Overview
Tracy Hughes brings more than two decades of prosecutorial experience and sophisticated litigation expertise to her practice, representing clients in complex litigation and high-stakes legal matters. With over 120 criminal trials and involvement in multiple high profile civil actions, she has developed an unparalleled command of courtroom advocacy and trial strategy to secure favorable outcomes for her clients.
During her tenure as Senior Deputy County Counsel for the County Counsel of Los Angeles (LACC), Tracy served as co-lead counsel for Los Angeles County in the landmark cases People v. Juul Labs, Inc. and People v. Purdue Pharma et al. Her work on these matters showcased her ability to navigate the most complex and consequential litigation facing communities today. As the Consumer Protection team leader in the LACC Affirmative Litigation Division, she also contributed to strengthening California’s legal framework by helping to draft legislation to enhance consumer protection laws.
Tracy developed significant expertise in Unfair Competition Law (UCL) and False Advertising matters at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, where she served as the Assistant Head of Court for the Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit until 2020. Her experience representing government entities in UCL litigation allows her to help clients navigate the intricate regulatory landscape and enforcement mechanisms that govern corporate conduct and consumer protection. In 2024, she secured a $39 million settlement for a government client in connection with deceptive marketing practices by a consumer products company.
Her civil litigation experience also includes the representation of individual plaintiffs in national mass tort litigation as well as management of comprehensive case portfolios. She has successfully managed mass tort matters involving paraquat exposure and Bard PowerPort complications, bringing her a deep understanding of both the legal complexities and human impact of these cases. Tracy also worked as part of the trial team preparing California bellwether cases for In Re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Litigation, which included navigating three separate bankruptcy filings by Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries.
Beyond her litigation practice, Tracy’s community involvement includes serving as the 2025 President of the Orange County Women Lawyers Association, where she champions professional development and advancement opportunities for women attorneys. She also served for four years on the Board of Directors of the California Women Lawyers and currently serves on the Masters Board of the Orange County Bar Association.
Tracy’s unique combination of prosecutorial experience, mass tort expertise, and legislative insight makes her an invaluable advocate for clients facing complex legal challenges.
Education
- J.D., UC San Francisco School of Law
- M.A., Stanford University
- B.A., Stanford University
Admissions
- State Bar of California
Significant Engagements
- In Re: 3MCAEv2 Combat Earplug Litigation MDL No. 2885
- In Re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Litigation
- The People of the State of California v. Abbott Laboratories, Inc.
- In Re: Paraquat Products Liability Litigation MDL No. 3004
- In Re: Bard Implanted Port Catheter Products Liability Litigation MDL No. 3081
- The People of the State of California v. Mondelēz International, Inc.
- The People of the State of California v. Sysco Corporation
- The People of the State of California v. Sears Holdings Corporation
- The People of the State of California v. Purdue Pharma et al
- The People of the State of California v. Juul Labs, Inc.
Professional Affiliation
- Board of Directors of the California Women Lawyers
- Masters Board of the Orange County Bar Association
Awards & Recognitions
- Fellow of the American Bar Association Foundation
- 2016 Leveraging and Collaboration Award, US Department of Health and Human Services, Food & Drug Administration
Leadership and Community Involvement
- Fellow of the American Bar Association Foundation
- 2016 Leveraging and Collaboration Award, US Department of Health and Human Services, Food & Drug Administration