacturers in class action cases, multi-jurisdictional litigation, and general commercial litigation. She serves as coordinating and local counsel for insurers and manufacturers in national and Arizona litigation in various disputes as well as bad faith and coverage matters.
Counsel in National Class Actions for several major auto insurers; allegations included antitrust and conspiracy to use substandard non-OEM parts on customer vehicles. The Class had over 90 million members, and went to the 11th Circuit
Defended a National Class where it was alleged major auto insurers "omitted certain repairs" in estimates at the Federal trial level and again at the 7th Circuit
Defended Body Shop Class Actions alleging that insurer was required to pay inflated labor rates for customer repairs; the matter went to the 9th Circuit
Have acted as national and local lead counsel directing defense of state and federal multi-party and class actions against manufacturers and insurers; work with in-house counsel to manage resources to provide efficient services; cases have included antitrust, RICO, common law and statutory fraud, false advertising, and bad faith actions
Have served as Arizona counsel for out-of-state insurers on complex cases including termination and controversies with other carriers
Served as regional and local counsel in litigation alleging rheumatological diseases including silicone toxicity caused by products and defense of implantable devices including ‘mesh’ in different applications
Local counsel for pharmaceutical manufacturers in matters related to antidepressant drugs
Lead counsel in complex chemical toxic exposure cases relating to agricultural chemical manufacturing
Arizona State University College of Law (J.D.)
City College of the City, University of New York (B.A., cum laude)
Maricopa County Bar Association
Arizona Association of Defense Counsel
American Law Institute - Adviser on Principles of the Law of Aggregate Litigation (2004)
Lecturer at Arizona State University College of Law on Mass Torts and Class Actions
American Bar Association
Tort and Insurance Practice Section
Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC)
Class Action and Multidistrict Litigation Committee
Drug, Device and Biotechnology Committee
Trial Tactics, Practice and Procedures Committee
Professional Women's Forum
Diversity Committee
Women Lawyers Association
Defense Research Institute (DRI)
Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona, AZ Business Magazine (2021-2022)
Irish Legal 100 Honoree (2020)
The Best Lawyers in America®, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants (2007-2023)
Gold 'n Gavel Star for 1981, ASU Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law (2017)
Southwest Super Lawyers®, Business Litigation (2007-2009, 2013)
Outstanding Alumna: Class of 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law (2011)
Arizona's Finest Lawyers
Super Lawyers®, Business Litigation - Corporate Counsel Edition (2008-2010)