Frederick T. Kuykendall, III
In the world of law, few names resonate as deeply as Frederick T. Kuykendall, III. With an impressive career spanning over four decades, Mr. Kuykendall has carved a distinguished path, earning accolades, respect, and a prestigious AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale Hubbell.
Frederick T. Kuykendall, III is a legal luminary, renowned for his proficiency in the realms of Product Liability and Mass Tort Litigation, Class Actions, Labor and Employment Litigation, Select Defense Representation, and Dispute Resolution and Negotiation. His legal acumen extends to Industrial and Pharmaceutical Litigation, Consumer and Environmental Actions, Fair Labor Standards Act violations, Employment Discrimination, and Sexual Discrimination.
Mr. Kuykendall's educational journey began at the University of Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976 while serving as a member of the Student Court and the Honorary, Literary, and Debate Societies. That year, Frederick also served as an intern for Lyndon Baines Johnson and an Assistant Legislative Assistant for Jack Edwards, both of the US House of Representatives in Washington, DC. These early experiences in the US House of Representatives laid a strong foundation for future endeavors in law.
Mr. Kuykendall's education continued at the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1981. During his academic pursuits, he served as the Director of Basic Skills and Trial Advocacy, reflecting his commitment to honing his legal skills. Furthermore, he demonstrated his dedication to equality and integrity as a Justice of the Honor Court during his time at Cumberland.
Frederick T. Kuykendall, III, has held pivotal roles in several prominent legal entities. As the Founding Member and President of The Kuykendall Group, LLC, he continues to shape the landscape of legal practice. Notably, was a Founding Member and President of Kuykendall & Associates, LLC since December 1997 which has become The Kuykendall Group, a widely recognized law firm. Furthermore, his involvement at Hausfeld, LLP in Washington, DC, from October 2014 to November 2017 underscores his commitment to the field.
With his extensive experience in working with and against lawyers and law firms across the nation, Mr. Kuykendall introduced an innovative approach to managing complex litigation. By assembling teams of lawyers and firms with diverse skill sets, he effectively handled nationwide cases. This approach led to his firm serving as lead counsel, collaborating with other top-tier legal professionals and firms to address the most pressing legal challenges of our time.
Working alongside firms such as Beggs and Lane, one of Florida's oldest law firms, he orchestrated a team that successfully represented Native American Indian tribes from New York to California in the national opioid litigation. Employing the same strategy, he assembled a remarkable group of lawyers from firms like Motley Rice and the Environmental Law Group to pursue claims on behalf of public and private water systems nationwide.
Within his team for the combat earplug litigation, you'll find talented young lawyers, including Marcus Susen from Susen Law Group, working in conjunction with an administrative staff from Claims Strategies Group. They are currently managing over 13,000 claims from veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who suffered hearing damage due to defective earplugs.
Mr. Kuykendall is also currently collaborating with another exceptional team, which includes Wallace and Graham, to bring justice to veterans, their families, and others who experienced devastating injuries while serving at Camp Lejeune. His teams are actively involved in cases related to CPAP, Talc, AFFF, and, in short, they are directly engaged in every major litigation in the U.S.
His impact extends beyond his legal practice. He has actively participated in numerous bar associations and committees, including the Alabama State Bar, the American Bar Association, the Birmingham Bar Association, and the Baldwin County Bar Association. Additionally, his involvement in organizations like the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Surfrider Foundation reflects his commitment to social justice and environmental causes.
With an array of certifications and speaking engagements to his name, Mr. Kuykendall's contributions to the legal world are nothing short of remarkable. As a Certified Mediator, he demonstrates his proficiency in conflict resolution. His participation in professional speaking engagements, lectures, and appearances showcases his dedication to knowledge dissemination and the exchange of ideas within the legal community.
Frederick T. Kuykendall, III has been instrumental in lead or co-lead counsel roles in complex litigation and class action cases, a testament to his remarkable legal skills and ability to navigate complex legal issues. He is currently at the forefront of national opioid litigation, serving as co-lead counsel for numerous esteemed entities.