TLMT

Daniel Thornburgh

Partner with Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC

Daniel Thornburgh has been a partner at Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz (AWKO) since 2010 and practices almost exclusively in the areas of complex pharmaceutical and medical device products liability litigation. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of West Florida, where he studied Legal Administration. In 2004, Mr. Thornburgh attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he received his Juris Doctorate degree and graduated with honors (cum laude). Mr. Thornburgh is currently licensed to practice law in Florida and Minnesota state courts, the United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida, and the United States District Court of Minnesota.

Mr. Thornburgh was recently appointed by Judge John Padova to the Plaintiffs Steering Committee and Plaintiffs’ Discovery Co-Chair in the Essure products liability matter pending before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Thornburgh is frequently invited to participate in legal seminars and symposiums and has traveled the country speaking about his experience litigating complex medical device and pharmaceutical products liability matters.

Prior to his involvement in the Abilify MDL, Mr. Thornburgh was heavily involved in the Transvaginal Mesh (TVM) MDLs and, in that role, participated in reviewing thousands of documents, deposed many corporate witnesses, 30(b)(6) corporate designees and other fact witnesses. Mr. Thornburgh was involved in several trials which resulted in multimillion-dollar jury verdicts or mid-trial settlements, including Engleman v. Ethicon, et al. where Mr. Thornburgh obtained a $20 Million verdict on behalf of an AWKO client. Because of his experience, skill, and dedication, Mr. Thornburgh is often asked by PSC and Executive Committee members to become involved in MDLs throughout the country, and he consistently plays a pivotal role in numerous MDLs against various Fortune 500 companies, including Wyeth, Pfizer, GSK, Johnson & Johnson and many others.

In the Abilify MDL, Mr. Thornburgh again played a critical role, and his work substantially contributed to the overall common benefit and global settlement reached earlier this year. In the Abilify MDL, Mr. Thornburgh took the depositions of numerous corporate witnesses, 30(b)(6) corporate designees, and bellwether fact witnesses, and developed trial themes. Mr. Thornburgh became an important member of the Abilify litigation team and, along with others, spent considerable time with their trial consultant focusing the key Abilify trial strategy and creating a trial package, including visual demonstratives, that could be used in any trial throughout the country.

Kimberly Branscome

Partner with Paul | Weiss

Co-chair of the Product Liability practice group, Kim Branscome is a nationally renowned trial lawyer and litigation strategist who focuses on complex litigation and trials involving product liability, professional liability, environmental and toxic torts, and securities matters. She has secured several high-profile product liability trial victories on behalf of leading multinational corporations across a broad range of sectors, including the pharmaceutical, consumer products, energy and automotive industries. Kim is widely regarded as one of the most talented and respected lawyers in the product liability and mass tort litigation area, with clients describing her as “one of the leading lawyers in this space” and as “someone clients trust to try their cases.”

Experience

Kim has deep experience litigating in federal and state courtrooms across the country, with a particular emphasis on the most high-profile mass torts and product liability matters, as well as high-stakes securities class actions and other complex civil litigation. Kim’s representations include:

Johnson & Johnson in securing multiple complete defense verdicts as lead trial counsel in product liability litigation where the plaintiffs alleged that J&J’s talcum-based baby powder products contained asbestos that caused the plaintiff to develop mesothelioma. The trial wins were recognized by the Daily Journal as “Top Defense Verdicts” in 2018 and 2019, as well as by Law360 as one of the “Top Product Liability Cases of 2018.”
3M as lead defense counsel and lead trial counsel, notably securing multiple favorable trial verdicts, in a multibillion-dollar product liability litigation involving allegations that a product sold to the military is related to hearing loss suffered by servicemen and women. The case is recognized as the largest federal multidistrict litigation in U.S. history.
GlaxoSmithKline as liaison and lead trial counsel in consolidated proceedings in California involving thousands of claimants who allege that an antacid medication has carcinogenic properties.
GM in multidistrict federal and state civil litigation relating to ignition switches in its vehicles, securing victories in the second federal bellwether trial and the first state bellwether trial.
Omega Flex in product liability litigation involving allegations that its product, CSST flexible steel gas piping, was defective.
BP in multidistrict and related civil litigation arising out of the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
BP in multidistrict securities fraud litigation alleging it and other defendants materially misrepresented the client’s stock prior to and immediately following the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion.
Aon in a professional liability action arising from damage to the Opry Mills Mall after the historic flooding of the Cumberland River in Nashville.
Multiple pharmaceutical industry clients, including Merck, Pfizer, Hoffmann-La Roche and AstraZeneca, among others, in mass tort and multidistrict litigation involving product liability claims related to their prescription medicines.

Awards & Recognitions

Kim is widely recognized by leading publications and legal directories for her trial accomplishments and expertise. The American Lawyer named Kim to its 2022 list of “West Trailblazers,” which recognizes lawyers in the western states who have moved the needle in the legal industry. Chambers USA has recognized Kim in the Product Liability & Mass Torts (USA) category for the past four years, describing her as a “well-regarded trial lawyer who has amassed a broad range of experience in mass torts and class actions.” The Legal 500 US also recognizes Kim in its Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action-Defense categories across consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices and toxic torts, describing her as a “strong practitioner with excellent strategic smarts.” The Daily Journal recognized her as one of the “Top 100 Lawyers” in California in 2019 and one of the “Top Women Lawyers” in California in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Forbes recognized Kim on its inaugural 2024 “America’s Top 200 Lawyers” list. The Los Angeles Business Journal named Kim to its “Top Litigators & Trial Lawyers” and “Most Influential Women Lawyers” lists in 2019 and Law360 named her a “Rising Star” in 2017.

Michael Mallow

Managing Partner with Shook Hardy & Bacon

Michael is a highly experienced trial lawyer who has represented clients in class action and complex litigation matters, including cases related to economic product defects, unfair competition, false and deceptive advertising, business torts, privacy, entertainment and intellectual property. He has defended consumer protection actions and investigation initiated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the U.S. Department of Justice, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Communications Commission, as well as numerous state enforcement agencies. A client states that Michael is “a very smart lawyer and a very good strategist; he’s really excellent.”

For more than 20 years, Michael has been at the forefront of representing clients in significant consumer protection matters, including:

Defending the first enforcement action prosecuted by FTC related to the National Do Not Call Registry;
Securing a major automotive industry victory before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit mooting injunctive claims for relief brought by private plaintiffs following a product recall; and
Defeating a federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) class action by persuading the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals that internet classified ads constitute an express invitation.

He regularly counsels clients on marketing and advertising issues, and has substantial experience in the automotive, fashion retail, dietary supplement, telemarketing, electronic mail marketing, consumer products and payment processing industries.

He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including recognition by Chambers USA in the categories of California Litigation: General Commercial, and Product Liability: Consumer Class Action, and The Legal 500 United States in Dispute Resolution – Product Liability, mass torts and class actions: automotive/transport and consumer products. Law360 named him one of the “Transportation MVPs of the Year” in 2018, and a “Privacy & Consumer Protection MVP” in 2012. BTI Consulting Group recognized him as a “BTI Client Service All-Star” in 2012. Southern California Super Lawyers has honored him for Class Action/Mass Torts, Business Litigation and Civil Litigation Defense. Michael also has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Michael also has served as outside counsel to the State Bar of California on issues related to its member programs. Before joining Shook, he was a partner with Sidley Austin, where he was the co-leader of the firm’s Consumer Class Action Defense practice. He also is an avid marathoner, triathlete and four-time Ironman, completing competitions in Maryland (2018), Vineman (Sonoma County, California, 2016), Cozumel (2015) and Boulder (2014).

Virginia M. Buchanan

Levin, Papantonio, Proctor, Buchanan, O’Brien, Barr & Mougey, P.A.

Virginia M. Buchanan

Virginia M. Buchanan is a senior partner and shareholder at Levin, Papantonio, Proctor, Buchanan, O’Brian, Barr & Mougey, P.A. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida at the top of her class in Telecommunication. She also received her Juris Doctorate Degree, with honors, from the University of Florida (now Levin College of Law).

She has served as lead/co-lead counsel in more than 50 jury trials. She has a national practice and works extensively in her local Pensacola and surrounding community. She currently has appointments in four national litigations, serving as co-lead counsel, discovery chair, co-chair of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee, Trial Committee Member, and as a member of the plaintiffs’ steering committee. She is a 2024 Florida Trend Notable Women Leaders in the Law, a member of Florida Super Lawyers and Florida Legal Elite, and listed by Martindale-Hubbell as a Top Rated Lawyer in Personal Injury. She has been repeatedly designated as a Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Top Consumer Lawyer. She has lectured extensively to bar associations, medical groups, mass tort and class action lawyers.

Ms. Buchanan is a member of the American Association for Justice and is a CPAP Litigation Group Leader. She has served on the Board of Florida Justice Association and Women’s Caucus, and Florida Bar Foundation. She is the Treasurer of the NW Florida Chapter of ABOTA. She also received Florida Bar President’s Award for Pro Bono Service for 1st Judicial Circuit, 2014. She serves on two Florida Bar committees, including the Professional Ethics Committee Member and the Standing Committee on the Unlicensed Practice of Law. She has been active in numerous organizations and has held a number of positions at the local, state and national level. She is also currently on the Board of Special Olympics of Florida.

She has been admitted to practice in Florida, Alabama, the United States Supreme Court, and numerous federal courts and limits her practice to serious cases involving personal injury and wrongful death. She is the head of the firm’s medical negligence department and is co-chair of the firm’s class action department.

Her publications include:

Co-author, book chapter, Anatomy of a Personal Injury Lawsuit, 4th Ed. John Romano, Editor, 2015.
“Getting it Off Your Chest: Why Allergan Breast Implants Are a Big Problem,” V. Buchanan and M. McBride, Journal of The Florida Justice Assoc., May/June 2020
George Washington University Law School, James F. Humphreys Complex Litigation Center, Drafting Team Member, Class Action Best Practices, 2021
Chapter 4, Co-Author, “Medicine and Law: When Two Worlds Collide,” Loboto, Emilio B, et al. Complications in Anesthesiology. Philadelphia, Pa.; London, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008. (Reviewed by the Journal of the American Medical Association and chapter excerpt quoted by reviewer).

Andrew Bradt

Shannon Cecil Turner Professor of Jurisprudence Faculty Director, Civil Justice Research Initiative

Andrew Bradt writes and teaches primarily in the areas of civil procedure, conflict of laws, and civil remedies. His current research focuses on the adaptation of procedural and choice-of-law systems to large-scale multijurisdictional litigation, with a particular interest in federal multidistrict litigation. In 2022, he was one of five recipients of the campuswide Distinguished Teaching Award. In 2019, he received Berkeley Law’s Rutter Award for Teaching Distinction. At Berkeley, Bradt is the faculty director of the Civil Justice Research Initiative, a think tank whose mission is to systematically identify and produce highly credible, unbiased research on critical issues concerning the civil justice system, including expanding access to justice

Bradt’s scholarship has been published in numerous law journals and has been cited by both courts and prominent legal treatises. He is a co-author, with Geoffrey C. Hazard, William A. Fletcher, and Stephen McG. Bundy, of Pleading and Procedure—Cases and Materials (12th ed., Foundation Press, 2020), and, with Edward Sherman, Richard Marcus, and Howard Erichson, of Complex Litigation—Cases and Materials on Advanced Civil Procedure (7th ed., West Academic, 2021). In 2019, he was elected to the membership of the American Law Institute, and he serves on the Members Consultative Groups for the Restatement (Third), Conflict of Laws, and the Restatement (Third), Torts: Remedies.

In January 2023, Bradt was appointed by the Chief Justice to a five-year term as Associate Reporter to the Advisory Committee on Civil Rules of the Judicial Conference of the United States. In that position, he analyzes suggested changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, develops proposed drafts of rules for committee consideration, reviews and summarizes public comments on proposed amendments, and generates the committee notes and other materials documenting the committee’s work.

Immediately prior to joining the Berkeley Law faculty, Bradt was a Climenko Fellow and Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. Before entering academia, Bradt was a litigator in the Issues & Appeals Group at Jones Day in New York City, and at Ropes & Gray in Boston. He also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert A. Katzmann of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Honorable Patti B. Saris of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Bradt graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he received the Joseph H. Beale Prize for Conflict of Laws, and summa cum laude from Harvard College, where he concentrated in Social Studies. He is a member of the state bar of Massachusetts.

Education

B.A., Harvard College (2002)
J.D., Harvard Law School (2005)

David S. Stellings

Partner with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, Attorneys at Law

David Stellings represents consumers and small businesses from around the world in complex litigation in federal and state courts.

For the last 25+ years, Mr. Stellings has focused on product liability, consumer fraud, financial fraud, and breach of contract cases. His clients and class members have received more than

$17.5 billion as a result of his advocacy. Several of Mr. Stellings’ recent cases are described below.

Mr. Stellings is Court-appointed co-lead counsel in a large multidistrict class action litigation pending in federal court in Los Angeles. Plaintiffs allege certain auto part makers and automobile manufacturers – including ZF-TRW, Hyundai-Kia, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda, and Fiat Chrysler – caused consumers to buy and overpay for millions of cars that have defective airbag and seat belt systems. These defective safety systems have led to a number of deaths and serious injuries. In 2023 Plaintiffs and Toyota entered into a settlement valued at more than

$148 million, pending final approval of the Court. The litigation against the other defendants continues.

Mr. Stellings is Court-appointed co-lead counsel in another defective-airbag-related multidistrict class action litigation pending in federal court in Atlanta. Plaintiffs allege airbag manufacturer ARC, along with several other part suppliers and automakers, manufactured and sold more than 50 million vehicles with defective airbags that sometimes explode in a crash, and

send razor-sharp pieces of steel shrapnel into the faces, necks and bodies of drivers and passengers.

Mr. Stellings is co-lead counsel in a class action in federal court in Miami against truck manufacturer Hino. Plaintiffs allege Hino engaged in various types of emission cheating, and that as a result Hino purchasers paid too much for their trucks. The parties agreed to settle the case for $237.5 million plus valuable extended and additional warranties. The settlement is subject to Court approval.

Mr. Stellings is co-lead counsel in a case in federal court in Northern California against General Motors, in which plaintiffs allege the airbags in millions of GM trucks are calibrated improperly to fail to deploy in certain types of moderate and severe crashes, which can lead to serious injuries and/or death.

Mr. Stellings is a member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in a multidistrict litigation pending in federal court in Pittsburgh against Philips Respironics and its parent companies. Plaintiffs allege defendants manufactured and sold more than 10 million defective CPAP machines, which caused economic damage and physical injuries to the people who bought and used the machines.

Mr. Stellings is part of the leadership team in the historic Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” multidistrict litigation, in which plaintiffs alleged that Volkswagen intentionally and systematically cheated

its customers, lied to the government, and misled the public about the emissions of its diesel engine vehicles sold under the Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche brands. The Court approved a settlement relating to 2.0-Liter engines worth approximately $10 billion in cash, as well as a

3.0-Liter engine settlement with an estimated value between $1.2 and $4 billion. The Court also approved a separate $327.5 million settlement with Bosch for designing the “defeat device” software in the affected VW vehicle engines. Class members in these cases recovered 100% of their alleged economic damages.

Mr. Stellings is a member of the leadership team in the Takata exploding airbag multidistrict litigation. Plaintiffs in that case allege that more than 40 million class members were damaged when airbag manufacturer Takata and several major automobile manufacturers knowingly exposed them to the risk of being killed or injured by shrapnel from exploding airbags. Certain automaker defendants in the case have settled for a total of more than $1.5 billion, and the litigation continues against the remaining defendants.

Mr. Stellings was on the leadership team in a case against various automakers who allegedly cheated fuel economy tests for certain gasoline-powered vehicles, and as a result, represented to regulators and consumers that the vehicles obtained better fuel economy than they actually did. The litigation and intensive settlement negotiations resulted in a non-reversionary $96.5 million settlement that provides class members “full compensation”—i.e., 100¢ on the dollar— for their alleged losses.

Mr. Stellings led a similar class action against Porsche for fuel economy cheating. The case settled for more than $80 million, close to 100% of the economic damages class members experienced.

Mr. Stellings was part of the leadership team in the Fiat Chrysler “EcoDiesel” multidistrict litigation, in which plaintiffs alleged that Fiat Chrysler and Bosch designed and installed cheating emissions software in more than 100,000 vehicles. The Court approved a settlement that required Fiat Chrysler to fix the vehicles, and provided class members $307.5 million in cash plus a valuable extended warranty.

Areas of Practice

Product Liability, Consumer Protection, Financial Fraud, Breach of Contract

Education

New York University School of Law, New York, New York

J.D. - 1993

Law Journal: Journal of International Law and Politics, Editor

Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

B.A. (cum laude) - 1990

Bar Admissions

New York, Appellate Division, 1st Department, 1994

U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit, 2004

U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit, 2010

U.S. Court Of Appeals, 4th Circuit, 2013

U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit, 2009

U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 2017

U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2007 Michigan Eastern District Court, 2015

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, 2012

U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, 1996

U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York, 2022

Publications & Presentations

Speaker, ABA National Class Action Institute, 2023

Speaker, Miami Law Class Action & Complex Litigation Forum, 2023

Speaker, “Trends in Class Action Litigation,” Trial Lawyers of Mass Torts Inaugural Conference, December 2022

Speaker, “MDL—Who Wants One? Plaintiff, Defense and Judicial Perspectives on MDL Pros and Cons,” University of Miami School of Law 2020 Class Action & Complex Litigation Forum, January, 2020

Professional Associations and Memberships

American Bar Association

Bar Association of the City of New York New Jersey State Bar Association

New York State Bar Association

Honors and Awards

“Super Lawyer for New York Metro,” Super Lawyers, 2012 - 2023

“Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America,” Lawdragon, 2023 “Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers in America,” Lawdragon, 2021-2023 “Consumer Attorney of the Year Finalist,” Consumer Attorneys of California, 2017

“Trial Lawyer of the Year Finalist,” Public Justice, 2012 “Lawdragon Finalist,” Lawdragon, 2009

Hon. Zahid N. Quraishi

United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey

The Honorable Zahid N. Quraishi was appointed as a United States District Judge on June 23, 2021. Zahid, who is of Pakistani ancestry, is the first Muslim American to serve as an Article III judge in the United States. Judge Quraishi previously served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of New Jersey in the Trenton Vicinage since 2019 where he was the first Asian-American to serve on the federal court in New Jersey.

Prior to his appointments to the federal bench, he was Chair of Riker Danzig’s White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations Group. His practice focused on white collar criminal defense, internal corporate investigations, and complex civil litigation.

In private practice, Judge Quraishi had extensive experience representing clients with government enforcement and compliance issues involving potential criminal charges. He regularly managed complex federal and state court litigation on behalf of corporations, and their officers, directors, and employees. Judge Quraishi has represented both companies and individuals in connection with criminal investigations involving violations of securities law, healthcare fraud, money laundering, computer crimes, environmental statutes, public corruption, and tax laws among other white collar areas of law. His practice also extended to representing both corporations and individuals in complex federal and state civil litigation.

Before joining Riker, Judge Quraishi served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey for over five years. He tried numerous federal criminal cases involving public corruption, financial fraud, perjury, firearms and narcotics offenses within the Special Prosecutions Division and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and Government Fraud Units of the Criminal Division.

Judge Quraishi’s government service and prosecutorial experience extends well beyond his years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He previously represented the United States as an Assistant Chief Counsel and trial attorney with the Department of Homeland Security. He also served as a military prosecutor and achieved the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. In the Army, Judge Quraishi was assigned to the First Infantry Division stationed in Germany and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2006 before he was honorably discharged.

Earlier in his career, Judge Quraishi worked as a litigation associate at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, LLP and clerked for the Honorable Edwin H. Stern, Presiding Judge, Superior Court of New Jersey - Appellate Division (retired).

Prior to his elevation to the federal bench, Judge Quraishi served as a trustee of several prominent organizations to include the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey, the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey, and the United States Attorney’s Office Alumni Association (DNJ).

Judge Quraishi has been recognized by the legal community, Asian-American community, and Muslim community for years. Most recently, he served as the commencement speaker for this year’s upcoming 2024 Rutgers Law School Graduation. In 2023, he served as the keynote speaker at the annual conferences for the National Muslim Law Students Association. In 2022, Judge Quraishi received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Rutgers Law School. He was selected as the commencement speaker for the 2022 Seton Hall Law School Graduation where he also received an honorary degree from the university. Judge Quraishi also was honored as the keynote speaker at the Rutgers University Law Review Alumni Gala and was jointly recognized for his community contributions by Rutgers Law School’s APALSA, MLSA, and SALSA student organizations. Additionally, he was awarded the 2022 Trailblazer Award from APALA-NJ. Judge Quraishi served as the Grand Marshal at the 2022 Muslim Day Parade in New York City and was the 2022 Keynote Speaker at the National Association of Muslim Lawyer’s annual conference. In 2021, Judge Quraishi received SABA-NJ’s Legal Excellence Award, the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Muslim American Leadership Alliance, and was honored by the Consul General of Pakistan for his historic appointment as a district judge. In 2019, Judge Quraishi received APALA-NJ’s Professional Achievement Award, SABA-NJ’s Standing Ovation Award, NJMLA’s Trailblazer of the Year Award, and was honored as a community trailblazer by Rutgers Law School’s Muslim Law Students Association.

Additionally, as a practitioner, Judge Quraishi has been recognized in his legal field by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as one of the country’s leading white collar lawyers, Best Lawyers in America®, a peer review of U.S. lawyers, and “Super Lawyers” by Thomson Reuters. He previously received Rutgers APALSA’s alumni award for leadership and service in the profession in 2017. In 2014, shortly after entering private practice at Riker Danzig, Judge Quraishi was named a “New Leader of the Bar” by New Jersey Law Journal.

Judge Quraishi received his law degree from Rutgers Law School - Newark where he was the Managing Business Editor of the Rutgers Computer and Technology Law Journal and a member of the Rutgers Moot Court Board.

Thomas P. Cartmell

Founding Partner of Wagstaff & Cartmell

Tom Cartmell is a founding partner of the firm, and a leading trial attorney for individuals, businesses and public entities in cases pending across the United States. Tom has been appointed by federal judges throughout the United States to leadership in over a dozen MDL matters, and is widely recognized for his trial skills. Tom has been selected for membership in many prestigious, invitation-only trial lawyer organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers. In 2024, Tom was recognized by Lawdragon in their prestigious lists of 500 Leading Lawyers in America and 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America. Tom is a multiple time recipient of Best Lawyers of America’s “Lawyer of the Year” Award and is listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. He holds the Martindale-Hubble peer review rating of AV Preeminent.

Tom has also been recognized locally for his achievements as a trial lawyer. He is the Past President of the Kansas City Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). In 2001, Tom received the Thomas J. Conway Award from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, recognizing a lawyer with courage and zeal for the client and a collegial attitude toward fellow lawyers. In 2003, based upon the recommendation of State Court Judges, Tom received the Lon O. Hocker award as one of three outstanding trial lawyers in Missouri. He also received honors as a Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyer from 2006 to present. The Kansas City Business Journal has recognized Tom as “Best of the Bar” more than 15 times. Tom served as the Municipal Judge for the City of Mission Hills, Kansas for 16 years, and served as an adjunct professor of trial advocacy at the University of Kansas Law School for eight years.

Tom’s cases span the spectrum from high-profile MDL matters involving dangerous medications, defective products or other complex issues to representing businesses in commercial disputes or high exposure injury cases. He has recovered more than a billion dollars for clients in jury verdicts and settlements. He is regularly chosen to act as lead counsel in major trials. For example, in the recent Transvaginal Mesh MDLs– one of the largest MDLs in history – he was lead or co-lead trial counsel in five bellwether trials. Settlements in these MDLs are reported to total more than $8 billion.

Described by Chambers as “a top-notch lawyer” for his representation of plaintiffs in contentious matters, Tom has a long history of achieving top-notch results in high stakes matters. He currently represents two dozen counties – including Buchanan County, Missouri, with one of the highest rates of opioid prescriptions in the country over the past five years – and he has taken nearly a dozen depositions of opioid company corporate witnesses in the MDL, In Re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL No. 2804. He was recently appointed by Judge Orrick in the Northern District of California to serve as Government Entity Liaison Counsel for plaintiffs in In re: JUUL Labs, Inc. Marketing, Sales Practices & Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2913, and represents over 75 school districts across American in this litigation against the vaping company, Juul Labs, Inc. Tom also represents the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the State of Oregon in consumer protection litigation against Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon involving transvaginal mesh sales within the state. He was also named by the Honorable M. Casey Rogers to a five-attorney Executive Committee providing leadership in the 3M Combat Arms™ Earplugs Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2885, pending in the Northern District of Florida.

Norman E. Siegel

Partner with Stueve Siegel Hanson

Norman E. Siegel litigates high-stakes cases for companies and individuals. He has earned a reputation locally and nationally for his ability to strategize, negotiate and deliver results. He was recently named by Best Lawyers as a 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” and by Law360 as a “Titan of the Plaintiff’s Bar” for his work in class action litigation following big wins against some of the largest corporations in America.

Norm has successfully tried to verdict a wide range of cases, obtaining several multimillion-dollar jury verdicts, and has obtained billions in settlements for his clients.

Norm concentrates his practice in three principal areas:

Business Litigation. Norm successfully deploys the firm’s contingency fee business litigation model in bet-the-company and “David vs. Goliath” matters involving intellectual property, breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation and more. In one such matter, he prosecuted a groundbreaking antitrust case on behalf of Heartland Surgical Specialty Hospital, which claimed the region’s dominant hospital systems conspired to prevent it from obtaining in-network provider contracts. After Norm secured a key admission from a defense witness, Heartland settled with all defendants.

Data Breach and Privacy. Named one of Law360's “MVPs of the Year” for Cybersecurity and Privacy, Norm has served as lead counsel in several of the largest data breach cases litigated to date, including the sprawling multidistrict litigation alleging Equifax compromised the personal information of more than 148 million Americans in a 2017 data breach. More than 250 cases were filed against Equifax, and Norm was selected lead counsel over scores of other applicants. A leader in this burgeoning field of law, Norm has prosecuted data breach claims against Capital One, Quest Diagnostics, Target Corp., The Home Depot Inc., Marriott, the Office of Personnel Management, and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, and he is the co-founder of the American Association for Justice’s data breach and privacy group.

Class Actions. Norm’s recent work includes multimillion-dollar jury verdicts and settlements on behalf of consumers who were overcharged for life insurance policies. In Vogt v. State Farm Insurance Co., Norm delivered the closing argument to the jury that returned a $34 million verdict for Missouri owners of State Farm life insurance. Norm also served as lead counsel in Larson v. John Hancock Life Insurance Co., a nationwide class action that ultimately settled for $59.75 million just before trial. For his work in the field, Best Lawyers recently named Norm “Lawyer of the Year” for class action litigation.

Norm began his career as an Assistant Attorney General at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, where he gained a broad range of experience in complex litigation. He was later named partner at the firm now known as Dentons before starting Stueve Siegel Hanson in 2001.

Norm was recognized as a 2020 Missouri Lawyers Awards Influential Lawyer by Missouri Lawyers Weekly; has been named among the “500 Leading Plaintiffs’ Lawyers in America” by Lawdragon; and is listed among Best Lawyers in America and Kansas City Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar.” He has been honored several times as a Top 100 Missouri/Kansas “Super Lawyer” and a Benchmark Plaintiffs “Local Litigation Star.”

Norm has served on the boards of the Healthcare Foundation of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City Bar Foundation and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Outside the office, he enjoys tennis, collecting art, and spending time with his family and his dog, a Whoodle named Lucky.

Bryan Aylstock

Founding Partner of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz PLLC

Bryan F. Aylstock earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of North Florida in 1992 (magna cum laude), and graduated number one in his law school section from the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida in May, 1995.

Mr. Aylstock founded his firm in 2001, which is now comprised of 23 attorneys and 350 staff members who have directly handled the claims of more than 100,000 clients over the past 24 years. The vast majority of Mr. Aylstock’s legal career has been focused on the representation of individuals injured as a result of defective pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices. Most recently, Mr. Aylstock served as the court-appointed Lead Counsel in the 3M Combat Arms Product Liability Litigation, MDL 2885, the largest MDL in United States history. In that capacity, he was recognized for receiving one of the Top 50 verdicts in the United States in 2021 and 2022. The Honorable M. Casey Rodgers even bestowed upon him the Court’s “MDL MVP” award for his litigation efforts and bringing that massive litigation to a successful resolution. Prior to that, Mr. Aylstock served as Coordinating Co-Lead Counsel helping to oversee and eventually bringing to resolution the five separate transvaginal mesh MDLs (MDLs 2187, 2325, 2326, 2327 & 2387), that were all consolidated in the Southern District of West Virginia. Taken together, those MDLs represented approximately one-third of the civil docket of the federal court system at the time. Mr. Aylstock was also appointed as Co-Lead Counsel in the In re Avandia Marketing, Sales and Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1871, and as court-appointed Liaison Counsel in In re Abilify Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2734. He was also appointed Co-Lead Class Counsel in the recently settled class action case of In re Johnson & Johnson Sunscreen Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, MDL 3015, and serves as class counsel the In re Proctor & Gamble Aerosol Products Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation pending in the S.D. of Ohio. The Independent News selected him as “Best Attorney” in the 2013 “Best of the Coast” awards.

Mr. Aylstock is regularly invited to speak at attorney education conferences on issues related to the handling of pharmaceutical and medical device cases, electronic discovery in complex cases, and other mass tort issues. Mr. Aylstock has developed substantial experience in handling complex class litigation consolidated within the multi-district mechanism.

Mr. Aylstock is presently licensed to practice before all state and federal courts in Florida, having passed the Florida Bar with the highest score in Florida’s First Appellate District. He is also licensed to practice before all Alabama and Mississippi state and federal courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Aylstock is a member of the American Inns of Court, the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association and the Florida First Judicial Bench and Bar Professionalism Committee Panel. Mr. Aylstock was appointed to serve on The Florida Bar’s Committee on Professionalism beginning July 1, 2013.

Diandra “Fu” Debrosse

Partner with Dicello Levitt

Diandra “Fu” Debrosse is Managing Partner of DiCello Levitt’s Birmingham office and Co-Chair of the firm’s Mass Tort division. Fu is also a member of the firm’s Public Client, Environmental, Personal Injury, Civil Rights, and Trial practice groups. Widely known for her relentless client advocacy, Fu represents individuals and public entities injured by wrongful conduct, whether from defective medical devices or drugs, environmental contamination, corporate misconduct, or civil rights abuse. Nationally recognized as a powerhouse in mass torts, class actions, products liability, discrimination, and sexual assault claims, Fu has secured almost a billion dollars in client damages.

Fu holds prominent leadership positions for several multidistrict litigations, including Co-Lead Counsel for In re: Abbott Laboratories, et al., Preterm Infant Nutrition Products Liability Litigation; Co-Lead Counsel for In re: Hair Relaxer Marketing Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation; Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for In re: Paraquat Products Liability Litigation; Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for In re: Social Media Adolescent Addiction/ Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation; and Plaintiffs’ Committee for In re Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAS) Products Liability Litigation. She also represents municipalities in both In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation and In re: McKinsey & Company Inc., National Prescription Opiate Consultant Litigation, and is counsel in In re: Proton Pump Inhibitor Litigation. Fu formerly held a seat on the In re: Smith & Nephew Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Hip Implant Liability Litigation Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee and the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for In re: Higher One Account Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, and has represented plaintiffs in many other MDLs. Fu also leads many systematic civil rights and sexual assault cases and represents states and municipalities in litigation.

In addition to other significant representations, she currently represents the City of Baltimore in relation to the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

In 2022, 2023 and 2024, Lawdragon recognized Fu as one of the 500 Leading Consumer Lawyers. In 2024 Lawdragon recognized Fu as one of the 500 Leading Global Plaintiff Lawyers. Chambers USA 2022 and 2023e ranked the firm’s Litigation: Mainly Plaintiffs team among Chambers USA 2022 and 2023 ranked the firm’s Litigation: Mainly Plaintiffs team among the top five in Alabama. The Birmingham Business Journal honored Fu with a Best of the Bar Award and Who’s Who in the Law recognitions in 2021 and 2022. In 2024, Forbes recognized Fu as one of America’s Top 200 Lawyers in their inaugural list.

Fu is a founding member of Shades of Mass, an organization dedicated to encouraging the appointment of black and brown attorneys in national mass tort actions. She is a board member of Public Justice and the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. Fu previously served as a hearing officer for the Alabama State Bar, held leadership roles in the American Association for Justice and the Alabama Access to Justice Commission, and acted as Alabama State Bar vice president and commissioner.

Fu is fluent in French and Haitian Creole and functional in Spanish. Her steadfast pursuit of justice is motivated in large part by her experience as a mother of two young girls.

Thomas E. Loeser

Partner with Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy LLP

Tom Loeser is a Partner in the Seattle office of Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy, LLP, where he represents consumers in nationwide class action cases and individuals in qui tam whistleblower cases. Tom is a Martindale-Hubbel AV Preeminent Rated Superlawyer and member of Law Dragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in America and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Mr. Loeser adds a hard science and high-technology career to his 25 years of litigation, including 18 years in class actions and five years as a federal prosecutor.

Mr. Loeser’s technology career included an MBA, writing code for the Treasury at Microsoft, a financial analyst position at the Hewlett-Packard Company, and two years of technology licensing in Silicon Valley.

In 2002, Mr. Loeser was appointed an Assistant United States Attorney in Los Angeles, where after two years of prosecuting various federal crimes, he joined the elite Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section. This role required months of training in the investigation and prosecution of hacking, computer intrusion, malware, and data breach cases. The training was cutting-edge, required Top Secret clearances, and continued throughout Mr. Loeser’s government service. Mr. Loeser resolved hundreds of criminal cases—including federal hacking and data theft cases—and brought over a dozen federal cases to trial and through appeal.

Mr. Loeser’s practice has included the prosecution and resolution of dozens of complex actions against the titans of industry, including national banks, insurers, builders, title companies, carmakers, mortgage lenders, trucking companies, and nationwide retailers. Mr. Loeser specializes in the prosecution of cases that are complex not only because of the legal and procedural issues involved but also due to the technological sophistication of the products, services, or misconduct underlying the legal claims.

Mr. Loeser has worked extensively on many of the largest consumer class cases in U.S. history. These include significant auto defect cases such as the $10 billion Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” MDL and the related $1.3 billion Volkswagen Franchise Dealer litigation. Mr. Loeser has worked on numerous data breach and privacy cases, including the antitrust case against Meta for its abusive data collection practices, and played leadership roles in the massive 2022 T-Mobile data breach case and the recent AT&T data breach affecting 75 million past and present customers. Mr. Loeser’s role in these cases encompassed all aspects of litigation, including leadership, strategy, discovery, depositions, legal briefing, and settlement.

Mr. Loeser’s work has garnered praise from the plaintiffs class action bar, who regularly invite him to speak at class action conferences, and from judges, including Judge Beth Labson Freeman in San Jose, who remarked on the record:

“It’s not simple, you make it look easy, and that's the art of what you do, Mr. Loeser, and the Court certainly appreciates the good work in this case, and in recognition of the many cases that your firm has handled over the years.”
Dean Sheikh et al v. Tesla, Inc. Final Approval of Settlement Hearing, The Honorable Beth Labson Freeman, United States District Judge for the Northern District of California San Jose Division.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending time with his family cycling, skiing, snowboarding, surf-foiling, and engaging in various ocean activities.

Chad R. Hutchinson

Attorney with Butler Snow

Chad Hutchinson is an experienced trial attorney who has defended clients in the products, pharmaceutical and medical device industries the majority of his career. He has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict in first chair trial roles and assisted teams in multi-district litigation and various state courts all over the country. Chad has previously been selected as a winner of the Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award by The Burton Foundation for his published work. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America^® and Super Lawyers^® and is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

About Chad

Chad serves as national/regional counsel in the defense of various manufacturers and distributors in both commercial and product liability litigation. He also handles catastrophic loss/high exposure tort matters around the country for several insurers. As part of his medical device practice, Chad routinely prepares and defends company witnesses and 30(b)(6) representatives. His work with expert witnesses focuses on the fields of biomaterials, polymer science, chemistry, toxicology and epidemiology. He has deposed numerous Plaintiffs’ experts in these fields, several of which concluded with successful Daubert/Frey challenges that limited or excluded the admissibility of their opinions. He has also presented to judges presiding at court- ordered Science Days, as well as led all work-up phases for experts, including selection, preparation, defending their depositions, and directing their testimony at trial.

In 2018, a client selected Chad as its “Attorney of the Year.” He graduated from the prestigious International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy. In 2019, Chad served as a faculty member of the trial academy. Chad is active in several industry organizations, including IADC, where he serves as Vice Chair of Programs and Projects within the Drug, Device & Biotechnology Committee. Chad is also a member of the Trial Attorneys of America.

Chad obtained a J.D., cum laude, from Mississippi College. He obtained both an M.A., cum laude, in Taxation and a B.A., cum laude, in Accountancy from the University of Mississippi. He is admitted to practice in Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.

Practice Areas and Industry Teams

Drug & Device Litigation - Trials
Drug & Device Litigation
Professional Liability
Premises Liability
Insurance
Products, Catastrophic & Industrial Litigation
Trucking Litigation
Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Healthcare

Experience

Jarrett v. Ethicon, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, Case No. 4:20-CV-01517-BRW, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas; October 12, 2022; Trial Counsel; defense verdict. See “J&J Ethicon Unit Prevails In 2 Pelvic Mesh Trials,” Law360, October 13, 2022.
Knoth v. Apollo Endoscopy US, Inc. et al., Case No. 5:18-CV-00049-DCB-MTP, United States District Court of the Southern District of Mississippi; June 30, 2022; Lead Trial Counsel; defense verdict.
Cheryl Lankston v. Ethicon Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas; Houston Division; No. 4:17-CV- 00323; November 9, 2017; Trial Counsel; defense
Kimberly Adkins Ethicon Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; No. 130700919; June 9, 2017; Trial Counsel; defense verdict.
Keckley v. Estes Equipment Corp. et al., Circuit Court of Rankin County, Mississippi; Cause No. 2014- 46; May 15, 2017; summary judgment.
Pilot Travel Centers, LLC v. Mid-Continent Cas. Comp., 2016 WL 1633060, USDC of S. Miss; April 21, 2016; summary judgment.
Whitener Baxter Healthcare Corp., USDC of E.D. LA; Apr. 22, 2014; summary judgment.
James Orams v. Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, Circuit Court of Hinds County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 251-09-6909; August 15, 2013; summary judgment.
Suzanna Davis v. The Young Men’s Christian Association, Circuit Court of Rankin County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 2012-653; April 23, 2013; summary judgment.
Lyles Maselle & Associates et al.; Mississippi Arbitration Association; April 2, 2013; Lead Trial Counsel; defense verdict.
Savage Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; Civil Action No. 11-60406; March 9, 2012; summary judgment affirmed.
Magee Covington County School Dist., 96 So.3d 742 (Miss. App. Ct. 2012); summary judgment affirmed.
Mayers Burke Handling Systems, Inc.; Circuit Court of Scott County, Mississippi; May 31, 2011; Lead Trial Counsel; directed verdict.
Marie Ellison et v. CareGivers, LLC d/b/a Clarksdale Nursing Home, Circuit Court of Coahoma County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 14-CI-02-0141; August 30, 2010; summary judgment.
Derse, Inc. v. Haas Outdoors, Inc. dba Mossy Oak; August 17, 2010; American Arbitration Association; No. 69 152 00513; Lead Trial Counsel; judgment for client for full amount requested.
State Farm Auto Co. v. Tiffin Motor Homes, Inc., Caddo Parish, LA; June 1, 2009; summary judgment.
Thelma Mitchell, et v. Nutrition & Management Services, Inc., et al., Circuit Court of Coahoma County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 14-CI-03-0063; February 17, 2009; summary judgment.
McIntosh v. Dillards Department Stores; D. Miss.; February 12, 2008; Lead Trial Counsel; defense verdict.
Veal J.P. Morgan Trust Co., N.A., 955 So.2d 843 (Miss. 2007).
Eaton Vance Municipals Trust Conegie, 2007 WL 1484539 (N.D. Miss. 2007).
McKenzie v. Highland Home Nursing Center, et al.; Rankin County Circuit Court; Cause No. 2002-393; September 17, 2003; obtained first order from a Mississippi trial court compelling arbitration in a nursing home case.
Smith Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 286 F.Supp.2d 777 (S.D. Miss. 2003).
Backwell Tiffin Motor Homes, Inc.; Circuit Court of Smith County, Miss.; Trial Counsel; 2002; defense verdict.

Bar Admissions

Tennessee, 2024
Alabama, 2023
Mississippi, 2001
Texas – Admission Pending
S. District Courts
- Mississippi: Northern, Southern
S. Court of Appeals
- 5th Circuit
Admitted pro hac vice in numerous states

Distinctions

The Legal 500 US
- Recognized in the editorial for nationwide Dispute Resolution: Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices – Defense, 2023
Client Designated MVP Presenter, Medical Device Seminar, 2022
Client Designated Attorney of the Year, 2018
2018 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award, The Burton Awards
Best Lawyers in America^®
- Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2013-2025
Super Lawyers^®
- Personal Injury Defense: Medical Malpractice, 2008-2016, 2018-2020, 2023
Martindale-Hubbell^®
- AV^®-Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated
Member, Trial Attorneys of America
Faculty Member, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy, 2019
Graduate, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy, 2006
Leadership Mississippi, Class of 2005
Adjunct Professor – Meditation Advocacy, Mississippi College School of Law, 2022
Certified Public Accountant

Associations

American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Defense Research Institute (DRI)
- Medical and Health Care Law Committee
Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association
Mississippi Bar Association
International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
- Vice Chair, Programs and Projects
- Drug, Device & Biotechnology Committee
  - Vice Chair, Publications

Education & Honors

Mississippi College, D., cum laude, 2001
- Managing Editor, Mississippi College Law Review
University of Mississippi, A., Taxation, cum laude, 1996
University of Mississippi, A., Accountancy, cum laude, 1995

Papers, Presentations and Publications

Speaker, "Wearable Data: The New “Black Box” in Personal Injury Litigation,” Industry Litigation Conference, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, January 26, 2024.
Co-Author, "SPEAK UP: Practical Recommendations for Rule 34 Product Inspections," Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 16, No. 4, January 2024.
Speaker, "The Wearable Revolution: How to Use Personal Health Device Data in Litigation;” Industry Litigation Conference, Austin, Texas, September 29, 2023.
Speaker, “Human Body Meets Medical Device: Regulatory and Litigation Risk in Biocompatibility Analysis,” Product Liability Advisory Counsel (PLAC) Webinar Presentation, September 12, 2023.
Speaker, "Examining the Challenges for a Wearables Revolution in Healthcare," International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Seminar Presentation, Austin, Texas, February 19, 2023.
Speaker, “From the Trenches: Litigation Tips & Tricks” Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar, Cooperstown, New York, June 9, 2022.
Podcast Guest, "Defense Counsel Journal Highlight: Turning the Tables: Non-Retained Experts for Defendants," IADC Speaks Podcast, February 7, 2022.
Co-Author, "Turning the Tables: Non-Retained Experts for Defendants," IADC Defense Counsel Journal, Vol. 88, No. 4, October 20, 2021.
Speaker, “Battle of the Experts: Cross-Examination Strategies and Techniques,” Client-Industry Sponsored Seminar, Miami, Florida, October 6, 2021.
Speaker, “Best Practices of Working with Experts (If You Need One),” Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, June 10, 2021.
Co-Author, “The Case for Non-Retained Expert Witnesses,” Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 14, No. 1, February
Co-Author, “The Mongoose Strikes Back: How to Thwart a Reptilian Attack,” Pro Te: Solutio, 12 No. 3, September 2019.
Speaker, “Digital Communication Etiquette: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly,” Medical Device Presentation, Denver, Colorado, August 28, 2019.
Speaker, “The Mongoose Strikes Back: How to Kill a Reptilian Attack,” Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar Presentation, Austin, Texas, June 6, 2019.
Speaker, “Strategies for Trial Success,” Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar Presentation, Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 15, 2018.
Speaker, “Strategies for Minimizing the Likelihood of a Punitive Damages Verdict,” International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Drug, Medical Device and Biotec Committee Presentation, Palm Springs, California, February 12, 2018.
Author, “Epidemiology for Lawyers,” Trial Attorneys of America, June
Author, “Epidemiology and the NFL Collide,” Pro Te: Solutio, 10 No. 1 (2017).
Speaker, “Epidemiology – What Trial Lawyers and Jurors Really Need to Know;” International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Seminar Presentation, Scottsdale, Arizona, February 19,
Speaker, “Epidemiology by Lawyers for Lawyers;” Defense Research Institute (DRI) Drug and Medical Device Committee Webinar, December 15, 2016.
Co-Author, “Voir Dire,” International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Defense Counsel Training Manual, Third Edition, 2016.
Speaker, "Effective Use of Epidemiology in the Courtroom,” Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar Presentation, La Jolla, California, June 2016.
Speaker, "Drug and Medical Device Litigation: Recent Trends in Products Liability Litigation," Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar Presentation, Sea Island, Georgia, June 2015.
Speaker, "Recent Developments in the Pharmaceutical/Product Liability Industry," In-house Client Presentation, New Brunswick, New Jersey, May 2013.
Speaker, "Epidemiology Concepts and Applications," In-house Client-Industry Seminar Presentation, August 2012.
Speaker, "Drug and Medical Device Litigation: Navigating the Social Media Maze," Panel Counsel Seminar Presentation, Lake George, New York, June 2012.
Author, "The Path to Aggregate Settlements," American Bar Association Mass Torts Litigation, 10 No. 3, Spring 2012.
Author, “The Final Rule: FDA's Security Reporting Requirements for Investigational New Drug Applications," Pro Te: Solutio, 5 No. 1, 8-11, February 2012.
Speaker, "Tips for Impeaching and Discrediting Plaintiffs’ Expert Witnesses," ACI Long Term Care Conference, Miami, Fla., April 2011.
Speaker, "Sanctions for Failure to Properly Preserve Electronic Evidence," In-house Client- Industry Presentation, Whitehouse Station, Pa., June 2010.
Speaker, "ABA’s Ethics Opinion on Aggregate Settlements," Professional Liability Seminar, New York, New York, May 2010.
Author, “Understanding the Inherent Risks of Dual Representation in Internal Investigations and Civil Litigation,” Pro Te: Solutio, 2 No. 4, Fall 2009.
Author "Caves: Clarity or Confusion?" Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association Quarterly, April
Author, “Oops! The Dog Ate My Pacemaker, A Lower Standard of Spoliation Claims,” Pro Te: Solutio, Fall 2008.
Speaker, "Advanced Expert Witness Deposition Tactics," National Business Institute Seminar, October
Speaker, "Advanced Deposition and Trial Techniques for Cross-Examining the Combative Plaintiff’s Expert Witness," DRI’s Nursing Home/ALF Litigation Seminar, Miami, Florida, September 2008.
Author, "Cross-Examinations of Lay Witness," In-house Defense Quarterly, Winter

Fouad Kurdi

Mediator, Resolutions, LLC

Fouad Kurdi mediates high-stakes, complex disputes that span a wide range of legal specialties, including product liability, contracts, cyber security & privacy, bankruptcy, antitrust, mass tort, and mass action cases. Recently, Fouad successfully mediated numerous disputes involving public nuisance claims asserted by thousands of public entities against multiple companies, culminating in settlements exceeding $15 billion. Fouad has also mediated complex PFAS-related disputes, including claims asserted by public and private entities against chemical suppliers and industrial operators.

Fouad has notable experience mediating complex antitrust disputes, recently facilitating a mid-trial settlement in a closely watched federal antitrust case involving a challenged multi-billion dollar cross-border merger. In the commercial bankruptcy sector, Fouad is currently mediating several high-profile bankruptcy cases, including multiple chapter 11 cases involving divisional mergers (so-called “Texas Two-Step” cases). Fouad was trained by and often mediates with Professor Eric Green, one of the country’s most highly regarded mediators. Fouad holds a certificate from Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation after successfully completing an intensive formal course on mediating disputes.

In addition to his mediation practice, Fouad specializes in the administration of complex mass tort trusts, where he provides operational and strategic guidance. He is highly experienced in establishing and implementing claim evaluation protocols, ensuring complex claims are administered in a cost-efficient and timely manner. Passionate about finding creative solutions to the novel issues that often arise in complex trusts, Fouad collaborates with stakeholders to craft and implement successful strategies. He strives to build meaningful and trusting relationships with all trust stakeholders and claimants.

Currently, Fouad serves as the Executive Director of the Takata Airbag Tort Compensation Trust Fund and the Takata Airbag Individual Restitution Fund, where he oversees all Trust operations, including legal, claims administration, financial reporting, economic forecasting, lien resolution, and investment management. Fouad also served as an advisor to the Insys Victim’s Restitution Trust (VRT), a trust formed in the first major opiate-related chapter 11 bankruptcy case to compensate tort claimants.

Before joining Resolutions, LLC, Fouad served as a litigation and financial restructuring associate at Brown Rudnick LLP, following a clerkship for the Honorable Mary F. Walrath at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Fouad has also published several articles on many bankruptcy law issues, including bankruptcy trusts. See, e.g., Channeling Injunctions In Hindsight: Lessons Learned from the Takata Airbag Trust, 2022 Ann. Surv. of Bankr. Law 7; A Question of Power: Non-Consensual Third-Party Releases in Chapter 11 Plans, 25 Norton J. Bankr. L. & Prac. 4 Art. 6 (Aug. 2016); Is Lung Disease “Individual” Enough? In re Emoral and Why the Answer is No, Am. Bankr. Ins. Unsecured Trade Creditors Newsletter (Feb. 2015). Fouad graduated cum laude from Georgia State University’s College of Law, where he also completed a master’s degree in taxation.

John Hooper

Partner with King & Spalding LLP

John Hooper defends multinational companies in complex litigations, including a variety of commercial, product liability, financial services, false and misleading advertising and other consumer class actions where he has served as national, regional and/or strategic counsel. He provides clients with all-inclusive strategic litigation management and counseling services to mitigate the reputational and financial risk associated with high exposure, viral and bet-the-company litigations.

John advises companies to create and execute litigation and strategic resolution options in some of the largest, most complex class actions, commercial litigations and mass torts in federal and state courts. Hooper's experience ranges from trials and arbitrations to mediations and settlements, and all stages of a case, from prelitigation to appeal. John's clients include some of the world's largest manufacturers of automobiles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, building materials, tires, sporting goods and apparel as well as retailers, railroads, hedge funds, life insurance companies, private equity firms, banks and other financial services institutions.

Chambers noted that John Hooper is “24/7 responsive and very strategic” and “he thinks of end-game solutions in a way that other attorneys do not.” The Legal 500 United States has noted that, "John Hooper in New York is 'strongly recommended to anyone seeking a practical approach to managing complex litigation matters, particularly those with national scope.” John has just been recognized by the National Law Journal as one of its “50 Litigation Trailblazers” for his practice of advising multi-national clients on creating and implementing end game strategies in "Viral Litigations". The American Lawyer has recognized his skills in the management and resolution of "bet the company" litigation and as a "great master strategist." He has been nominated to the BTI "Client Service All-Star Team" for multiple years. He is also recognized in the Association of Corporate Counsel's 2014 Value Champion award. The New York Law Journal stated that John Hooper “has worked on some of the most high-profile litigation matters in the last decade.”

He has also been appointed by the federal and state courts as a Special Master, Special Settlement Master and Special Arbitration Master. He has also been appointed as the Lead Defense Settlement Liaison Counsel in MDL and other federal and state class and mass actions. He is a member of the Academy of Court Appointed Special Masters. John is a frequent speaker in the United States and Canada on topics related to class and mass actions.

Hon. Vince Chhabria

United States District Court Judge, Northern District of California

Vince Chhabria is a federal district judge in the Northern District of California, based in San Francisco. He was nominated by Barack Obama in July 2013 and confirmed by the Senate in March 2014.

Before taking the bench, Judge Chhabria was Chief of Appellate Litigation for the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, as well as a deputy on the Government Litigation Team for that office. He successfully defended a challenge to San Francisco’s universal health care program, and was part of the legal team that successfully challenged California’s ban on same-sex marriage. He also defended the City in: a First Amendment challenge to an ordinance requiring cell phone retailers to warn customers about possible health risks from rf energy exposure from cell phones; an Establishment Clause challenge to a resolution passed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors criticizing Vatican statements and policies regarding adoption by same-sex couples; separate First Amendment and Equal Protection challenges to an ordinance banning tobacco sales in drug stores; a state law preemption challenge to an ordinance requiring landlords to pay relocation assistance to evicted tenants; and a Due Process challenge to the City's red light camera program. Chhabria was also a member of the City Attorney’s Affirmative Litigation Task Force. In that capacity he served as lead counsel in several matters involving the failure of businesses to pay employees the minimum wages and benefits required by San Francisco law. Prior to joining the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, Chhabria worked in the San Francisco office of Covington & Burling, where he focused primarily on criminal defense litigation.

Chhabria served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer during the 2001-2002 term. Before that, he clerked for James R. Browning on the Ninth Circuit and Charles Breyer on the Northern District of California.

Chhabria attended law school at Berkeley from 1995-1998. Before that, he spent three years working as a Legislative Assistant to Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey in Washington, D.C. He received his undergraduate degree in Politics at the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1991.

On the bench, Judge Chhabria’s cases have included a challenge to the Trump Administration’s decision to cut Affordable Care Act subsidies, a challenge to the federal government’s detention of unaccompanied minors accused of gang affiliation, a challenge to the conditions of confinement at ICE detention facilities during the COVID pandemic, a case about whether Lyft Drivers are employees or independent contractors, an MDL involving allegations that Monsanto’s Roundup causes cancer, and an MDL arising from Cambridge Analytica’s acquisition of Facebook user data.

Paul Geller

Partner with Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

Paul Geller, managing partner of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP’s Boca Raton, Florida office, is a founding partner of the Firm, a member of its Executive Committee, and head of the Firm’s Consumer Practice Group. Paul’s 30 years of litigation experience is broad, and he has handled cases in each of the Firm’s practice areas. Notably, before devoting his practice to the representation of consumers and investors, he defended companies in high-stakes class action and multi-district litigation, providing him with an invaluable perspective. Paul has tried bench and jury trials on both the plaintiffs’ and defendants’ sides and has argued before numerous state, federal, and appellate courts throughout the country.

Paul was recently selected to serve in a leadership position on behalf of governmental entities and other plaintiffs in the sprawling litigation concerning the nationwide prescription opioid epidemic. In reporting on the selection of the lawyers to lead the case, The National Law Journal reported that “[t]he team reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ in mass torts.” Paul was also a critical member of the team that negotiated over $50 billion in settlements against certain opioid distributors, manufacturers and dispensers. Prior to the opioid litigation, Paul was a member of the leadership team representing consumers in the massive Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” emissions case. The San Francisco legal newspaper The Recorder labeled the group that was appointed in that case, which settled for more than $17 billion, a “class action dream team.” Paul was recently one of the Lead Counsel in In re EpiPen (Epinephrine Injection, USP) Mktg., Sales Pracs. & Antitrust Litig., a nationwide class action that alleged that pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Mylan N.V. engaged in anti-competitive and unfair business conduct in its sale and marketing of the EpiPen auto-injector device. The case recently settled for $609 million.

Some of Paul’s other recent noteworthy successes include the then largest privacy class action settlement in history – a $650 million all cash recovery in In re Facebook Biometric Info. Privacy Litig., concerning the use of biometric identifiers through Facebook’s “tag” feature. In addition to the monetary recovery, Facebook disabled the tag feature altogether, deleting user facial profiles and discontinuing the use of facial recognition software.

Paul serves on the Trial Lawyers of Mass Torts Advisory Board and was formerly on the Advisory Board of Emory University School of Law and the separate Board of The Institute for Complex Litigation and Mass Claims at Emory. He is a member of the Trial Law Institute and the Diversity Law Institute of the Litigation Counsel of America. Paul is also a member of the Supreme Court Historical Society. Additionally, he served for many years as a member of the Board of Advisors for The Center on Civil Justice at New York University School of Law. In these roles and others, Paul frequently lectures on class action and MDL issues at judicial seminars, bar conferences, and academic programs. Paul is also a recurring member of the faculty of the Mass Torts MDL Certificate Program at the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University School of Law, as well as the Baylor MDL Judicial Summit.

Paul is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell (the highest rating available), twice named one of the nation’s top “40 Under 40” by The National Law Journal, and named one of “Florida’s Top Lawyers” by Law & Politics and South Florida Business Journal. He has also been named a Legend, a Leading Lawyer in America, a Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyer, and a 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer by Lawdragon; a Leading Lawyer by Chambers USA; a Plaintiffs’ Lawyer Trailblazer by The National Law Journal; one of Florida’s “Legal Elite” by Florida Trend magazine; and one of “Florida’s Most Effective Lawyers” by American Law Media’s Daily Business Review. Additionally, Best Lawyers® named Paul a Best Lawyer in America and a Florida Best Lawyer in the area of “Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs,” and he was additionally chosen as Lawyer of the Year in that same category. Super Lawyers Magazine has also named Paul a Florida Super Lawyer for 16 consecutive years.

Paul earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, where he was a member of the University Honors Program. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law, with Highest Distinction, where he was an editor of the Emory Law Journal, a member of the Order of the Coif Legal Honor Society, and awarded multiple American Jurisprudence Book Awards for earning the highest grade in class.

Mikal C. Watts

Founder of Watts Law Firm, LLP

Mikal C. Watts is more than just an attorney – he’s a driver of change and a powerful force in the battle for justice. His commitment is about more than just winning cases, it’s about empowering people who have been harmed in their struggles against large corporations after their lives have been upended by catastrophe.

As an advocate, Mikal strives to make the legal world less intimidating, more accessible, and ultimately, a platform where anyone can stand up and voice their grievances, no matter how powerful the opponent.

As a founder of Watts Law Firm LLP, Mikal has powered change, enabling over 200,000 clients to realize their right to have their voices heard against the largest corporations worldwide. This determination has led to the recovery of billions of dollars for clients who have fallen victim to catastrophic personal injury, toxic torts, product liability, and other unfortunate circumstances caused by corporate negligence and greed.

His goals have always been clear: to secure the maximum compensation for his individual clients, to hold the mighty accountable, to establish precedents that inspire societal change for the greater good, and to empower the voiceless.

Mass Tort Attorney Committed to Personal Communication with Clients

Mikal C. Watts deeply understands that the key to a successful client-lawyer relationship lies in personalized, regular communication. Despite the inherently complex and large-scale nature of mass tort litigation, Mikal is dedicated to ensuring that every client feels individually acknowledged and truly understood. In an industry where clients can often feel lost in the crowd, Mikal has developed a thoughtful and effective strategy to guarantee each person feels genuinely recognized and represented.

The first facet of this strategy involves a significant investment in resources and staffing at Watts Law Firm LLP. Mikal has meticulously assembled a robust team of skilled attorneys, paralegals, and legal professionals who embody his commitment to client-focused service. This team is charged with the task of responding promptly to all client inquiries, and they are steadfast in their mission to make each client feel valued and heard. A vital part of this mission includes providing regular updates on case statuses, ensuring clients are never left in the dark about their legal journey.

Moreover, Mikal’s dedication to personalized communication extends well beyond the boundaries of conventional legal practices. Recognizing the importance of face-to-face interactions in fostering trust and mutual understanding, Mikal makes it a point to personally meet with his clients. Despite the challenging logistics of representing thousands of clients spread across the country, Mikal has prioritized maintaining a direct, physical presence in his clients’ lives.

To realize this ambitious approach, Mikal travels to each city affected by catastrophe at least once every 90 days. These visits aren’t just formal courtesy calls; they involve Mikal hosting town-hall meetings, where he personally answers questions, addresses concerns, and discusses the ongoing litigations. These in-person sessions underscore his commitment to individualized service and serve as a testament to his dedication to empowering his clients.

This two-pronged approach reflects Mikal C. Watts’ unwavering commitment to not just represent his clients legally, but to ensure they feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout their legal journey. It underscores his philosophy that in mass tort litigation, the power lies in each individual’s story and each client’s voice.

“One of the most effective plaintiff trial lawyers in the United States.”

Harnessing the Power of Law for Systemic Change

Mikal C. Watts understands the real power of the law lies in its commitment to systemic change. Every case taken on is seen not just as a battle to be won, but as an opportunity to shift paradigms, to raise standards, to effect lasting change. Mikal’s relentless pursuit of justice in the face of powerful adversaries has resulted in unprecedented settlements in product liability cases, environmental mass torts, and more.

Corporations frequently prioritize profit over safety, sometimes resorting to reducing safety standards and cutting corners to protect their bottom line. Mass tort law firms play a pivotal role in interrupting this cycle of corporate negligence. By compelling corporations to pay damages to all affected parties, these firms hit corporations where it hurts the most – their finances.

This financial impact is twofold; not only does it provide much-needed compensation to the victims of negligence, but it also serves as a powerful deterrent to corporations. Faced with hefty financial penalties, corporations are often compelled to reassess and revamp their safety standards and policies. After experiencing such a substantial financial blow, the threat of another such penalty can act as a potent motivator for corporations to prioritize safety over profit in the future.

One example of this type of corporate change can be demonstrated by Mikal’s litigation against Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. and Ford Motor Company, which resulted in resolving the most significant product liability case in the country. Watts Law Firm LLP was nationally recognized as one of two firms leading in the pursuit of hundreds of claims brought nationwide against Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. and Ford Motor Company. Mikal was instrumental in bringing to light Ford’s quiet efforts to recall these defective tires in foreign countries while consumers in the United States continued to be injured or killed riding on the same tires. The terms of the settlement were unprecedented in American history for a case of this type; not only monetarily, but by virtue of what the companies agreed to do with respect to the disclosure of information relating to their own investigations into the alleged defects with their products and their corporate safety policies. As a result, these automotive giants changed their practices to produce better and safer products.

In this way, mass tort law firms aren’t just advocates for victims; they are instrumental in driving systemic change. By forcing corporations to face the financial consequences of their negligence, Mikal fosters an environment where safety takes precedence over profit, making industries safer for everyone.

Tireless Champion for the Everyman

In a society often dominated by corporate interests, Mikal stands out as a tireless champion for the everyman. The Texas Lawyer aptly noted, “In the driver’s seat, trial lawyer Mikal Watts doesn’t even know where the brake pedal is.” He consistently pushes the boundaries of what is possible in a courtroom, wielding the power of the law to drive change and empower his clients.

Mikal’s reputation as a powerful advocate for his clients is echoed by the San Antonio Express News, which describes him as a “hardworking, smart and formidable courtroom adversary who also drives a hard bargain in settlement talks.” The National Law Journal affirms that “Watts has established a record as one of the most effective plaintiff trial lawyers in the United States.”

Mikal’s unyielding dedication to his clients and the pursuit of justice resonates in every case he handles. His work has garnered national attention, with major news outlets including ABC World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, and The Wall Street Journal featuring his victories. Yet, for Mikal, his true success lies not in recognition, but in the knowledge that his work has empowered individuals and communities, altering lives and society for the better.

Join Our Mission to Empower the Voiceless and Power Change

Mikal is proud of his background and his journey from the University of Texas, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with high honors and then earned his law degree, to his position today as the leader of a law firm dedicated to systemic change for the greater good. As a Board-Certified Attorney in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated Lawyer, Mikal embodies the power of the law. His commitment to clients not only assists them as individuals, but forces necessary changes that make our collective society a better and safer place to live.

With Mikal C. Watts, you are not just a client; you are part of a powerful mission. You are part of a change, a movement that holds corporations accountable and empowers individuals. Mikal C. Watts doesn’t just practice law; he empowers voices, powers change, and exemplifies the true potential of the legal system.

Steven Zalesin

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP

Steve Zalesin is a nationally renowned trial lawyer with extensive experience in false advertising, intellectual property and complex commercial matters. He has successfully tried cases and argued appeals in numerous courts throughout the United States.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Zalesin has represented the nation’s leading consumer products companies in a series of landmark cases that have shaped the laws of false advertising, while helping to preserve and grow the markets for our clients’ products. In the past year he has won dismissal of several high-profile “greenwashing” cases, in which our clients were accused of misrepresenting the environmental impact of their operations. In addition, he has successfully defended multiple clients in putative class actions that alleged that their products contained dangerous contaminants. Mr. Zalesin is currently defending major beverage, consumer healthcare, household goods, and confectionary companies in litigation over their product labeling and advertising.

In 2016, Mr. Zalesin secured a federal jury verdict for the world’s leading beverage company in a closely-watched dispute over juice labeling. He initially obtained summary judgment dismissing the claims against our client, and successfully defended that ruling before the Ninth Circuit. The U.S. Supreme Court then vacated the Ninth Circuit’s decision and remanded the case for trial. The Los Angeles jury rejected the competitor’s claims in full, returning a verdict in our client’s favor after a six-day trial and less than a day of deliberation. As a result, Mr. Zalesin was named “Litigator of the Week” by The American Lawyer (March 24, 2016). In 2020, he obtained a noteworthy dismissal of a class action complaint that targeted a leading online petitioning platform and its efforts to promote racial justice following the murder of George Floyd.

The National Law Journal recently named Mr. Zalesin to its 2023 list of “Media & Entertainment Law Trailblazers.” He is also listed in Chambers USA as a leading practitioner in the area of Advertising: Litigation, where he is described as “absolutely terrific.” Clients note, he “is one of the top advertising litigators in the country. He is a very good writer and a very effective oral advocate who is excellent in court. He’s an all-round top lawyer.” Clients praised his “good, calm demeanor as an advocate in the courtroom.”

Mr. Zalesin is listed as “Litigation Star” in Benchmark: America’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys. He has been named as a “Client Service All-Star” by The BTI Consulting Group for the past several years. This award recognizes attorneys who “stand above all the others in delivering the absolute best in client service."

Rosemary Pinto

Attorney Owner, Feldman & Pinto Law Offices

With more than two decades of practicing personal injury law, Rosemary Pinto has earned an impressive record of courtroom victories, most of which were in cases that other lawyers had rejected as unwinnable. Even in law school, Ms. Pinto stood out among her peers as one of the preeminent litigators. She won the Villanova Law School Theodore F. Riemel Moot Court Competition, in which law students presented a series of arguments before trial and appellate judges.

As a trial lawyer representing injured victims, she has achieved some of the largest verdicts in Philadelphia against corporations and medical treaters in cases that were against seemingly insurmountable odds. Ms. Pinto has an extensive background litigating mass tort actions. In the past, she represented asbestos manufacturers and insurance companies in complex matters. Currently, she confines her practice to the representation of victims, including victims of defective drugs and products that have been irresponsibly marketed to the public. Ms. Pinto also has the added advantage in the courtroom of having practiced insurance defense law early in her career. With this background, Ms. Pinto is able to predict what the defense will do in nearly every case.

Ms. Pinto has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a “Top Rated Products Liability Attorney in Philadelphia, PA” since 2005, and has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America© since 2006. She is frequently asked to lecture to other lawyers in the areas of medical malpractice, product liability and improvement of trial skills by the Philadelphia Bar Institute, the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. Ms. Pinto has taught at the Beasley School of Law in the Trial Advocacy Program. She also participated in the Philadelphia Bar Association’s program, teaching civics to high school students. She has appeared on television and radio in relation to cases litigated, her pro bono work and her work in the legal community.

Ms. Pinto credits her success in the courtroom to her background. Her father was one of the preeminent trial lawyers in the country and thus she developed a love of the law at an early age. In addition, as a former high school history teacher, Ms. Pinto believes that courtroom trials are very similar to teaching, because in both situations you are exposing a captive audience (that might prefer to be somewhere else) to a new set of facts or evidence, and you need to present the information in a way that is interesting so that the audience becomes involved in the process. Ms. Pinto is a firm believer in our justice system and the ability of a jury of one’s peers to weigh the evidence and come up with a fair decision. She says that it is the collective wisdom of a jury that gives it the ability to see through false statements and red herrings to achieve a just result. Ms. Pinto takes an active role in politics by supporting both political candidates and judicial candidates that support the Constitution of the United States and our justice system in the hopes of ensuring access to justice for all, not just the wealthy corporations and insurance companies. Giving back to the community is important to Ms. Pinto as an attorney, so she continually represents indigent clients, donates to and helps raise money for charitable causes and holds receptions for candidates seeking public office who support the rights of all of our citizens. Ms. Pinto has been on the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, the Philadelphia Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers. She has also served on the Board of Delegates to the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Norman E. Siegel

Partner with Stueve Siegel Hanson

Norman E. Siegel litigates high-stakes cases for companies and individuals. He has earned a reputation locally and nationally for his ability to strategize, negotiate and deliver results. He was recently named by Best Lawyers as a 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” and by Law360 as a “Titan of the Plaintiff’s Bar” for his work in class action litigation following big wins against some of the largest corporations in America.

Norm has successfully tried to verdict a wide range of cases, obtaining several multimillion- dollar jury verdicts, and has obtained billions in settlements for his clients.

Norm concentrates his practice in three principal areas:

Business Litigation. Norm successfully deploys the firm’s contingency fee business litigation model in bet-the-company and “David vs. Goliath” matters involving intellectual property, breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation and more. In one such matter, he prosecuted a groundbreaking antitrust case on behalf of Heartland Surgical Specialty Hospital, which claimed the region’s dominant hospital systems conspired to prevent it from obtaining in-network provider contracts. After Norm secured a key admission from a defense witness, Heartland settled with all defendants.

Data Breach and Privacy. Named one of Law360's “MVPs of the Year” for Cybersecurity and Privacy, Norm has served as lead counsel in several of the largest data breach cases litigated to date, including the sprawling multidistrict litigation alleging Equifax compromised the personal information of more than 148 million Americans in a 2017 data breach. More than 250 cases were filed against Equifax, and Norm was selected lead counsel over scores of other applicants. A leader in this burgeoning field of law, Norm has prosecuted data breach claims against Capital One, Quest Diagnostics, Target Corp., The Home Depot Inc., Marriott, the Office of Personnel Management, and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, and he is the co-founder of the American Association for Justice’s data breach and privacy group.

Class Actions. Norm’s recent work includes multimillion-dollar jury verdicts and settlements on behalf of consumers who were overcharged for life insurance policies. In Vogt v. State Farm Insurance Co., Norm delivered the closing argument to the jury that returned a $34 million verdict for Missouri owners of State Farm life insurance. Norm also served as lead counsel in Larson v. John Hancock Life Insurance Co., a nationwide class action that ultimately settled for $59.75 million just before trial. For his work in the field, Best Lawyers recently named Norm “Lawyer of the Year” for class action litigation.

Norm began his career as an Assistant Attorney General at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, where he gained a broad range of experience in complex litigation. He was later named partner at the firm now known as Dentons before starting Stueve Siegel Hanson in 2001. Norm was recognized as a 2020 Missouri Lawyers Awards Influential Lawyer by Missouri Lawyers Weekly; has been named among the “500 Leading Plaintiffs’ Lawyers in America” by Lawdragon; and is listed among Best Lawyers in America and Kansas City Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar.” He has been honored several times as a Top 100 Missouri/Kansas “Super Lawyer” and a Benchmark Plaintiffs “Local Litigation Star.”

Norm has served on the boards of the Healthcare Foundation of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City Bar Foundation and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Outside the office, he enjoys tennis, collecting art, and spending time with his family and his dog, a Whoodle named Lucky.

Eric Gibbs

Partner with Gibbs Law Group

Eric Gibbs prosecutes consumer protection, antitrust, whistleblower, financial fraud and mass tort matters. He has been appointed to leadership positions in dozens of contested, high profile class actions and coordinated proceedings, and currently serves in leadership positions in In re Equifax, Inc. Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, In re: Wells Fargo Auto Insurance Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, In re Risperdal and Invega Product Liability Cases, In re Banner Health Data Breach Litigation. Eric has recovered nearly a billion dollars for the clients and classes he represents, and has negotiated groundbreaking settlements that resulted in meaningful reforms to business practices, and have favorably impacted plaintiffs’ legal rights.

Reputation and Recognition by the Courts

In over twenty years of practice, Eric has developed a distinguished reputation with his peers and the judiciary for his ability to work efficiently and cooperatively with co-counsel, and professionally with opposing counsel in class action litigation.

[Mr. Gibbs] efficiently managed the requests from well over 20 different law firms and effectively represented the interests of Non-Settling Plaintiffs throughout this litigation. Judge Wu, In re Hyundai & Kia Fuel Economy Litigation (C.D. Cal)

The attorneys who handled the case were particularly skilled by virtue of their ability and experience.

Judge Debevoise, In re: Mercedes-Benz Teleaid Contract Litigation (D.N.J.)

They are experienced and knowledgeable counsel and have significant breadth of experience in terms of consumer class actions.

Judge Sabraw, Mitchell v. American Fair Credit Association (Alameda County Superior Court)

Representation was professional and competent; in the Court’s opinion, counsel obtained an excellent result for the class.

Judge Fogel, Sugarman v. Ducati North America (N.D. Cal)

Achievements and Leadership

Eric has been widely recognized for his professional excellence and achievements, and has been selected by numerous publications as a leading lawyer in the field of Class and Mass Actions.

In 2019, Law360 recognized Eric among its “Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar,” one of only 10 attorneys nationwide to receive the award, honoring “influential plaintiffs lawyers who had significant wins in 2018.” He also received the 2019 California Lawyer Attorney of the Year (CLAY) Award for his work in the Anthem Data Breach Litigation. The Daily Journal named Eric to its prestigious list of “Top Plaintiff Lawyers in California” for 2019 and 2016, and Law360 recognized Eric as a “2016 Consumer Protection MVP,” the only plaintiff-side lawyer in the country selected in that category. In 2018, Law360 named Eric a “Cybersecurity & Privacy MVP,” one of only five attorneys who received the honor nationwide. Consumer Attorneys of California selected Eric and co-counsel as finalists for the Consumer Attorney of the Year award for their work in achieving $100 million settlement in the Chase “Check Loan” Litigation.

His cases have been chronicled in major legal and news publications including NBC News, CNN, the National Law Journal, The New York Times, Auto Week, Market Watch, and Bloomberg News.

Eric holds a variety of leadership positions in professional associations dedicated to consumer advocacy, and he is frequently called upon to present on developing trends in the law at conferences throughout the country. Eric heads our California whistleblower attorney practice group.

Litigation Highlights

In re Anthem, Inc. Data Breach Privacy Litigation

Served as a court-appointed member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee representing the interests of plaintiffs and putative class members following a massive data breach of approximately 80 million personal records. The lawsuit settled in August 2018 for $115 million, the largest data breach settlement in history.

In re Chase Bank U.S.A., N.A. “Check Loan” Contract Litigation

Multidistrict litigation that alleged Chase Bank wronged consumers by offering long-term fixed-rate loans, only to later more-than-double the required loan payments. Eric led negotiations in the case, which resulted in a $100 million settlement with Chase eight weeks prior to trial.

In re Adobe Systems Inc. Privacy Litigation

As court-appointed lead counsel, Eric and his team reversed a long line of decisions adverse to consumers whose personal information was stolen in data breaches. Judge Koh issued a 41 page decision in plaintiffs’ favor and Eric negotiated a comprehensive reform of Adobe’s data security practices. The court’s landmark decision on Article III standing in this case marked a sea change and has been cited favorably in over twenty cases in the year since it was issued.

Skold v. Intel Corp.

After more than a decade of litigation, Eric as lead counsel achieved a nationwide class action settlement on behalf of approximately 5 million consumers of Intel Pentium 4 processors. The lawsuit changed Intel’s benchmarking practices and Intel agreed to a cash settlement for the class, along with $4 million in charitable donations.

Parkinson v. Hyundai Motor America

Eric served as class counsel in this lawsuit alleging that the flywheel and clutch system in certain Hyundai vehicles was defective. After achieving nationwide class certification, Hyundai agreed to a settlement that provided for 50-100% reimbursements to class members for their repairs and full reimbursement for rental vehicle expenses.

De La Cruz v. Masco Retail Cabinet Group

Eric served as lead attorney litigating the collective claims of dozens of misclassified account representatives for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Successfully certified a class of current and former Masco account representatives and personally arbitrated the case to judgment obtaining full recovery for the class.

In re Providian Credit Card Cases

Eric played a prominent role in this nationwide class action suit brought on behalf of Providian credit card holders alleging that Providian engaged in unlawful and fraudulent business practices in connection with the marketing and fee assessments for its credit cards. The Honorable Stuart Pollack approved a $105 million settlement, plus injunctive relief—one of the largest class action recoveries in the United States arising out of consumer credit card litigation.

Brian Glasser

Partner with Bailey & Glasser, LLP

Brian Glasser, a Rhodes scholar and Harvard law graduate, has tried cases in 16 different states, including two mass actions and four class actions. He served as counsel to creditors in seeking dismissal of both the first LTL/J&J bankruptcy and the 3M/Aero earplug bankruptcy. He is currently counsel to a class of claimants suing J&J for abuse of process in bringing two bad faith bankruptcies.

You can find the decision on several of the cases mentioned below on the firm website: baileyglasser.com/lawyers-brian-a-glasser

Selected Case Highlights

2024

Won a $5 million arbitral judgment proving Mike Lindell’s data was not 2020 election data.
Named by Forbes as one of the “Top 200 Lawyers in America.”

2023

Helped dismiss 3M’s Aearo bankruptcy, leading to a $6 billion resolution for 260,000 veterans.
Co-lead trial counsel in dismissal of J&J’s first talc bankruptcy; vindicated on appeal.
Lead counsel in $19.96 million mining royalties lease dispute.

2022

Co-trial counsel in Roundup case settled confidentially on day 4 of trial.

2021

Co-trial counsel in $32.7 million verdict for Ramaco Resources Inc. in insurance dispute.

2020

Tried two shareholder/LLC agreement cases in Delaware.
Obtained confidential settlement for 120+ residents affected by Maryland gas explosion.

2019

Fourth Circuit upheld $61.34 million verdict in DISH Network case.
Over $10 million arbitration win vs. Bechtel for S&N Communications.

2018

Resolved $800+ million in force majeure and coal lease litigation for $190 million.

2017

$29.7 million ERISA verdict vs. Wilmington Trust.
$20.5 million TCPA verdict vs. DISH Network; total award raised to $61.34 million.

2016

Won $286 million fraud judgment in Yellowstone case (later reinstated after reduction).
Won $219+ million breach of contract judgment against Tim Blixseth.
Secured $21+ million verdict in Sallyport case.

2015–2011

Led $1.375 billion sale of Foresight Reserves interest to Murray Energy.
$2.4 billion IPO for Foresight Energy Partners.
$21.1 million verdict vs. Sallyport Global in contract case.
$1.55 billion refinancing for Foresight Energy LLC.
Represented Chris Burch on Tory Burch board during major investor dispute.
Defended $127 million claim down to $2 million for International Industries Inc.

2010 and Earlier

$286 million Yellowstone fraud verdict (cross-appealed after reduction).
Surface Coal Mining mass action wins under federal environmental law.
Co-counsel in U.S. Supreme Court case: Buckhannon v. WV DHHR.
Special Assistant Attorney General for WV on mining/environmental litigation (1999–2003).
Tried numerous civil/criminal cases in court and arbitration.

Awards & Accolades

2024 Forbes: Top 200 Lawyers in America
2024 LawDragon: 500 Leading Litigators in America
Chambers USA, WV: General Commercial (2015–2024), Corporate/Commercial (2018–2024)
Best Lawyers in America: Bet-the-Company, Commercial, White-Collar, Energy Law (2010–2024)
Lawyer of the Year, Energy Law (2023); White-Collar Defense (2019)
Super Lawyers, WV: General & Business Litigation (2007–2024)

Megan E. Jones

Partner with Hausfeld

Megan Jones (@MeganJonesEsq) is Co-Chair of the firm's Antitrust practice group and a California Bay Area-based lawyer focused on recovering damages for companies that are victims of antitrust cartels, including those involving price-fixing, tying, restraints of trade, and other competition violations. With 19 years of experience in antitrust class actions, Megan is trusted by courts to lead large and complex antitrust cases:

In re Local TV Advertising Litigation (Sole Lead counsel)
In re Diisocyanates Antitrust Litigation (Co-Lead counsel)
In re Beef Antitrust Litigation (Co-Lead Counsel)
In re Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation (Plaintiff Steering Committee)
In re Marriott International Customer Data Security Breach Litigation (Plaintiff Steering Committee)

Megan is known for her creativity in settlement issues. For instance, in the In re Municipal Derivatives Antitrust Litigation (S.D.N.Y.), where she was co-lead counsel, she recovered over $220 million for a class of cities and municipalities. She co-negotiated several settlements in collaboration with Select State Attorneys General, who entrusted class counsel to handle notice and claims processes. In 2016, the American Antitrust Institute awarded Megan and her team the “Outstanding Antitrust Litigation Achievement in Private Law Practice” for this innovative public/private partnership.

Notable Settlements Negotiated by Megan Jones

In re Municipal Derivatives Antitrust Litigation – Over $200 million recovered on behalf of the class
In re Polyester Staple Antitrust Litigation – $63.5 million recovered
In re Compact Disc Antitrust Litigation – Over $50 million recovered
In re Rubber Chemicals Antitrust Litigation – Over $100 million recovered
In re MMA Antitrust Litigation – Over $20 million recovered
In re EPDM Antitrust Litigation – $81 million recovered

Megan also played a key role in the negotiation of a $300 million global settlement with Bayer, covering three cases (EPDM, Rubber Chemicals, and NBR), and she was responsible for drafting the innovative settlement agreement.

One of the few women in the plaintiffs’ bar inducted into the Legal 500 Hall of Fame for consistent excellence in litigation, Megan has a national reputation for her work. She is known for creating effective multi-firm teams, her strategic precision, and her expertise in electronic discovery, often speaking and training others through the prestigious Sedona Conference®.

Megan Jones is highly regarded for her ability to manage cases of any scale, coordinating with experts to develop economic models that aid in recovery, class certification, settlement, and discovery. She has led teams of over 80 law firms in one case and has consistently promoted diverse and inclusive litigation teams, even creating a conference for women antitrust lawyers to share best practices.

Respected for her relentless pursuit of the facts, Megan is both strategic and efficient. She prioritizes judicial resources by focusing on essential legal issues, and her extensive negotiation experience allows her to craft settlement strategies even in the most challenging cases. Megan has collaborated with Select State Attorneys General to jointly settle cases on behalf of both states and civil litigation classes.

Clients

Megan represents companies that procure cartelized products for manufacturing purposes. By analyzing a corporation’s purchases globally, she provides various recovery options across multiple jurisdictions. Emphasizing non-litigation options where appropriate, Megan is as skilled in securing resolutions in a conference room as she is in the courtroom.

To learn more about Megan's work and insights, listen to her featured appearance on the ABA’s Antitrust Section podcast, “How Do You Get to the Final Yes?” (May 2020).

Jay Edelson

Founder and CEO of Edelson PC

Jay Edelson is the founder and CEO of Edelson PC. He is considered one of the nation’s leading plaintiff’s lawyers, with his firm having helped secure over $45 billion in settlements and verdicts on behalf of classes, individuals, and governmental entities. Law360 recognized Jay as a “Titan of the Plaintiff’s Bar” in 2014, 2021, and 2023.

Jay has been recognized as one of “America’s top trial lawyers” in the mass action arena, with his firm serving as lead trial counsel in the Portland Wildfire Litigation, securing class-wide liability and punitive damage findings and, according to the defendant, paving the way for as much as $25 billion dollars to the class.

He has been called “probably the best known, and most innovative, consumer privacy lawyer on the planet,” with he and his firm holding records for the largest trial verdict in a consumer privacy case ($925m), the largest single-state consumer privacy settlement ($650m) and the largest TCPA class settlement ($76m).

Jay has been appointed to represent state and local regulators on some of the largest issues of the day, ranging from opioids suits against pharmaceutical companies, to environmental actions against polluters, to breaches of trust against energy companies and for-profit hospitals, to privacy suits against Google, Facebook, and others.

Other commentators have similarly singled out Jay’s willingness to tackle problems other lawyers shy away from and his creativity in finding winning strategies that were not readily apparent. He successfully litigated cases of first impression against the national banks in the wake of the housing collapse, leading to the reinstatement of over $3 billion in home credit lines. Through his privacy cases, he has “fostered a reputation for his uncanny ability to come up with creative standing and damages arguments” leading to “momentum-shifting rulings in challenges to the data security and information-gathering practices of companies.”

The American Bar Association recognized Jay as one of the “most creative minds in the legal industry.” Law360 noted that he has “taken on some of the biggest companies and law firms in the world and has had success where others have not.” Yet another put it even more simply, explaining “when it comes to legal strategy and execution, Jay is simply one of the best in the country.”

Jay has received special recognition for his success in taking on Silicon Valley. The national press has dubbed Jay and his firm the “most feared” litigators in Silicon Valley and, according to the New York Times, tech’s “babyfaced … boogeyman.” Chicago Lawyer Magazine dubbed Jay “Public Enemy No. 1 in Silicon Valley.” Fortune Magazine has also singled out Jay’s work in the privacy space. In the emerging area of privacy law, the international press has called Jay one of the world’s “profiliertesten (most prominent)” privacy class action attorneys. The National Law Journal has similarly recognized Jay as a “Cybersecurity Trailblazer” — one of only two plaintiff’s attorneys to win this recognition. LawDragon named him one of the top Plaintiff Financial Lawyers in the country for his work against Silicon Valley companies.

Jay is a frequent speaker and writer on class, mass, and governmental action issues, the practice of law more generally, and training and law firm management. In recognition of the fact that his firm runs like a start-up that “just happens to be a law firm,” Jay was recently named to “Chicago’s Top Ten Startup Founders over 40” by Tech.co and was recognized by The Unicorn in the Room’s “The 45 Over 45: Entrepreneurs Over Age 45 Who Are Disrupting the Way We Do Business.” In 2022, Jay was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business.”

Jay has taught privacy litigation at UC Berkeley School of Law and class actions and negotiations at Chicago-Kent College of Law and has guest lectured at law schools throughout the country, including Harvard Law School, the University of Chicago Law School, Northwestern Law, Georgetown Law, and many others. He has written a blog for Thomson Reuters, called Pardon the Disruption, where he focused on ideas necessary to reform and reinvent the legal industry and has contributed opinion pieces to TechCrunch, Quartz, the Chicago Tribune, Law360, and others.

Jay is also the leading voice of the “reform wing” of the Plaintiff’s Bar, bringing suits, pushing for legislation, and speaking out about critical issues needed to reform plaintiff’s litigation.

Jay is also the host of the Non-Compliant podcast and is the head of Edelson Creative, which recently put out the music video “We don’t talk about claims rates (A “Bruno” parody).

Alyson Bustamante Jones

Attorney with Butler Snow

OVERVIEW

Alyson serves as Practice Group Leader for our Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Healthcare Group. Frequently called upon to assemble teams and manage both coordinated proceedings and individual plaintiff cases, Alyson represents pharmaceutical and medical device companies in product liability litigation across the country. She has “considerable MDL experience,” “continues to impress as the result of her aptitude at handling coordinated proceedings and individual plaintiff cases,” and is “attuned to understanding the underlying business implications.” The Legal 500 US Editorial (2021, 2022 and 2023). She is well-versed in MDL procedures, having represented major companies in high-profile MDL proceedings. Her recent experience includes serving as lead counsel successfully obtaining summary judgment in favor of a medical device manufacturer in the Middle District of Florida and serving as co-lead MDL counsel for a major pharmaceutical company in litigation consolidated in the Eastern District of New York. She has also served as MDL defense liaison counsel for another major pharmaceutical company in litigation consolidated in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and lead counsel for national litigation in multiple jurisdictions across the country for a medical device company.

PRACTICE AREAS

INDUSTRY

Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Healthcare

ABOUT

Adept at coordinating national and local teams of attorneys and non-attorney partners in order to successfully defend against mass torts, Alyson understands the big picture and business implications for her clients, in part due to a three year secundment with a major pharmaceutical company. Her experience involves overseeing and managing all aspects of mass tort litigation including MDL representation, management of bellwether selection, oversight of local counsel, oversight of all pleadings, defensive discovery, and expert development. In addition to her mass tort management capabilities, she has served on numerous trial teams, including Jackson v. McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Case No. ATL-L-880-13, Superior Court of New Jersey, Atlantic County, named one of CVN’s Top 2015 Defense Verdicts. Alyson also serves as discovery counsel in major pieces of pharmaceutical litigation.

In addition to being recognized by The Legal 500 US as Next Generation Partner, Alyson has been selected by Law360 as a Rising Star (2019), Lawdragon 500 (Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation and Class Action Litigation), Mid-South Super Lawyers, Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 (2014). In 2017, she was selected to PORTICO 10, a group of promising attorneys who have made significant accomplishments in their career. She is a member of the Mississippi Bar Leadership Class (2014) and a graduate of the prestigious International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy.

Alyson obtained her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Tennessee and her B.A., cum laude, from the University of Mississippi. She is admitted to practice in Mississippi and Tennessee.

EXPERIENCE

MDL and Mass Tort Management

Coolsculpting® Litigation, (National Counsel), including Cates v. Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc., Case No. 6:19-cv-1670-PGB-LRH, U.S.D.C. (M.D. Fla.) in which we obtained summary judgment, affirmed by the 11th Circuit, based on adequate labeling. “11th Circ. Freezes CoolSculpting User’s Product Liability Suit,” Law360, July 24, 2023
In re: Propecia® (Finasteride) Product Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2331, E.D.N.Y. (Co-Lead Counsel).
In re: Propecia® Litigation, Case No. 623, Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division: Middlesex County (Co-Lead Counsel).
In re: Tylenol® (Acetaminophen) Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2436, E.D. P.a. (Defense Liaison Counsel).

Trial Team Support

Jackson v. McNeil-PPC, Inc., and Johnson & Johnson, Inc., No. ATL-L-880-13, Superior Court of New Jersey, Atlantic County: Tried in September 2015 - defense verdict; obtained summary judgment dismissing punitive damages.
Sessner v. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Atlantic County: Second New Jersey bellwether product liability case involving prescription drug Fosamax®; defense verdict, 2012.
Maley v. Merck Sharpe & Dohme Corp., No. 1:06-cv-04110-JFK, S.D.N.Y., 2010: Second bellwether MDL trial in the Fosamax® litigation.
Boles v. Merck & Co., Inc., No. 1:06-cv-09455-JFK, USDC SDNY, 2009: First bellwether MDL trial in the Fosamax® litigation.
Brierton Johnson v. Johnson & Johnson, et al., No. TC 018540 - Los Angeles Superior Court in Malibu, 2008: California trial involving first product liability case in connection with Children’s Motrin® and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Kozic v. Merck & Co., Inc., No. 03-9248, Hillsborough County Circuit Court, Florida, 2007 (Vioxx® Litigation).
Cona v. Merck & Co., Inc., No. ATL-L-3553-05-MT -- Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division: Atlantic County, New Jersey, 2006 (Vioxx® Litigation).
McDarby v. Merck & Co., Inc., No. ATL-L-1296- 05-MT-- Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division: Atlantic County, New Jersey, 2006 (Vioxx® Litigation).
Albright v. Merck & Co., Inc., No. CV-05-02316 -- Jefferson County Circuit Court, Alabama, 2006 (Vioxx® Litigation).
Humeston v. Merck & Co., Inc., No. ATL-L-2272-03-MT -- Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division: Atlantic County, New Jersey, 2005 (Vioxx® Litigation).

Additional Experience

Client Secundment, January 2010 – 2013
Hunter v. Covin, et al., Forrest County – Second chair in three-day jury trial.

DISTINCTIONS

The Legal 500 U.S.
- Next Generation Partner, 2018-2023
Lawdragon, 500 Leading Lawyers in America, Pharmaceutical & Medical Device, Class Action
- 2022, 2024

BAR ADMISSIONS

Mississippi, 2004
Tennessee, 2004
U.S. District Courts
- Mississippi: Northern, Southern
- Tennessee: Eastern, Middle, Western

EDUCATION

University of Tennessee, J.D., cum laude, 2004
University of Mississippi, B.A., English and Spanish, cum laude, 2001

ASSOCIATIONS

Emory University Institute for Complex Litigation and Mass Claims
American Bar Association
Defense Research Institute (DRI)
International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
Capital Area Bar Association
Hispanic National Bar Association
Mississippi Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association

PAPERS, PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS

Speaker, "Steering Committee Appointment Process," Advanced Strategy Mass-Tort MDL Certificate Course, GW Certificate Course, February 24, 2022.
Speaker, Emory University Institute for Complex Litigation and Mass Claims Rising Stars Conference, Atlanta, GA, January 2018.
Co-Author, “Physician Depositions: Who Goes First?," Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 10 No. 3 (2017).
Author, “Off-Label Promotion: Is It Free Speech?” Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 7, No. 4, December 2014.
Author, "Document Preservation Notices and the Lists of Who Receive Them: Are They Discoverable?," Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 5, No 4 (November 2012).
Author, "Update on Tort Reform Caps: Are They Constitutional?" Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 3 No. 3, 6-7 (August 2010).
Author, "Mississippi Tort Reform Faces Judicial Nullification Effort," Legal Opinion Letter, Washington Legal Foundation, February 12, 2010.
Co-Author, "To Catch A Thief," Defense Research Institute, Drug and Device Seminar.
Author, "Case Law: Sales Representatives, Diversity Jurisdiction and Fraudulent Joinder: Where do the Courts Stand," Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 2 No. 3, 13 (July 2009).
Author, "Limiting Adverse Verdicts: Tort Reform in Mississippi," Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 1 No. 4, 2-5 (October 2008).
Author, "Navigating Through the Serious Implications of an FDA Warning Letter," Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 1 No. 2, 12-17 (April 2008).
Speaker, Mississippi Dental Society Annual Meeting.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Friends of Children's Hospital, Board of Directors
Century Club Charities, Board of Directors

Michael A. Sacchet

Partner with Ciresi Conlin LLP

Sacchet specializes in complex civil litigation, including multi-district litigation. Involved in all aspects of the case, Sacchet excels at oral argument, briefing, and cross-examining expert witnesses at deposition and trial. Given his litigation experience and leadership skills, Sacchet was recently appointed to serve as Co-Lead Counsel in MDL 3081: In re Bard Implanted Port Catheter Products Liability Litigation and to serve on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in MDL 3089: In re Oral Phenylephrine Marketing and Sales Practice Litigation. In 2023, only ten years after graduating from Harvard Law School, Sacchet was invited to become the youngest-ever Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, which limits membership to 500 attorneys from the United States who possess superior skill and recognized ability in trial and appellate practice. In 2025, Sacchet was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee and named Co-Chair of the Law & Briefing Committee in MDL 3140: In re Depo-Provera Products Liability Litigation.

Sacchet has co-tried numerous cases to verdict, including five bellwether trials in the 3M Earplugs MDL—the largest MDL in American history. Obtaining more than $200 million in verdicts in less than a year, Sacchet never lost a 3M Earplugs trial and helped secure the largest multi-plaintiff verdict ($110 million) and the largest single-plaintiff verdict ($77.5 million) in the MDL.

Sacchet has also briefed and argued discovery, dispositive, pre-trial, and post-trial motions in federal and state district courts across the country. He has drafted appellate briefs and/or argued before the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth and Eleventh Circuits, Minnesota Supreme Court, and Minnesota Court of Appeals. Notably, Sacchet was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee and named Chair of the Law, Briefing, and Legal Drafting Committee in MDL 2885: In re 3M Combat Arms Earplug Products Liability Litigation. A four-member panel appointed Sacchet to both positions after reviewing nearly 200 applications from attorneys across the country and listening to 64 presentations over a 2-day period. As Chair of Law & Briefing, Sacchet briefed and argued cross-motions for summary judgment on 3M’s global preemption defense. The MDL judge hailed Sacchet’s oral argument as “outstanding” and “as good as any” she’d seen in her 18 years on the bench. The MDL court granted plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment and denied 3M’s cross motion on the government contractor defense, allowing over 200,000 cases to proceed to trial. In addition, Sacchet defeated numerous Daubert and other dispositive motions in MDL 2666: In re Bair Hugger Forced Air Warming Devices Products Liability Litigation. As a result of the arguments that Sacchet briefed and argued in the Eighth Circuit, nearly 6,000 cases against 3M were reinstated after the district court erroneously excluded plaintiffs’ general-causation experts and dismissed the MDL. In addition to his role as Co-Lead Counsel of the In re Bard Implanted Port Catheter MDL, Sacchet was selected to serve on numerous Subcommittees (Trial, Settlement, Law & Briefing, and Common Benefit).

Finally, as a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, Sacchet frequently presents CLEs on mindful lawyering. He also leads meditation practice groups for lawyers and the public. Please contact Sacchet to learn more about those opportunities.

Prior to joining Ciresi Conlin, Sacchet served as a law clerk to Judge Diana E. Murphy of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and to Judge Philip S. Gutierrez of the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Before law school, Sacchet served as a Teach for America Corps Member in East Palo Alto, California.

Sacchet graduated with honors from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, argued and wrote award-winning briefs in the Ames Moot Court Competition, and received numerous dean’s scholar prizes for outstanding academic work. He graduated first in his class from Northwestern University, where he was honored with the Top Grade Point Average Award as well as the Best Legal Studies Undergraduate Thesis Award.

Brian Glasser

Partner with Bailey Glasser

Brian Glasser, a Rhodes scholar and Harvard law graduate has tried cases in 16 different states, including two mass actions and four class actions. He served as counsel to creditors in seeking dismissal of both the first LTL/J&J bankruptcy and the 3M/Aero earplug bankruptcy. He is currently counsel to a class of claimants suing J&J for abuse of process in bringing two bad faith bankruptcies.

You can find the decision on several of the cases mentioned below on the firm website at: baileyglasser.com/lawyers-brian-a-glasser

2024

Brian recently won a $5 million arbitral judgment by “proving to 100% certainty” that the data Mike Lindell claimed to possess showing votes were moved from Mr. Trump to Mr. Biden was not 2020 election data, at all.
Recognized by Forbes as one of the “Top 200 Lawyers in America” in its first-ever top lawyers list: “[t]hey all share reputations for integrity, records of excellence—and Forbes’ recognition as the best in the business.”

2023

Obtained, as part of the national trial team, a dismissal of the attempted bankruptcy of 3M subsidiary Aearo Technologies. The fake bankruptcy was intended to dictate resolution to more than 260,000 veterans. 3M was offering $1 billion to settle the cases going in; they have now resolved for approximately $6 billion.
Obtained, as co-lead trial counsel, final dismissal of Johnson & Johnson’s first attempt to create a special purpose entity to bankrupt and manage its talc liabilities. We lost at the bankruptcy court, but were vindicated on appeal. Mr. Glasser's opening argument slides at the trial court level can be viewed as referenced above.
Obtained, as lead counsel, judgment for $19.96 million in a lease dispute over mining royalties.

2022

Served as co-trial counsel in a Roundup case that settled for a confidential sum on the fourth day of trial.

2021

Obtained, as co-trial counsel, a verdict on behalf of Ramaco Resources Inc. of approximately $32.7 million against Chubb-related insurance companies for breach of contract in a denial of insurance coverage case.

2020

Tried two cases in Delaware concerning the interpretation of a shareholder rights agreement and a Limited Liability Company Agreement’s restrictions on transfer of units.
Obtained a confidential settlement on behalf of more than 120 residents, including many who were killed and injured, of an apartment building complex in Maryland that was destroyed by a natural gas explosion.

2019

In the DISH Network case discussed below, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld the $61.34 million trial verdict.
Obtained, as co-trial counsel, an arbitration award of over $10 million for client S&N Communications, Inc. against Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation for breach of contract in the engineering and construction of a high-speed fiber optic network.

2018

Resolved damage suits for more than $800 million arising out of events of force majeure, alleged lease defaults, and for lost coal, against Hillsboro Energy LLC and Macoupin Energy LLC for approximately $190 million, paid over 15 years.

2017

Obtained, as co-trial counsel, a verdict on behalf of ERISA plan participants of approximately $29.7 million against Wilmington Trust for breach of fiduciary duty in the valuation and purchase of a defense contractor on behalf of an ESOP plan.
Obtained, as lead trial counsel, a verdict on behalf of a class of consumers of approximately $20.5 million against DISH Network, Inc., for over 51,000 violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act for calling numbers protected by the National Do Not Call registry. Verdict Sheet The Court then increased the jury award up to $61.34 million because we proved willfulness.

2016

In the Yellowstone Mountain Club case discussed below, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected all defendant Tim Blixseth’s challenges to the verdict and reversed the trial court’s reduction to $40 million, reinstating the original fraud judgment for more than $286 million.
In the Yellowstone Mountain Club BLX case discussed below, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the trial court’s breach of contract judgment for over $219 million against Tim Blixseth.
In the Sallyport case discussed below, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the trial court verdict for more than $21 million.

2015

Lead counsel to Foresight Reserves, L.P., in the sale of a non-controlling 50% interest in its subsidiary Foresight Energy L.P. (NYSE: FELP) to Murray Energy Corporation for $1.375 billion.

2014

Obtained, as Trustee of the Yellowstone Club Liquidating Trust, judgment against Tim Blixseth for $219.8 million for breach of a promissory note contract.
Served as counsel to Foresight Reserves, L.P., in the $2.4 billion initial public offering of common units of its subsidiary Foresight Energy Partners, L.P.
Obtained, as lead trial counsel, a $21.1 million dollar verdict against Sallyport Global Holdings, Inc., in a breach of contract valuation case in federal court in New York City. Published Decision

2013

Counsel to Foresight Energy LLC in connection with its $1.55 billion refinancing, involving a bond, term loan and revolver combination.

2012

Served on the Board of Directors of Tory Burch, LLC as the Chris Burch designee during the period of a contentious dispute over investor rights. The case was resolved by agreement.

2011

Lead counsel defending International Industries Inc. from a $127 million breach of contract claim. After five years of litigation, the Court limited the plaintiff's maximum recovery to $2 million and the case was quickly resolved.

2010

Co-lead trial counsel in the Yellowstone Mountain Club fraud case in Montana, obtaining a $286 million verdict against property developer and former owner Tim Blixseth for fraud. The trial court reduced the judgment to $40 million and upon defendant's appeal, we cross-appealed.

Earlier Matters

Co-lead trial counsel for plaintiffs in a mass action under the Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act obtaining compensation for damage to water wells and homes.
Lead trial counsel for the plaintiffs in a mass action of first impression under the Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act, establishing rights for off-permit damages from dust fall.
Served as co-counsel in the Petition and Briefing stage at the United States Supreme Court in Buckhannon Board and Care Home, Inc. v. West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, 532 US 598 (2001).
Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of West Virginia in the Mountaintop Removal, Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Analysis, and Bonding Litigations from 1999-2003. This series of cases involved several injunction hearings and numerous complex federal and state issues resulting in fundamental changes in the mining and environmental laws of West Virginia and the region.
Tried numerous civil and criminal cases to verdict in state and federal court, in arbitration, and before state and federal agencies.

Awards & Accolades

2024 Forbes: Top 200 Lawyers in America.
2024 LawDragon: 500 Leading Litigators in America.
Chambers USA, West Virginia: General Commercial (2015 - 2024) and Corporate/Commercial (2018 - 2024)
Best Lawyers in America, Bet-the-Company Litigation (2023) Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Energy Law (2010 - 2024)
Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Energy Law (2023)
Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Criminal Defense: White Collar (2019)
Super Lawyers, West Virginia, General Litigation and Business Litigation (2007 - 2024)

Paul R. Kiesel

Partner with Kiesel Law LLP

Paul Kiesel received his Juris Doctorate from the Whittier College School of Law in Los Angeles in 1985. In 2005, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Whittier Law School. His practice is devoted to representing consumers in personal injury, class action, environmental, and toxic tort litigation.

Mr. Kiesel has repeatedly been selected as one of the top plaintiff attorneys in the State of California and the country. The Los Angeles Business Journal recognized Mr. Kiesel as one of the Top 50 Trial Lawyers. The Daily Journal named Mr. Kiesel one of the 100 most influential attorneys in the State of California. He was also selected as one of the top 500 attorneys in the United States by Law Dragon. In addition, Mr. Kiesel is rated A.V. (highest rating) by Martindale-Hubbell.

Paul Kiesel is very active in the legal community. He was the president of the Los Angeles County Bar Association for 2015-2016 and was the past Chair of the Litigation Section. He was appointed by former Chief Justice Ronald George to the State of California Judicial Council Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee. He served on the Board of Governors for the Consumer Attorneys of California and the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles for over 25 years. In recognition of his service, Mr. Kiesel was elected an emeritus (lifetime) board member of both organizations. From 2001-2005, Mr. Kiesel sat on the Board of Governors of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers. Mr. Kiesel was the Co-Chair of the Open Courts Coalition, a bipartisan committee of attorneys from throughout California advocating full-funding of the civil justice system. Members of the Open Courts Coalition include the Honorable Carlos Moreno, former Governors Gray Davis and George Deukmejian, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaragosa, and former California Attorney General John VanDekamp. Recently, Mr. Kiesel was named a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers, dedicated to promoting superior advocacy, professionalism and ethical standards in the legal profession.

Mr. Kiesel has extensive experience in complex litigation, including environmental, construction defect, product defect, and pharmaceutical actions. Mr. Kiesel served as national Lead Counsel in the federal Multi-District Litigation against Glaxo Smith Kline for injuries caused by its pharmaceutical drug, Avandia. There were over 20,000 personal injury cases, a half-dozen consumer class cases, and several state actions pending in the Avandia MDL. Mr. Kiesel served as Liaison Counsel in the litigation arising out of the 2008 Chatsworth Metrolink crash that killed 24 individuals and injured over 100 people. As Liaison Counsel, Mr. Kiesel coordinated the successful resolution of the cases for $200 million, the maximum recovery allowed by law. Mr. Kiesel was Liaison Counsel for the Porter Ranch Environmental claims affecting over 38,000 individuals. The matter resolved in 2022 for $1.8 billion. Mr. Kiesel is also Co-Lead Plaintiffs’ Counsel of the JUUL Labs Product Cases.

Currently, Paul Kiesel represents many individuals and their families in significant personal injury and wrongful death cases. Among his many clients, Mr. Kiesel represented former Governor Gray Davis in a challenge to the qualification of the 2003 recall election.

Mr. Kiesel is also a frequent presenter for continuing legal education programs. As an early-adopter of technology in the practice of law, Mr. Kiesel has frequently written and spoken on technology-related subjects. In addition, he co-authored two legal treatises for Lexis Nexis, “California Pretrial Civil Procedure” and “California Civil Discovery.”

Donald A. Migliori

Member of Motley Rice LLC

Building upon his experience in complex asbestos cases, the historic tobacco lawsuits, and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks litigation, Don Migliori is a multifaceted litigator who can navigate both the courtroom and the negotiating table. He represents victims of defective medical devices and drugs, occupational diseases, terrorism, aviation disasters, antitrust, and securities and consumer fraud in mass torts and other cutting-edge litigation that spans the country.

Don serves in leadership roles for a number of multidistrict litigations, including being a key member of Motley Rice’s team that represents dozens of cities, towns, counties and townships in the National Prescription Opiate MDL against opioid manufacturers and distributors. He also represents states in similarly filed litigation. He played a significant role in negotiations on behalf of tens of thousands of women allegedly harmed by pelvic mesh/sling products and served as co-liaison counsel in the N.J. Bard pelvic mesh litigation in Atlantic County. Hundreds of cases have been filed in federal and state courts against multiple defendants.

He is also co-lead counsel for In re Ethicon Physiomesh Flexible Composite Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation, a member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for In re Bard IVC Filters Products Liability Litigation, as well as the Depuy® Orthopaedics, Inc. ASR™ and Pinnacle® Hip Implant MDLs. Don has litigated against both Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, and C.R. Bard previously in pelvic mesh litigation and also against C.R. Bard in the Composix® Kugel® hernia mesh multidistrict litigation, In re Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch Products Liability Litigation, the first MDL before the federal court of Rhode Island. Don also serves as co-lead plaintiffs’ counsel and liaison counsel in the federal MDL, and as liaison counsel for the Composix® Kugel® Mesh lawsuits consolidated in Rhode Island state court on behalf of thousands of individuals alleging injury by the hernia repair patch.

As liaison counsel for all wrongful death and personal injury cases in the September 11th aviation security litigation, Don played a central role in the extensive discovery, mediations and settlements of more than 50 cases of aviation liability and damages against numerous defendants. He also represented families of the victims who opted out of the Victim Compensation Fund to seek greater answers, accountability and recourse. Additionally, he manages associated litigation as a lead attorney for In re Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001, MDL #1570, a groundbreaking case designed to bankrupt the financiers of al Qaeda.

Don contributed his experience in connection with the commencement of and strategy for shareholder derivative litigation brought on behalf Chiquita Brands International, Inc., alleging the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by paying bribes to terrorist organizations in violation of U.S. and Columbian law. He also served as trial counsel for PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund in a securities case against Forest Laboratories, Inc., and was involved in the initial liability discovery and trial strategy in an ongoing securities fraud class action involving Household International, Inc.

Don began working with Motley Rice attorneys in 1997 on behalf of the State Attorneys General in the historic lawsuit against Big Tobacco, resulting in the largest civil settlement in U.S. history. He tried several noteworthy asbestos cases on behalf of mesothelioma victims, including the state of Indiana’s first contractor liability verdict and first premises liability verdict for wrongful exposure to asbestos. He continues to manage asbestos cases and actively litigates mesothelioma lawsuits and individual tobacco cases in the courtroom.

Don is a frequent speaker at legal seminars across the country and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, as well as in print media to address legal issues related to terrorist financing, aviation security, class action litigation, premises liability and defective medical devices. A "Distinguished Practitioner in Residence" at Roger Williams University School of Law for the 2010- 2011 academic year, Don taught mass torts as an adjunct professor for more than 10 years. Don is an AV® rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell®.

CHAD R. HUTCHINSON

Partner, Butler Snow

Chad Hutchinson is an experienced trial attorney who has defended clients in the products, pharmaceutical and medical device industries the majority of his career. He has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict in first chair trial roles and assisted teams in multi-district litigation and various state courts all over the country. Chad has previously been selected as a winner of the Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award by The Burton Foundation for his published work. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America^® and Super Lawyers^® and is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

ABOUT CHAD

Chad serves as national/regional counsel in the defense of various manufacturers and distributors in both commercial and product liability litigation. He also handles catastrophic loss/high exposure tort matters around the country for several insurers. As part of his medical device practice, Chad routinely prepares and defends company witnesses and 30(b)(6) representatives. His work with expert witnesses focuses on the fields of biomaterials, polymer science, chemistry, toxicology and epidemiology. He has deposed numerous Plaintiffs’ experts in these fields, several of which concluded with successful Daubert/Frey challenges that limited or excluded the admissibility of their opinions. He has also presented to judges presiding at court- ordered Science Days, as well as led all work-up phases for experts, including selection, preparation, defending their depositions, and directing their testimony at trial.

In 2018, a client selected Chad as its “Attorney of the Year.” He graduated from the prestigious International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy. In 2019, Chad served as a faculty member of the trial academy. Chad is active in several industry organizations, including IADC, where he serves as Vice Chair of Programs and Projects within the Drug, Device & Biotechnology Committee. Chad is also a member of the Trial Attorneys of America.

Chad obtained a J.D., cum laude, from Mississippi College. He obtained both an M.A., cum laude, in Taxation and a B.A., cum laude, in Accountancy from the University of Mississippi. He is admitted to practice in Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.

PRACTICE AREAS AND INDUSTRY TEAMS

Drug & Device Litigation - Trials
Drug & Device Litigation
Professional Liability
Premises Liability
Insurance
Products, Catastrophic & Industrial Litigation
Trucking Litigation
Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Healthcare

EXPERIENCE

Jarrett v. Ethicon, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, Case No. 4:20-CV-01517-BRW, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas; October 12, 2022; Trial Counsel; defense verdict. See “J&J Ethicon Unit Prevails In 2 Pelvic Mesh Trials,” Law360, October 13,
Knoth v. Apollo Endoscopy US, Inc. et al., Case No. 5:18-CV-00049-DCB-MTP, United States District Court of the Southern District of Mississippi; June 30, 2022; Lead Trial Counsel; defense
Cheryl Lankston v. Ethicon Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas; Houston Division; No. 4:17-CV- 00323; November 9, 2017; Trial Counsel; defense
Kimberly Adkins Ethicon Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; No. 130700919; June 9, 2017; Trial Counsel; defense verdict.
Keckley v. Estes Equipment Corp. et al., Circuit Court of Rankin County, Mississippi; Cause No. 2014- 46; May 15, 2017; summary
Pilot Travel Centers, LLC v. Mid-Continent Cas. Comp., 2016 WL 1633060, USDC of S. Miss; April 21, 2016; summary
Whitener Baxter Healthcare Corp., USDC of E.D. LA; Apr. 22, 2014; summary judgment.
James Orams Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, Circuit Court of Hinds County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 251-09-6909; August 15, 2013; summary judgment.
Suzanna Davis The Young Men’s Christian Association, Circuit Court of Rankin County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 2012-653; April 23, 2013; summary judgment.
Lyles Maselle & Associates et al.; Mississippi Arbitration Association; April 2, 2013; Lead Trial Counsel; defense verdict.
Savage Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; Civil Action No. 11-60406; March 9, 2012; summary judgment affirmed.
Magee Covington County School Dist., 96 So.3d 742 (Miss. App. Ct. 2012); summary judgment affirmed.
Mayers Burke Handling Systems, Inc.; Circuit Court of Scott County, Mississippi; May 31, 2011; Lead Trial Counsel; directed verdict.
Marie Ellison et v. CareGivers, LLC d/b/a Clarksdale Nursing Home, Circuit Court of Coahoma County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 14-CI-02-0141; August 30, 2010; summary judgment.
Derse, v. Haas Outdoors, Inc. dba Mossy Oak; August 17, 2010; American Arbitration Association; No. 69 152 00513; Lead Trial Counsel; judgment for client for full amount requested.
State Farm Auto Co. v. Tiffin Motor Homes, Inc., Caddo Parish, LA; June 1, 2009; summary judgment.
Thelma Mitchell, et v. Nutrition & Management Services, Inc., et al., Circuit Court of Coahoma County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 14-CI-03-0063; February 17, 2009; summary judgment.
McIntosh Dillards Department Stores; S.D. Miss.; February 12, 2008; Lead Trial Counsel; defense verdict.
Veal J.P. Morgan Trust Co., N.A., 955 So.2d 843 (Miss. 2007).
Eaton Vance Municipals Trust Conegie, 2007 WL 1484539 (N.D. Miss. 2007).
McKenzie v. Highland Home Nursing Center, et al.; Rankin County Circuit Court; Cause No. 2002-393; September 17, 2003; obtained first order from a Mississippi trial court compelling arbitration in a nursing home
Smith Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 286 F.Supp.2d 777 (S.D. Miss. 2003).
Backwell v. Tiffin Motor Homes, Inc.; Circuit Court of Smith County, Miss.; Trial Counsel; 2002; defense

BAR ADMISSIONS

Tennessee, 2024
Alabama, 2023
Mississippi, 2001
Texas – Admission Pending
S. District Courts
- Mississippi: Northern, Southern
S. Court of Appeals
- 5th Circuit
Admitted pro hac vice in numerous states

DISTINCTIONS

The Legal 500 US
- Recognized in the editorial for nationwide Dispute Resolution: Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices – Defense, 2023
Client Designated MVP Presenter, Medical Device Seminar, 2022
Client Designated Attorney of the Year, 2018
2018 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award, The Burton Awards
Best Lawyers in America^®
- Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2013-2025
Super Lawyers^®
- Personal Injury Defense: Medical Malpractice, 2008-2016, 2018-2020, 2023
Martindale-Hubbell^®
- AV^®-Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated
Member, Trial Attorneys of America
Faculty Member, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy, 2019
Graduate, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy, 2006
Leadership Mississippi, Class of 2005
Adjunct Professor – Meditation Advocacy, Mississippi College School of Law, 2022
Certified Public Accountant

ASSOCIATIONS

American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Defense Research Institute (DRI)
- Medical and Health Care Law Committee
Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association
Mississippi Bar Association
International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
- Vice Chair, Programs and Projects
- Drug, Device & Biotechnology Committee
  - Vice Chair, Publications

EDUCATION & HONORS

Mississippi College, D., cum laude, 2001
- Managing Editor, Mississippi College Law Review
University of Mississippi, A., Taxation, cum laude, 1996
University of Mississippi, A., Accountancy, cum laude, 1995

PAPERS, PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Speaker, "Wearable Data: The New “Black Box” in Personal Injury Litigation,” Industry Litigation Conference, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, January 26,
Co-Author, "SPEAK UP: Practical Recommendations for Rule 34 Product Inspections," Pro Te: Solutio, 16, No. 4, January 2024.
Speaker, "The Wearable Revolution: How to Use Personal Health Device Data in Litigation;” Industry Litigation Conference, Austin, Texas, September 29,
Speaker, “Human Body Meets Medical Device: Regulatory and Litigation Risk in Biocompatibility Analysis,” Product Liability Advisory Counsel (PLAC) Webinar Presentation, September 12,
Speaker, "Examining the Challenges for a Wearables Revolution in Healthcare," International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Seminar Presentation, Austin, Texas, February 19,
Speaker, “From the Trenches: Litigation Tips & Tricks” Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar, Cooperstown, New York, June 9,
Podcast Guest, "Defense Counsel Journal Highlight: Turning the Tables: Non-Retained Experts for Defendants," IADC Speaks Podcast, February 7,
Co-Author, "Turning the Tables: Non-Retained Experts for Defendants," IADC Defense Counsel Journal, 88, No. 4, October 20, 2021.
Speaker, “Battle of the Experts: Cross-Examination Strategies and Techniques,” Client-Industry Sponsored Seminar, Miami, Florida, October 6,
Speaker, “Best Practices of Working with Experts (If You Need One),” Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, June 10,
Co-Author, “The Case for Non-Retained Expert Witnesses,” Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 14, No. 1, February
Co-Author, “The Mongoose Strikes Back: How to Thwart a Reptilian Attack,” Pro Te: Solutio, 12 No. 3, September 2019.
Speaker, “Digital Communication Etiquette: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly,” Medical Device Presentation, Denver, Colorado, August 28,
Speaker, “The Mongoose Strikes Back: How to Kill a Reptilian Attack,” Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar Presentation, Austin, Texas, June 6,
Speaker, “Strategies for Trial Success,” Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar Presentation, Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 15,
Speaker, “Strategies for Minimizing the Likelihood of a Punitive Damages Verdict,” International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Drug, Medical Device and Biotec Committee Presentation, Palm Springs, California, February 12,
Author, “Epidemiology for Lawyers,” Trial Attorneys of America, June
Author, “Epidemiology and the NFL Collide,” Pro Te: Solutio, 10 No. 1 (2017).
Speaker, “Epidemiology – What Trial Lawyers and Jurors Really Need to Know;” International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Seminar Presentation, Scottsdale, Arizona, February 19,
Speaker, “Epidemiology by Lawyers for Lawyers;” Defense Research Institute (DRI) Drug and Medical Device Committee Webinar, December 15,
Co-Author, “Voir Dire,” International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Defense Counsel Training Manual, Third Edition,
Speaker, "Effective Use of Epidemiology in the Courtroom,” Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar Presentation, La Jolla, California, June

Speaker, "Drug and Medical Device Litigation: Recent Trends in Products Liability Litigation," Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Seminar Presentation, Sea Island, Georgia, June
Speaker, "Recent Developments in the Pharmaceutical/Product Liability Industry," In-house Client Presentation, New Brunswick, New Jersey, May
Speaker, "Epidemiology Concepts and Applications," In-house Client-Industry Seminar Presentation, August
Speaker, "Drug and Medical Device Litigation: Navigating the Social Media Maze," Panel Counsel Seminar Presentation, Lake George, New York, June
Author, "The Path to Aggregate Settlements," American Bar Association Mass Torts Litigation, 10 No. 3, Spring 2012.
Author, “The Final Rule: FDA's Security Reporting Requirements for Investigational New Drug Applications," Pro Te: Solutio, 5 No. 1, 8-11, February 2012.
Speaker, "Tips for Impeaching and Discrediting Plaintiffs’ Expert Witnesses," ACI Long Term Care Conference, Miami, , April 2011.
Speaker, "Sanctions for Failure to Properly Preserve Electronic Evidence," In-house Client- Industry Presentation, Whitehouse Station, , June 2010.
Speaker, "ABA’s Ethics Opinion on Aggregate Settlements," Professional Liability Seminar, New York, New York, May 2010.
Author, “Understanding the Inherent Risks of Dual Representation in Internal Investigations and Civil Litigation,” Pro Te: Solutio, 2 No. 4, Fall 2009.
Author "Caves: Clarity or Confusion?" Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association Quarterly, April
Author, “Oops! The Dog Ate My Pacemaker, A Lower Standard of Spoliation Claims,” Pro Te: Solutio,

Fall 2008.

Speaker, "Advanced Expert Witness Deposition Tactics," National Business Institute Seminar, October
Speaker, "Advanced Deposition and Trial Techniques for Cross-Examining the Combative Plaintiff’s Expert Witness," DRI’s Nursing Home/ALF Litigation Seminar, Miami, Florida, September
Author, "Cross-Examinations of Lay Witness," In-house Defense Quarterly, Winter

Adam C. Silverstein

Litigation Partner and Co-Leader of the Mass Tort Bankruptcy Practice at Otterbourg P.C.

Mr. Silverstein has been a complex commercial litigator for over thirty years. He has successfully first-chaired both jury and non-jury trials through verdict, litigated arbitrations through award and confirmation, and argued appeals in both federal and state courts, in New York and elsewhere.

Over the past several years, Mr. Silverstein has represented hundreds of thousands of citizens who have been harmed by defective products and who have found themselves, against their wishes, having to pursue their claims in bankruptcy, instead of in court or negotiating settlements.

Most recently, he delivered both the opening and closing on behalf of an ad hoc group of law firms who successfully opposed confirmation, and obtained dismissal, of the Red River Talc LLC (J&J talcum powder) bankruptcy. The victory benefited thousands of women who developed ovarian cancer after exposure to J&J talcum powder products and who wanted a choice in how to resolve their claims.

Mr. Silverstein also delivered the opening and much of the closing in the successful trial to dismiss the In re Aero Technologies LLC (3M combat earplugs) bankruptcy on behalf of the official committee and over 225,000 combat veterans and servicemembers. Claimants settled for a total of over $6 billion (6 times the announced value in bankruptcy) within weeks after the dismissal of the bankruptcy case.

In addition to advising and serving as counsel for official committees, ad hoc committees, MDL leadership, governmental units and other claimants in connection with filed or potential mass tort bankruptcies, Mr. Silverstein long has represented secured creditors in enforcing and defending their rights, in bankruptcy court, federal and state court, and negotiated work-outs. He also has an active commercial litigation practice, including, in particular, litigating, and advising clients in, real estate disputes and governance and control disputes.

Mr. Silverstein has been selected for inclusion each year from 2009 through present as a New York Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine and long has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell. He is a member of the New York State and New York City Bar Associations and of the American Bankruptcy Institute. His closing argument on behalf of MasterCard in the FIFA World Cup injunction trial is quoted in Andrew Jenning’s “FOUL! The Secret World of FIFA: Bribes, Vote-Rigging and Ticket Scandals” (paperback edition 2008).

Education:

B.A., with distinction in all subjects - Cornell University - 1988

J.D. cum laude - University of Pennsylvania – 1992

Sarah Ruane

Partner with Wagstaff & Cartmell

Sarah Ruane is a partner and Chair of the Litigation Management Committee at the Kansas City- based Wagstaff & Cartmell LLP. Sarah has served as trial counsel, including lead counsel, in 10 jury trials in federal and state court, nearly all of which were cases involving drugs, medical devices, and health care services. As Chair of her firm’s Litigation Management Committee, she assigns and manages teams of lawyers and staff for all of the firm’s national mass tort and class action cases to ensure optimal, efficient performance for the firm’s clients.

Sarah has gained broad experience in pharmaceutical and medical device cases under the supervision and leadership of Tom Cartmell, who has served as plaintiffs’ co-lead counsel and co-lead trial counsel in several large MDLs that resolved successfully. Sarah worked extensively on trials and in discovery over the past decade in the national Pelvic Mesh Repair System Products Liability Litigation, which included In Re: C.R. Bard, Inc., MDL No. 2187; In Re: American Medical Systems, Inc., MDL No. 2325; In Re: Boston Scientific Corp., MDL No. 2326; and In Re: Ethicon, Inc., MDL No. 2327. In these cases, Sarah assisted in general causation expert reports, briefed and argued Daubert motions, defended case-specific depositions and deposed case-specific physician, sales representative and expert witnesses. Sarah also second-chaired the first (and only) pelvic mesh jury trial against the defendant Coloplast, which resulted in a $2.5 million verdict for the plaintiff.

In the National Opioid MDL No. 2084, Sarah helped build the liability case against the Teva defendants. She performed all aspects of discovery in the MDL, from ESI negotiation and document review to taking depositions of corporate witnesses. She also represented Buchanan County, Missouri, which had one of the highest rates of opioid prescriptions in the country.

Sarah’s entire career has been with Wagstaff & Cartmell, which has grown during her tenure to 34 attorneys and 52 other employees. The firm handles complex litigation nationwide in the areas of product liability, consumer fraud, class actions, antitrust, corporate malfeasance, professional liability, and representation of public entities.

Sarah is a current member of the District of Kansas Bench-Bar Committee. In this role, she works with six sitting judges from the District of Kansas to study and consider the Rules of the Court and serves as a liaison among the court, its bar and the public. Sarah has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Lawyers Association of Kansas City – Young Lawyers Section and Lawyers Encouraging Academic Performance. Sarah received her undergraduate degree in Spanish and Sociology from Wake Forest University in 2003. She graduated from The University of Kansas School of Law in 2006. She speaks frequently at seminars which focus on trial advocacy.

Jim Murdica

Partner with Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Jim's practice focuses on the defense of pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer product litigation in state and federal courts nationwide, particularly consolidated mass torts and multi-district litigations.

In Chambers, clients describe Jim as having "[a]n incredible ability to synthesize complex scientific issues into very persuasive arguments that can be used both in court and in negotiations with the other side."

He serves as national coordinating counsel and MDL counsel for consolidated litigations across the U.S. involving thousands of plaintiffs as well as in numerous single-plaintiff cases involving pharmaceuticals, consumer products and medical devices. In conjunction with those roles, Jim emphasizes efficient discovery and manages significant mass tort e-discovery undertakings for his clients.

Jim has also coordinated the resolution of some of the largest, mass torts of the last decade.

Jim also counsels clients on product liability due diligence related to potential acquisitions and divestitures.

Regarding pharmaceutical and biologic manufacturers, Jim's experience includes:

Coordinating the national defense of a prescription diabetes drug alleged to have caused a multitude of injuries
Coordinating the national defense and acting as MDL counsel for the defense of several thousand litigations and claims alleging serious nervous system and vascular injuries from the use of a prescription antibiotic
Coordinating the national defense of hundreds of consolidated litigations alleging birth defects from exposure to an anticonvulsant medication in the Philadelphia Mass Torts Division
Coordinating the defense of consolidated state litigations in California alleging a life-threatening skin condition and tendon injuries from the use of a prescription antibiotic
Defending or assisting in the defense of consolidated and single plaintiff litigations regarding: anticoagulant medication, antidiabetic mediation, antipsychotic medications, antiepileptic medication, antibiotic medications, and various biologics that inhibit factors and bind proteins

Regarding medical device and consumer products manufacturers, Jim's experience includes:

Coordinating the national defense and serving as MDL counsel in the defense of a laparoscopic gynecologic surgical instrument for a medical device manufacturer
Coordinating the national defense of more than a thousand litigants and serving as lead counsel in a consolidated state proceeding regarding vena cava filters for a medical device manufacturer
Coordinating the national defense of contact lenses and vision devices for multiple medical device manufacturers
Coordinating the national defense of personal injury litigations for a cardiac catheter manufacturer
Defending the manufacturer of cardiac stents in a nationwide litigation alleging personal injuries from use of the device
Acting as national counsel for a manufacturer of skincare products

Mark J. Dearman

Partner with Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

Mark Dearman is a partner in Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP’s Boca Raton office, where his practice focuses on consumer fraud, securities fraud, mass torts, antitrust, and whistleblower litigation.

Mark, along with other Robbins Geller attorneys, is currently leading the effort on behalf of cities and counties around the country in In re National Prescription Opiate Litigation, No. 1:17-md-02804-DAP (N.D. Ohio). He was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in In re Zantac (Ranitidine) Products Liability Litigation, No. 9:20-md-02924-RLR (S.D. Fla.), and as Chair of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in In re Apple Inc. Device Performance Litigation, No. 5:18-md-02827-EJD (N.D. Cal.), Mark, along with co-counsel, obtained a $310 million settlement.

His other recent representative cases include serving as class counsel in In re Juul Labs, Inc., Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 3:19-md-02913-WHO (N.D. Cal.); In re McKinsey & Co., Inc. National Prescription Opiate Consultant Litigation, No. 3:21-md-02996-CRB (N.D. Cal.); In re Facebook Biometric Information Privacy Litigation, No. 3:15-cv-03747-JD (N.D. Cal.) ($650 million recovery in a class action concerning Facebook’s alleged privacy violations through its collection of user’s biometric identifiers without informed consent); In re EpiPen (Epinephrine Injection, USP) Marketing, Sales Practices & Antitrust Litigation, No. 2:17-md-02785-DDC-TJJ (D. Kan.) ($609 million total recovery achieved weeks prior to trial in certified class action alleging antitrust claims involving the illegal reverse payment settlement to delay the generic EpiPen); In re FieldTurf Artificial Turf Sales & Marketing Practices Litigation, No. 3:17-md-02779-MAS-TJB (D.N.J.); In re Sony Gaming Networks & Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, 903 F. Supp. 2d 942 (S.D. Cal. 2012); In re Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” Marketing, Sales Practices, & Products Liability Litigation, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 1357 (N.D. Cal. Jan. 5, 2016); In re Aluminum Warehousing Antitrust Litigation, 95 F. Supp. 3d 419 (S.D.N.Y. 2015); In re Liquid Aluminum Sulfate Antitrust Litigation, No. 2:16-md-2687-MCA-MAH (D.N.J.); In re Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. Shareholder Litigation, No. 16-2011-CA-010616 (Fla. 4th Jud. Cir. Ct., Duval Cnty.); Gemelas v. Dannon Co. Inc., No. 1:08-cv-00236-DAP (N.D. Ohio); and In re AuthenTec, Inc. Shareholder Litigation, No. 05-2012-CA-57589 (Fla. 18th Jud. Cir. Ct., Brevard Cnty.).

Mark was a member of the faculty of the inaugural Mass Tort MDL Certificate Program at the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School in March 2019 and was also a member of the faculty of the Program in 2020. He also served as a faculty member of the Advanced Mass Tort MDL Certificate Program at the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School in May 2023.

Before joining Robbins Geller, Mark spent several years defending Fortune 500 companies in all aspects of litigation, with an emphasis in complex commercial litigation, consumer claims, and mass torts (products liability and personal injury). He went on to found the firm of Dearman & Gerson, where he continued to defend many publicly traded corporations for over 12 years. Over the last 30 years of practice, Mark has obtained extensive jury trial experience on the plaintiffs’ side, protecting the rights of consumers throughout the United States.

Michael Mallow

Managing Partner with Shook Hardy & Bacon

Michael is a highly experienced trial lawyer who has represented clients in class action and complex litigation matters, including cases related to economic product defects, unfair competition, false and deceptive advertising, business torts, privacy, entertainment and intellectual property. He has defended consumer protection actions and investigation initiated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the U.S. Department of Justice, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Communications Commission, as well as numerous state enforcement agencies. A client states that Michael is “a very smart lawyer and a very good strategist; he’s really excellent.”

For more than 20 years, Michael has been at the forefront of representing clients in significant consumer protection matters, including:

Defending the first enforcement action prosecuted by FTC related to the National Do Not Call Registry;
Securing a major automotive industry victory before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit mooting injunctive claims for relief brought by private plaintiffs following a product recall; and
Defeating a federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) class action by persuading the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals that internet classified ads constitute an express invitation.

He regularly counsels clients on marketing and advertising issues, and has substantial experience in the automotive, fashion retail, dietary supplement, telemarketing, electronic mail marketing, consumer products and payment processing industries.

He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including recognition by Chambers USA in the categories of California Litigation: General Commercial, and Product Liability: Consumer Class Action, and The Legal 500 United States in Dispute Resolution – Product Liability, mass torts and class actions: automotive/transport and consumer products. Law360 named him one of the “Transportation MVPs of the Year” in 2018, and a “Privacy & Consumer Protection MVP” in 2012. BTI Consulting Group recognized him as a “BTI Client Service All-Star” in 2012. Southern California Super Lawyers has honored him for Class Action/Mass Torts, Business Litigation and Civil Litigation Defense. Michael also has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Michael also has served as outside counsel to the State Bar of California on issues related to its member programs. Before joining Shook, he was a partner with Sidley Austin, where he was the co-leader of the firm’s Consumer Class Action Defense practice. He also is an avid marathoner, triathlete and four-time Ironman, completing competitions in Maryland (2018), Vineman (Sonoma County, California, 2016), Cozumel (2015) and Boulder (2014).

Virginia E. Anello

Partner with Douglas & London

Partner Virginia E. Anello was born and raised in Covington, Louisiana, and currently heads up the firm’s New Orleans office. She attended Louisiana State University on an honors scholarship. Ms. Anello graduated from LSU magna cum laude and received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a minor in Italian. She went on to attend the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU where she received her Juris Doctor Degree and her Bachelor of Civil Law Degree, graduating in the top 30% of her class. Ms. Anello is admitted to practice law in the States of New York, Massachusetts, and Louisiana. She is also admitted to practice law in the Eastern, Southern and Northern Districts of New York, the Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana, the District of Massachusetts, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Since obtaining her law degree, Ms. Anello has devoted her entire career to always representing injury victims and consumers, primarily in mass tort and class actions. Her practice areas in the law have always focused on, and continue to focus on, products liability litigation and complex litigation, with an emphasis on consumer fraud and mass tort litigation. Consistent with the firm’s philosophy, she is dedicated to ensuring that an underdog can be heard.

Ms. Anello joined Douglas & London in 2007 and she focuses her work primarily on representing individuals nationwide who have been injured as a result of defective pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices and vaccines. Currently, Ms. Anello is actively involved in representing individuals who have been injured as a result of the prescription drugs Elmiron and Belviq. Regarding Elmiron, Ms. Anello was appointed in January 2021 by U.S. District Court Judge Brian Martinotti as co-lead counsel in the action styled as In Re: Elmiron (Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2973), pending in the District Court of New Jersey. This consolidated action involves hundreds of individual plaintiffs claiming severe eye injuries as a result of ingesting Elmiron to treat interstitial cystitis. In her role as co-lead counsel, Ms. Anello is involved in all aspects of pre-trial discovery and management, retention of experts and motion practice, as well as oversight of a Plaintiff Steering Committee of 24 other lawyers.

With respect to Belviq, a weight loss drug, Ms. Anello is actively pursuing individual lawsuits across the country on behalf of individuals who have suffered cancer as a result of their ingestion of the drug.

Before commencing her work with Elmiron and Belviq, Ms. Anello was actively involved in multidistrict litigation involving the diabetic drug Invokana pending in the District Court of New Jersey, where she served on the science, law and briefing and discovery committees. In July 2017, Ms. Anello was just one of two lawyers asked to present at Science Day before Judge Martinotti, defense counsel, and other plaintiffs’ counsel from across the country about the then-current state of medical and scientific knowledge regarding Invokana, including how it works and how it causes the injuries alleged (diabetic ketoacidosis, acute kidney injury and amputations). This litigation ultimately resolved through individual confidential settlements.

In addition to her work identified above, Ms. Anello is actively involved in the firm’s vaccine litigation department, which she currently manages. Since 2007, she has represented children and adults who have been injured by vaccinations and has handled numerous cases in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Many of these cases have settled or been successfully adjudicated on the merits within the Vaccine Program.

In 2018, Ms. Anello began litigating cases specific to a Shingles vaccine, Zostavax, which is not covered by the Vaccine Program. Because of the multitude of cases that have been filed relating to this particular vaccine, a multidistrict litigation was created in the District Court of Pennsylvania before the Honorable Judge Harvey Bartle, and, in September 2018, Ms. Anello was formally appointed by Judge Bartle as a member of the Plaintiff Executive Committee charged with the responsibility of overseeing and assisting with the national ligation. Ms. Anello represents hundreds of injured individuals in this endeavor.

Other nationwide pharmaceutical and medical device litigations in which Ms. Anello has been involved and worked on through settlement include those relating to hip replacement systems (DePuy ASR, DePuy Pinnacle, Biomet M2A, Wright Conserve, and Stryker Rejuvenate), proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix,) the acid concentrate Granuflo, the prescription pain drug Vioxx, the Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Lead Wire, and the Contaminated Heparin litigation.

In addition, Ms. Anello works alongside firm partner, Michael A. London, in representing women who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of their in utero exposure to the drug Diethylstilbestrol (‘DES’).

While proud to represent individuals from across the country in the products liability arena, Ms. Anello is equally as proud of her legal efforts focused on issues of importance to New York City and the surrounding areas, where she spend her early career. She is actively involved in representing individuals who have been injured as a result of their exposure to toxins at the World Trade Center site following September 11, 2001. She originally represented these victims in the World Trade Center Disaster Site Litigation pending before the Honorable Judge Alvin Hellerstein of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and she oversaw the firm’s settlement of that matter. Since Congress reopened the September 11, 2001 Victims’ Compensation Fund in 2010 and continued it in 2015, Ms. Anello has been directing her efforts at ensuring that these injured individuals, as well as those injured as a result of their working, living and going to school in the Lower Manhattan area, are compensated under the Act.

Additionally, in her role in the Firm’s class action litigation department, Ms. Anello represents New York residents who lost power due to the grossly negligent conduct of the Long Island Power Authority and its managing contractor, National Grid, prior to and following Superstorm Sandy. A proposed class action is currently pending in Nassau County Supreme Court.

As a class action attorney, Ms. Anello represents consumers and union health funds and other insurers who have been deceived and misled by product manufacturers. She is particularly involved in all of the firm’s class action work, including the firm’s class action against Bayer in which it was alleged that Bayer falsely represented to consumers that its over-the-counter combination aspirin drugs, Bayer Women’s Low Dose Aspirin + Calcium and Bayer with Heart Advantage delivered certain health benefits, which they, in fact, did not. Thanks to her hard work and dedication, as well as that of the firm, the Bayer combination aspirin class action settled for $15 million. Ms. Anello and Douglas & London are always investigating new class actions.

Ms. Anello is an active member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) and American Association of Justice (AAJ). Since 2014, Super Lawyers has selected Ms. Anello as a Rising Star in New York, and, in 2018, she was selected by Peer Recognition as one of Best Lawyers in New York City as published in the Wall Street Journal, and this status continues today. Most recently, in 2021, Ms. Anello was selected as one of the Top Women Attorneys in New York.

Ms. Anello attributes her success to her parents, who raised her with a strong work ethic, did whatever they could to promote her thirst for knowledge, and instilled in her a sense of integrity to stand up for and protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Christopher Seeger

Founding Partner of Seeger Weiss LLP

A founding partner of Seeger Weiss, Christopher A. Seeger is widely recognized as a highly innovative and accomplished plaintiff attorney. Chiefly known for multidistrict mass torts and class actions involving drug injury, toxic injury, and personal injury, Chris’ versatile practice also includes product liability, property damage, antitrust, and third-party payer litigation, as well as consumer, insurance, and securities fraud. Chris has led some of the most complex, groundbreaking, and high-profile litigations in the U.S. at the state and federal levels. He has received more multidistrict litigation (MDL) appointments than any other lawyer between 2016 and 2019, according to a 2020 ALM study.

Chris served as co-lead counsel in the 3M Combat Arms Earplug Litigation, having been chosen by Judge M. Casey Rodgers from a pool of nearly 200 other applicants to represent more than 250,000 service members and veterans who suffered hearing injuries while using 3M earplugs. After more than four years of litigation, Chris secured a landmark settlement worth over $6 billion in August 2023, successfully resolving the largest mass tort in American history.

Appointed by Judge Joy Flowers Conti to lead the Philips Recalled CPAP, Bi-Level Pap, and Mechanical Ventilator Litigation, Chris represented patients impacted by the company’s recall of more than 10.8 million devices. He was the lead negotiator for an uncapped class action settlement worth a minimum of $479 million that was announced in September 2023, resolving economic loss claims of users and payers impacted by the recall. After receiving final approval for the economic loss settlement, Chris negotiated additional agreements in April 2024 to resolve plaintiffs' personal injury claims for $1.075 billion and medical monitoring claims for $25 million, providing compensation to patients who suffered significant physical injuries caused by the recalled machines.

In the National Prescription Opiate litigation, Chris was appointed to the Executive and Settlement Committees by Judge Dan A. Polster. In 2022, he played an instrumental role in securing settlements worth more than $15 billion with Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, and Kroger. Also, in 2022, a $6.6 billion settlement was reached with pharmaceutical manufacturers Teva and Allergan (AbbVie). Previously, in July 2021, the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in the federal opioid litigation formally announced the terms for a $26 billion global settlement agreement with opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and the “Big Three” drug distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson. To date, Chris has been involved in over $50 billion in settlements through the National Prescription Opioid Litigation.

Chris serves as co-lead counsel in the Proton-Pump Inhibitor Litigation on behalf of patients who suffered kidney injuries while using proton-pump inhibitor drugs. On October 3, 2023, he announced a $425 million settlement with AstraZeneca and additional agreements with GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, and Takeda, bringing the total value of the resolution to $590.4 million.

Chris’s unprecedented run of recent settlements adds to his impressive legacy of resolving major cases and obtaining billions in compensation for injured plaintiffs. This includes a $4.85 billion landmark global settlement with Merck on behalf of patients who suffered heart attacks and strokes while taking Vioxx, a $21 billion-plus settlement with Volkswagen and Audi over the “clean diesel” scandal—the largest consumer auto industry class action settlement in U.S. history, a $1.5 billion settlement for farmers impacted by Syngenta GMO seed contamination—the largest agricultural settlement in U.S. history, and a $1 billion-plus uncapped settlement for retired NFL players and their families in the historic NFL concussion case.

After starting his career as a corporate defense lawyer representing the interests of big business, Chris was struck by the imbalance of power between corporations and the individuals harmed by them. As a result, he left to become a plaintiff attorney. The son of a union carpenter who worked his way through school, Chris is a former amateur boxer and a current Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Now, whether working on a class action involving thousands of people against a multinational conglomerate or an individual case protecting one client’s rights, he fights with the same passion and conviction.

Chris has been recognized for his outstanding work and unmatched success in leading complex federal cases. He has received the National Law Journal Elite Trial Lawyers Lifetime Achievement Award, been named a Lawdragon Legend, a Law360 Titan of the Plaintiff Bar, and been inducted into both the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame and the Legal 500 Hall of Fame. He is consistently named to annual award lists, including Chambers USA Tier 1 for Product Liability, Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, and Best Lawyers in America. Regularly quoted by the press regarding his work on nationally and internationally prominent cases, Chris has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Associated Press, Bloomberg, Reuters, ABC, CBS, NBC, NPR, and ESPN.

Jayne Conroy

Partner with Simmons Hanly Conroy

Jayne Conroy is a named partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy and oversees practice areas in the Complex Litigation Department. Under her leadership, the firm has become one of the country’s largest plaintiff law firms dedicated to helping those injured by corporate wrongdoing.

With a legal career spanning more than three decades, Jayne has earned a superb national reputation as an elite trial lawyer, skilled strategist and decisive negotiator. She has consistently helped secure billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for thousands of individuals, families and communities in numerous courtrooms nationwide.

“We are a threat to defendants because we are everywhere,” Jayne said while talking about the depth of experience in her department. “They know they have to deal with us, and we are prepared to try cases.”

Jayne focuses her practice on helping plaintiffs exclusively in mass torts, class actions, product liability, pharmaceutical and sexual abuse litigation. She serves or has served on dozens of court-appointed leadership committees in complex legal actions of national scope. These complex mass tort cases, called multidistrict litigations or MDLs, involve thousands of cases originating from state courts around the country and consolidated before a single federal judge.

Jayne’s most recent MDL appointment includes the Plaintiff’s Executive Committee in the In re: Camp Lejeune Water Litigation in the North Carolina Southern Division which alleges drinking may have been contaminated with toxic chemicals that can cause multiple types of cancer, birth defects, Parkinson’s disease and more. She has also been appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee Leadership in the In re: Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, which alleges social media platforms encourage addictive behavior in adolescents and the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee for the multidistrict litigation against McKinsey & Company in the In re McKinsey & Co Inc National Prescription Opiate Consultant Litigation, Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, which alleges McKinsey knowingly engineered marketing tactics that caused an avalanche of opioid addiction.

Other high-profile appointments include serving:

As co-lead and interim class counsel to represent plaintiffs in the case against Norfolk Southern, the company responsible for the East Palestine train derailment
As a co-lead of the sprawling National Prescription Opiate Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) before Judge Polster in the Northern District of Ohio
As lead counsel in the NY state bellwether trial alongside Nassau County and the Attorney General of NY, against the entire opioid industry and resulting in over $1.7B in settlements and a plaintiff’s verdict against a manufacturer and a distributor
On the lead trial team that secured over $325 million in settlements for two Ohio counties related to the first bellwether trial in the ongoing opioid MDL
On the lead trial team that secured three consecutive bellwether 9-figure verdicts on behalf of patients injured by Johnson & Johnson/DePuy’s Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip replacement
On leadership in the Volkswagen emission scandal MDL
As legal representative of several thousand victims and families impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks
As the co-chair of the Environmental Testing Committee for the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster MDL
In individual cases against a variety of religious, educational and civic organizations for hundreds of sex abuse victims

“Terrible things have happened to my clients that I can’t change, but what I can do is try to get them the justice they deserve,” Jayne said. “We are the best at doing that.”

The results Jayne has helped secure for her clients underscore the quality of her legal work. Her vast experience orchestrating large and multifaceted multidistrict litigations has resulted in multiple, significant settlements for her clients and thousands of others nationwide.

A sampling of her results includes:

Over $1.7 billion in settlements with multiple opioid manufacturers and distributors as part of the consolidated New York State opioid trial;
$26 billion global settlement with McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp. and Johnson & Johnson as part of the National Prescription Opiate MDL;
Over $1.7 billion in verdicts for those affected by J&J/DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement devices after four bellwether trials;
$650.5 million in abatement fees against CVS, Walgreens and Walmart in Lake and Trumbull counties in Ohio for contributing to the opioid epidemic;
$60 million to a class of 170+ Haitian boys abused by a convicted pedophile at a school sponsored by a Connecticut-based university;
$16 billion global settlement for owners of VW vehicles involved in the 2016 emissions scandal;
Multiple billions of dollars in claims for businesses and individuals harmed by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill;
$1.69 billion global settlement for women injured by Yaz birth control; and
Hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements for the families and victims of the 9/11 tragedy.

Jayne’s legal track record demonstrates her stature as one of the preeminent litigators of the nation’s plaintiffs’ bar. National legal publications and well-respected legal organizations recognize this fact. In 2022, Law360 named her a Titan of the Plaintiffs’ Bar. Previous honors include induction into the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame, election as a member of the exclusive American Law Institute, recognition as an Elite Women of the Plaintiffs Bar Winner by The National Law Journal, and the American Association for Justice’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Fighting the Opioid Epidemic

Jayne and the firm are at the forefront of unprecedented litigation that seeks to resolve the ongoing opioid epidemic. The litigation seeks to secure meaningful funds for communities that incurred millions in costs related to dealing with the estimated 400,000 opioid-related deaths since 1996.

“Every one of those communities has a story about how the opioid epidemic has devastated the families who live there,” Jayne said. “The opioid litigation allows us to get some relief to these communities faster, which could actually help someone who has not been hurt yet.”

National Prescription Opiate MDL

Jayne has a long track record of holding opioid manufacturers accountable for misleading marketing. In 2003, she and Partner Paul Hanly, who served as co-lead of the ongoing opioid MDL, represented more than 5,000 individuals against Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin.

By implementing a successful discovery plan, Jayne and her legal team uncovered evidence proving the full extent of Purdue’s criminality and its fraudulent marketing campaign designed to persuade physicians that OxyContin was not addictive. Following a 3-year battle, which included Jayne, Paul and the firm filing more than 1,200 cases in various courts across the country, Purdue Pharma settled the litigation for a significant confidential settlement in 2007.

The litigation also led to a Department of Justice investigation that resulted in Purdue Pharma paying more than $600 million in fines. Three of its executives also pled guilty to criminal charges that they misled regulators, doctors and patients about the drug’s risk of addiction and personally paid millions of dollars in fines.

After Paul Hanly’s untimely passing in early 2021, Jayne took over as co-lead counsel of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee (PEC) that leads the ongoing National Prescription Opiate MDL. After years of advocating for their over 3,000 community clients, Jayne and the PEC endorsed a $26 billion global settlement with opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and the “Big 3” drug distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson.

As part of the MDL, in November 2021, Jayne and her legal team secured the first nationwide jury verdict in an opioid case, holding pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens and Wal-Mart responsible for their role in the opioid epidemic in Lake and Trumbull County in Ohio. In August 2022, U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster ordered them to pay $650.5 million in abatement fees over a 15-year span.

San Francisco Opioid Trial

The opioid team also won a key verdict in San Francisco in 2022; in the first bench trial to decide in the plaintiff’s favor in the national opioid litigation, a federal judge found Walgreens liable for contributing to the epidemic in the city. In May 2023, Walgreens reached a $230 million settlement with San Francisco over the company’s role in the opioid epidemic, which may be the largest award to a local jurisdiction against an opioid defendant nationwide.

New York State Opioid Trial

In addition to her work on the national opioid MDL, Jayne served as lead counsel for Suffolk County in the New York State opioid trial, whose defendants encompass the entire opioid supply chain.

As part of the New York State trial, Jayne and her team secured over $1.7 billion in settlements from multiple major opioid manufacturers and distributors for Suffolk and Nassau County as well as the state of New York, its counties and New York City. The NY trial plaintiffs were the first to finalize the Big 3 and J&J settlement, serving as a catalyst for the remainder of the country.

Building upon that success, Jayne and her team secured a landmark verdict in December 2021 that found the remaining defendants, opioid manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals and distributor Anda, liable for their role in the opioid epidemic.

This was the first opioid case to be heard before a jury and is considered to be one of the largest and longest jury trial proceedings in New York history.

Helping Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

Jayne has helped hundreds of victims of sexual abuse secure justice from the institutions responsible for their abuse. In 2019, she helped achieve a landmark $60 million class action settlement on behalf of 170-plus Haitian boys harmed by a convicted pedophile and former school administrator associated with a Jesuit school in Connecticut. In 2013, the same defendants paid $12 million to settle similar claims brought by 24 other young men victimized when they were children.

Protecting Rights of Patients Injured by Hip Implants

Jayne previously served on the Plaintiff Executive Committee in the DePuy Pinnacle federal litigation involving more than 9,000 patients injured by Johnson & Johnson’s metal-on-metal hip replacement device. As a member of the trial team, she secured three consecutive 9-figure bellwether trial verdicts, including a $1 billion result for six families. In early 2019, amidst a retrial led by Jayne and her legal team, Johnson & Johnson agreed to a significant global settlement to resolve all pending litigation.

Litigating on Behalf of Volkswagen Owners and Dealers

A member of the Volkswagen MDL Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee, Jayne has been on the front lines of helping thousands of VW and Audi diesel owners impacted by the emission scandal. The litigation recently resolved with VW agreeing to pay more than $16 billion in fines and buybacks to thousands of car owners impacted by the company’s deceitful actions. Jayne also leads the firm’s efforts in representing dealers who were in competition with Volkswagen and lost sales as a direct result of the company’s misleading advertising efforts and falsified emissions reports.

Beyond the Courtroom

Whether in or out of the courtroom, Jayne is instantly recognizable by her vintage couture style and can often be seen wearing beautifully constructed suits from the 1940s in the courtroom and around the New York office where she is based. She credits her innate sense of style to her mother, as well as her grandmother, a master seamstress who made most of her clothes growing up. Jayne currently resides in New York City and Cape Cod.

Representative Cases Include

$650.5 million in abatement | County of Lake v. Purdue Pharma LP et al., case number 1:18-op-45032, County of Trumbull v. Purdue Pharma LP et al., case number 1:18-op-45079, and In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, case number 1:17-md-02804, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
City and County of San Francisco, et al., v. Purdue Pharma L.P., et al., Case No. 3:18-cv-07591-CRB (Co-Lead of Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee);
In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL 2804 (N.D.Ohio 2018) (Co-Lead of Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee);
$1.7 billion in settlements | In re: Opioid Litigation, case number 400000/2017; County of Suffolk v. Purdue Pharma LP et al., case number 400001/2017; County of Nassau v. Purdue Pharma LP et al., case number 400008/2017; and State of New York v. Purdue Pharma LP et al., case number 400016/2018, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk. (Lead counsel for Suffolk County);
In re McKinsey & Co Inc National Prescription Opiate Consultant Litigation, Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, No. 2996. (Court-appointed member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee);
In re: Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3047 (Court-appointed member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee Leadership);
$60 million settlement | St. Louis v. Perlitz et al., case number 3:13-cv-01132, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. (Class action settlement on behalf of 170+ Haitian nationals alleging negligent supervision on part of Connecticut-based defendants of convicted pedophile, resulting in sexual abuse);
$247 million DePuy Hip Verdict | In re: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. Pinnacle Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, MDL Docket No. 2244, Alicea et al. v. DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. et al., case number 3:15-cv-03489; Barzel v. DePuy et al., case number 3:16-cv-01245; Kirschner v. DePuy et al., case number 3:16-cv-01526; Miura v. DePuy et al., case number 3:13-cv-04119; Stevens v. DePuy et al., case number 3:14-cv-01776; and Stevens v. DePuy et al., case number 3:14-cv-02341, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. (Six cases consolidated for trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Dallas Division alleging injuries from J&J DePuy Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip implants.) (Co-counsel and member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee);
$1 billion DePuy Hip Verdict | In re: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. Pinnacle Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, MDL Docket No. 2244, No. 13-3631, Rosa Metzler, et al. v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 12-2066, Michael Weiser v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 13-3631, Judith Rodriguez v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 13-3938, Linda Standerfer v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 14-1730, Kathleen Davis, et al. v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 15-1767, Marvin Andrews, et al. v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 15-3484. (Six cases consolidated for trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Dallas Division alleging injuries from J&J DePuy Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip implants.) (Co-counsel and member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee);
$502 million DePuy Hip Verdict | Aoki v. DePuy Orthopedics, et al., No. 3:13-cv-01071-K; Christopher v. DePuy Orthopaedics, et al., No. 3:14-cv-01994-K; Greer v. DePuy Orthopaedics, et al., No. 3:12-cv-01672-K; Klusmann v. DePuy Orthopaedics, et al., No. 3:11-cv-02800-K; and Peterson v. DePuy Orthopaedics, et al., No. 3:11-cv-01941-K. (Five cases consolidated for trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Dallas Division alleging injuries from J&J DePuy Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip implants; verdict of $502 million including $142 million compensatory and $360 million punitive damages.);
In re: Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” Marketing, Sales Practices, And Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2672 (Court-appointed member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee);
$12 million settlement | Jean-Charles v. Perlitz, 3:11-CV-00614-RNC (D. Conn. 2013) (consolidated actions on behalf of 24 Haitian nationals alleging negligent supervision on part of Connecticut-based defendants of convicted pedophile, resulting in sexual abuse);
In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Product Liability Litigation, MDL 2151 (C.D. Cal.) (court-appointed member of Lead Counsel Committee for Economic Loss Claims);
In re: Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001, No. 21 MC 97 (S.D.N.Y.) (Consolidated 9/11 negligence actions against airlines and airport security companies);
In re: Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001, MDL 1570 (S.D.N.Y.) (Anti-terrorism Act actions against financial sponsors of terrorism);
In re: DePuy Pinnacle Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2244 (N.D. Tex. Jan. 9, 2012) (Court-appointed member of Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee);
In re: DePuy ASR Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2197 (N.D. Ohio) (Court-appointed member of Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee);
In re: Oil Spill by the Oil Rig “Deepwater Horizon” in the Gulf of Mexico, on April 20, 2010 litigation, MDL 2179 (E.D. La.) (Co-chair of Environmental Testing Committee);
In re: Syngenta AG MIR162 Corn Litigation, MDL 2591 (D. Kan. Jan. 21, 2015) (court-appointed member of Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee);
In re: Lipitor Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2502 (D.S.C. April 9, 2014) (court-appointed member of Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee);
In re: Zoloft Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2342 (E.D. Pa. 2012) (court-appointed member of Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee);
In re: Propecia (Finasteride) Product Liability Litigation, MDL 2331 (E.D.N.Y. 2012) (court-appointed member of Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee);
In re: Pelvic Repair System Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2325, 2326 & 2327 (S.D. W. Va. 2012) (court-appointed member of Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee);
In re: Actos Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2299 (W.D. La. 2012) (court-appointed member of Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee);
In re: Yazmin and Yaz (Drospirenone) Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2100 (S.D. Ill.) (court-appointed co-chair of Plaintiffs’ Law and Briefing Committee);
In re: Chantix (Varenicline) Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2092 (N.D. Ala.) (court-appointed Plaintiff State and Federal Court Co-Liaison);
In re: Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1909 (N.D. Oh.) (court-appointed member of Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee);
In re: Zyprexa Litigation, MDL 1596 (E.D.N.Y.) (court-appointed member of Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee);
In re: Bextra and Celebrex Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1699 (N.D. Cal.) and New York State Coordinated Proceedings (court-appointed member of Discovery and Science Committees, Trial Team and Common Benefit Allocation Committee);
Owens-Illinois, Inc. v. T&N Ltd. , 191 F.R.D. 522 (E.D. Tex. 2000) (successful vacation of $1.66 billion default judgment);
Chase Manhattan Bank v. T&N plc, 1997 WL 221203 (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 28, 1997), aff’d, 162 F.3d 1147 (2d Cir. 1998) (successful defense of largest asbestos property damage case ever tried in U.S.) (trial profiled in “Chase’s Case Turns to Dust,” The American Lawyer (May 1996); and
Prudential Ins. Co. v. T&N plc (D. Mass. 1992) (successful defense of $200 million asbestos property damage action).

David Majchrzak

General Counsel and Partner with Rosing Pott & Strohbehn

David M. Majchrzak is a seasoned ethicist, civil litigator, and certified specialist by the State Bar of California in legal malpractice law, is listed in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, and is rated AV®-Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell. He is the general counsel of and a partner at Rosing Pott & Strohbehn. Mr. Majchrzak represents clients in matters involving attorney and law firm risk management, discipline defense, and legal malpractice claims. And he has served as an expert on legal ethics issues.

Mr. Majchrzak devotes a substantial portion of his career to counseling his clients on how to achieve their professional goals in an ethical way. For lawyers and firms with or without general counsel, he helps navigate the complex ethical waters of the legal profession. Mr. Majchrzak performs law office risk management assessments, trains law firm staff in ethics requirements, and advises on a variety of topics. These include conflicts of interest, fees and billing requirements and dispute handling, trust account procedures, internal and departing lawyer compensation, law firm advertising and online marketing efforts, engagement and common interest agreements, non-engagement and disengagement protocols, attorney-client privilege/confidentiality analyses and protection, subpoena response, multi-jurisdictional practice, lawyer mobility, and ancillary business ventures.

Mr. Majchrzak is active and widely visible within the legal ethics community. Mr. Majchrzak served as the co-chair of California Lawyers Association’s first Ethics Committee and as a member of the organization’s Future of the Profession Task Force; and he co-chaired 2022’s annual meeting. He currently serves as the president elect of the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers, the chair of the ABA working group on Model Rule 5.5, a member of the ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism, a member of the editorial board of the ABA/Bloomberg Law Lawyers’ Manual on Professional Conduct, a liaison to the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, a member of the ABA National Conference on Professional Responsibility Planning Committee, and a member of the ABA’s House of Delegates. Mr. Majchrzak also served as a three-year member of the State Bar of California’s Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct, and chair of its outreach committee; and is a past chair of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Legal Ethics Committee. In 2015, Mr. Majchrzak revived the then-abandoned Ethics Quarterly, and has continued as one of its two editors. He has also taught professional responsibility as an adjunct law school professor.

Mr. Majchrzak is also active within the general legal community. In 2022, he served as the president of the San Diego County Bar Association. Mr. Majchrzak also served for four years as president of the William L. Todd, Jr. chapter of the American Inns of Court. Presently, he serves as the treasurer for the Law Practice Management and Technology section of California Lawyers Association. He has also served as an officer of the Association of Discipline Defense Counsel, a judge for Teen Court, an attorney instructor for mock trial competitions, a director of the Kiwanis Club of Poway, and in various other voluntary professional and community roles.

Hon. Shashi H. Kewalramani (Ret.)

JAMS

Hon. Shashi H. Kewalramani (Ret.) joins JAMS after serving as a U.S. magistrate judge for the Central District of California, where he earned a reputation for being a sought-after neutral to assist in resolving complex federal disputes with efficiency, fairness and deep subject-matter fluency. While on the bench, Judge Kewalramani managed a diverse docket of civil matters, including intellectual property (patent, trademark, copyright and trade secrets), commercial litigation, employment, class action and civil rights cases. He is a trusted judicial resource for handling high-stakes settlement conferences, where he was often referred complex matters by judges across the district and was requested by parties to assist in resolving complex intellectual property, employment, commercial and credit reporting cases, as well as disputes involving constitutional challenges against governmental entities. He was known for his preparation and willingness to conduct settlement conferences that went late into the evening or lasted several days in order to arrive at a resolution. He also presided over and decided matters involving discovery issues related to a variety of substantive areas and developed mechanisms to efficiently decide disputes pertaining to class action and intellectual property matters, particularly among direct competitors in particular industries. Having tried numerous cases as lead trial counsel, he is acutely aware of the considerations that clients and counsel face in preparing, presenting, and resolving matters.

Prior to his judicial service, Judge Kewalramani built a well-rounded litigation career across both the public and private sectors. He served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Central and Northern districts of California, including in the Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (CHIP) unit, where he led investigations and prosecutions involving cybercrime, fraud, data breaches and trade secret offenses, and handled investigations and prosecutions involving new technologies and securities violations. In private practice, he represented clients in intellectual property and commercial litigation on the defense and plaintiff sides for his clients, white-collar criminal defense, and state and federal investigation matters. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, he worked at a prominent intellectual property law firm, where he handled patent litigation involving technologies in the electrical, chemical, genetic and mechanical arts, and handled trade secret, design patent, antitrust and copyright matters. Prior to entering private practice, he was a law clerk to Hon. Richard A. Schell, chief judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, where he assisted in a variety of cases, including one of the largest product liability multidistrict litigations (MDLs) involving medical products.

With an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering and credentials as a registered patent attorney, Judge Kewalramani brings a unique level of technical sophistication and substantive knowledge to disputes and is used to handling matters with cutting-edge technological issues. Additionally, he brings a trial attorney’s attention to detail and tenacity in assisting in resolving matters. This combination of legal and technical fluency, as well an awareness of the practicalities of litigation, makes him a particularly strong choice for matters at the intersection of law, science and business.

Joseph F. Rice

Co-Founding Member of Motley Rice LLC

Motley Rice co-founder Joe Rice is recognized as a skillful and innovative negotiator of complex litigation settlements, having served as the lead negotiator in some of the largest civil actions our courts have seen in the last 20 years.

Corporate Legal Times reported that national defense counsel and legal scholars described Joe as one of the nation's “five most feared and respected plaintiffs’ lawyers in corporate America.” As the article notes, "For all his talents as a shrewd negotiator ... Rice has earned most of his respect from playing fair and remaining humble.”

Joe was recognized by some of the nation’s best-regarded defense lawyers as being “the smartest dealmaker they ever sat across the table from,” Thomson Reuters has reported. Professor Samuel Issacharoff of the New York University School of Law, a well-known professor and expert in class actions and complex litigation, has commented that he is “the best strategic thinker on the end stages of litigation that I’ve ever seen.”

Since beginning to practice law in 1979, Joe has continued to reinforce his reputation as a skillful negotiator, including through his involvement structuring some of the most significant resolutions of asbestos liabilities on behalf of those injured by asbestos‐related products. He negotiates for the firm's clients at all levels, including securities and consumer fraud, anti-terrorism, human rights, environmental, medical drugs and devices, as well as catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION OPIATE MDL:

Joe is co-lead counsel in the National Prescription Opiate MDL aimed at combatting the alleged over-distribution and deceptive marketing of prescription opioids. Joe, as Chair of the opioid Negotiating Committee, worked with the committee and the Attorney General Committee to reach over $50 billion in settlements for communities nationwide with defendants in the opioid supply chain. Motley Rice continues to represent dozens of governmental entities, including the first jurisdictions to file cases in the current wave of litigation.

VEHICLE RECALLS:

Joe served as one of the lead negotiators in the $15 billion Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Fraud class action settlement for 2.0-liter vehicles, the largest auto-related consumer class action settlement in U.S. history, as well as the 3.0-liter settlement. Under his leadership, Motley Rice also helped negotiate a pair of Takata bankruptcy resolutions that secured funds for victims who were harmed by the company’s deadly, explosive airbags. Joe also serves as a member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for In re General Motors LLC Ignition Switch Litigation, and was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for In re Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep Ecodiesel Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation.

MEDICAL DRUGS AND DEVICES:

Joe led negotiations on behalf of thousands of women who allege complications and severe health effects caused by transvaginal mesh and sling products, including litigation that has five MDLs pending in the state of West Virginia. He is also a member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for the Lipitor® MDL, filed for patients who allege the cholesterol drug caused their Type 2 diabetes.

BP OIL SPILL:

Joe served as a co-lead negotiator for the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in reaching the two settlements with BP, one of which is the largest civil class action settlement in U.S. history. The Economic and Property Damages Rule 23 Class Action Settlement is estimated to make payments totaling between $7.8 billion and $18 billion to class members. Joe was also one of the lead negotiators of the $1.028 billion settlement reached between the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee and Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., for Halliburton’s role in the disaster.

9/11:

Joe held a crucial role in executing strategic mediations and/or resolutions on behalf of 56 families of 9/11 victims who opted out of the government-created September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. In addition to providing answers, accountability and recourse to victims’ families, the resulting settlements with multiple defendants shattered a settlement matrix developed and utilized for decades. The litigation also helped provide public access to evidence uncovered for the trial.

TOBACCO:

As lead private counsel for 26 jurisdictions, including numerous State Attorneys General, Joe was integral to the crafting and negotiating of the landmark Master Settlement Agreement, in which the tobacco industry agreed to reimburse states for smoking-related health costs. This remains the largest civil settlement in U.S. history.

ASBESTOS:

Joe held leadership and negotiating roles involving the bankruptcies of several large organizations, including AWI, Federal Mogul, Johns Manville, Celotex, Garlock, W.R. Grace, Babcock & Wilcox, U.S. Gypsum, Owens Corning and Pittsburgh Corning. He has also worked on numerous Trust Advisory Committees. Today, he maintains a critical role in settlements involving asbestos manufacturers emerging from bankruptcy and has been recognized for his work in structuring significant resolutions in complex personal injury litigation for asbestos liabilities on behalf of victims injured by asbestos-related products. Joe has served as co-chair of Perrin Conferences’ Asbestos Litigation Conference, the largest national asbestos-focused conference.

SECURITIES AND CONSUMER FRAUD:

Joe is often sought by investment funds for guidance on litigation strategies to increase shareholder value, enhance corporate governance reforms and recover assets. He was an integral part of the shareholder derivative action against Omnicare, Inc., Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust v. Gemunder, which resulted in a significant settlement for shareholders as well as new corporate governance policies for the corporation.

Joe serves on the Board of Advisors for Emory University's Institute for Complex Litigation and Mass Claims, which facilitates bipartisan discussion of ways to improve the civil justice system through the hosting of judicial seminars, bar conferences, academic programs, and research. In 1999 and 2000, he served on the faculty at Duke University School of Law as a Senior Lecturing Fellow, and taught classes on the art of negotiating at the University of South Carolina School of Law, Duke University School of Law and Charleston School of Law.

In 2013, he and the firm created the Ronald L. Motley Scholarship Fund at The University of South Carolina School of Law in memory and honor of co-founding member and friend, Ron Motley.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center, Co-chair for inaugural Campaign for the Next Child
First Tee of Greater Charleston, Board of Advisors
American Heart Association of the Lowcountry, 2018 Heart Walk Chair

Alexandra Walsh

Shareholder with Anapol Weiss

Alexandra Walsh is a nationally recognized trial attorney with extensive experience trying and winning cases in courts throughout the country. Her successes have been recognized by the American College of Trial Lawyers, Chambers & Partners, and the New York Journal Verdict Hall of Fame, among other organizations. Alex began her career defending corporate clients but began a new chapter in her practice by launching Walsh Law, a firm dedicated to fighting for plaintiffs, in 2021. In 2024, Alex brought the team she built at Walsh Law to Anapol Weiss, where she has expanded the firm’s trial and mass tort practices on a national level.

Today, Alex dedicates much of her practice to representing survivors of sexual exploitation and assault. Alex and her team are at the forefront of the effort to hold Roblox, Discord, and other major platforms accountable for knowingly enabling the grooming, exploitation, and abuse of minors by online predators. They have filed nine federal lawsuits (and counting) against Roblox, including the first wrongful death suit, and are currently petitioning the JPML to consolidate Roblox cases nationwide.

Alex represents hundreds of women and men who survived childhood sexual assault while in custody of various states’ juvenile justice systems. She has joined the fight against the Alexander Brothers, real estate moguls who used their wealth and prominence to engage in a sprawling sex trafficking scheme. Alex has also led litigation exposing Uber’s failure to prevent thousands of sexual assaults annually.

Alex plays a leadership role in various other national litigations, including the MDLs concerning toxic contamination of commercial baby food products; the hidden risks of Ozempic, Wegovy, and other weight loss medications; and the intentionally addictive effect of social media platforms.

Before beginning her law practice, Alex was honored to serve as law clerk to two of the country’s top jurists: the Honorable Merrick B. Garland, then a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and the Honorable Stephen G. Breyer, Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Alex earned her law degree at Stanford Law School, where she was awarded Order of the Coif, and graduated summa cum laude from Bowdoin College.

Alex serves on the board of D.C.’s Legal Aid Society, the city’s oldest and largest civil legal services organization, and represents Legal Aid clients in landlord-tenant disputes. Alex is also a board member for LIFT-DC, a national non-profit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for families with children through targeted career, education, and financial coaching.

Theane Evangelis

Partner with Gibson Dunn

Theane Evangelis is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Co-Chair of the firm’s global Litigation Practice Group. She is one of the country’s leading litigators, representing clients in federal and state courts nationwide. She has argued and won high-profile appeals, including cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Theane is a member of several practice groups including Appellate, Labor and Employment, Media, Entertainment and Technology, and Crisis Management. She previously clerked for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor during the Supreme Court’s October Term 2004 and served as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Recognitions

Law360 “Employment MVP”; “Class Action MVP” (3x)
National Law Journal: 2023 “Employment Law Trailblazer”
Chambers USA (since 2020): Ranked for Appellate Litigation
Benchmark Litigation: “Top 10 Women in Litigation”, California “Attorney of the Year”
Lawdragon: "500 Leading Litigators in America," "500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers," and "500 Leading Global Litigators"
Los Angeles Business Journal: 2021-2022 Labor & Employment Leader of Influence and "Lawyer of the Year"
The Daily Journal: "Top 100 Lawyers" in California (2021-2024), "Top Woman Lawyer" (2016–2024)
Best Lawyers: 2023 Appellate Lawyer of the Year, listed 2014–2025
IMLA: 2022 Amicus Service Award
The American Lawyer: “Litigator of the Week” (2024 & 2018)
Euromoney: 2021 Litigation Lawyer of the Year (Americas Women in Business Law Awards)
The Recorder: California “Lawyers on the Fast Track”
Greek America Foundation: “Forty under 40”
Greek America Magazine: “25 Most Intriguing Greek Americans of 2010”
Southern California Super Lawyers: “Super Lawyer” in Appellate Law

Representative Matters

Won landmark Supreme Court case upholding Grants Pass, Oregon’s camping regulations
Lead counsel to Uber in misclassification lawsuits and multiple arbitration-related victories
Lead counsel for Reddit in Ninth Circuit FOSTA ruling
Constitutional challenge to California’s AB5 worker classification law
Represented actor Ashley Judd against Harvey Weinstein
Landmark trial win for Grubhub classifying drivers as independent contractors
Secured reversals of major class action judgments (Kimberly-Clark, Standard Fire, etc.)
Advocated in the U.S. Supreme Court and various circuits in employment and arbitration cases
Obtained precedential rulings in matters for Yamaha, Hewlett-Packard, and others
Represented plaintiffs in the constitutional challenge against California’s Prop 8
Advised ABM in multiple wage-and-hour class actions

Education

New York University School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude (2003); University Graduation Prize recipient; Managing Editor, NYU Law Review
Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, B.S. in Foreign Service, cum laude

Professional Memberships & Community Involvement

Admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court, various U.S. Courts of Appeal, and all federal courts in California
Board member: California Women’s Law Center, The Hellenic Initiative
Trustee: Global Greek Film Initiative, NYU Law School Board of Trustees
Appointed to the Los Angeles County Blue Ribbon Commission on Homelessness

Fidelma L. Fitzpatrick

Member, Motley Rice LLC

Fidelma Fitzpatrick represents people and communities in toxic tort and environmental matters, including property damage and personal injury claims. Her experience with complex civil litigation has led her to represent other victims of corporate malfeasance, including thousands of women who suffered health problems after receiving medical devices such as Essure®, pelvic mesh/sling products and IUDs, as well as people harmed by consumer products such as chemical hair straighteners.

In addition to her toxic tort and medical casework, Fidelma also represents states, cities, counties and townships in litigation against opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies in their claims the companies engaged in deceptive marketing and over-distribution of highly addictive opioids, creating and fueling the deadly opioid crisis.

In 2023, Honorable Mary Rowland appointed Fidelma as co-lead counsel for MDL 3060 In re: Hair Relaxer Marketing Sales Practices And Products Liability Litigation in the Northern District of Illinois. Plaintiffs in the MDL developed uterine cancer and other illnesses after using certain chemical hair relaxers. They assert defendant manufacturers failed to adequately test the products and warn customers about potential harms. Fidelma is also lead counsel of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for the coordinated Essure® litigation in California against Bayer Corp., and she serves on the PEC for Paragard® IUD multidistrict litigation filed in the Northern District of Georgia for women who suffered severe effects linked to the birth control devices. She also serves as co-lead counsel of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for a Philadelphia mass tort filed for farmers, railroad workers and others who developed Parkinson’s Disease after using Paraquat weed killer.

In 2012, Fidelma was appointed co-lead counsel of the pelvic mesh MDL In re American Medical Systems, Inc., Pelvic Repair Systems Products Liability Litigation in the Southern District of West Virginia. She also holds leadership roles in pelvic mesh state court litigations, including serving as liaison counsel in the American Medical Systems cases consolidated in Delaware and the Boston Scientific cases consolidated in Massachusetts. She continues to represent women who experienced complications after receiving pelvic mesh/sling products. Filed cases are against defendants including Boston Scientific, C.R. Bard, Inc., and Ethicon.

In addition to her leadership appointments in various mass tort actions, Fidelma regularly serves as trial counsel in varied product liability and medical device cases on behalf of Plaintiffs. She was co-lead trial counsel in the lead paint pigment case, The People of California v. Atlantic Richfield Company et al., in which Motley Rice represented 10 California cities and counties against national lead paint pigment manufacturers. In January 2014, the court ruled Sherwin-Williams Company, NL Industries, Inc., and ConAgra Grocery Products Company created a public nuisance by actively promoting lead for use in homes despite knowing that it was highly toxic. The parties subsequently reached a $305 million settlement that established an abatement fund to remove toxic lead paint from homes and protect the health and safety of thousands of California children.

Fidelma also held a central role in the state of Rhode Island's trial against former corporate manufacturers of lead paint pigment. She continues to litigate cases seeking to hold the lead paint pigment industry accountable for the childhood lead poisoning crisis and provide restitution and compensation to affected children and families. As a result of her work for lead poisoning victims, the Wisconsin State Supreme Court became the first to recognize the legal rights of poisoned children to sue lead paint pigment manufacturers.

Fidelma began working with Motley Rice attorneys in 1997 on the Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island lawsuits against the tobacco industry. She serves on the Board of Regents at Canisius College and frequently speaks on environmental and mass tort topics at conferences for federal and state court judges, attorneys, academic professionals and law students.

Published Works

“Painting Over Long-Standing Precedent: How the Rhode island Supreme Court Misapplied Public Nuisance Law in State v. Lead Industries Association” Roger Williams University Law Review (Summer 2010)
“Access to Justice: The Use of Contingent Fee Arrangements by Public Officials to Vindicate Public Rights” Cardozo J.L. & Gender (Spring 2008)
“Negligence in the Paint: The Case for Applying the Risk Contribution Doctrine to Lead Litigation” in Pace Environmental Law Review (Fall 2008)

Please remember that every case is different. Although it endorses this lawyer, The Legal 500 United States is not a Motley Rice client. Any result we achieve for one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Litigation Areas

Medical Devices
Toxic Exposure

Joseph F. Rice

Co-Founding Member of Motley Rice LLC

Motley Rice co-founder Joe Rice is recognized as a skillful and innovative negotiator of complex litigation settlements, having served as the lead negotiator in some of the largest civil actions our courts have seen in the last 20 years.

Corporate Legal Times reported that national defense counsel and legal scholars described Joe as one of the nation's “five most feared and respected plaintiffs’ lawyers in corporate America.” As the article notes, "For all his talents as a shrewd negotiator ... Rice has earned most of his respect from playing fair and remaining humble.”

Joe was recognized by some of the nation’s best-regarded defense lawyers as being “the smartest dealmaker they ever sat across the table from,” Thomson Reuters has reported. Professor Samuel Issacharoff of the New York University School of Law, a well-known professor and expert in class actions and complex litigation, has commented that he is “the best strategic thinker on the end stages of litigation that I’ve ever seen.”

Since beginning to practice law in 1979, Joe has continued to reinforce his reputation as a skillful negotiator, including through his involvement structuring some of the most significant resolutions of asbestos liabilities on behalf of those injured by asbestos‐related products. He negotiates for the firm's clients at all levels, including securities and consumer fraud, anti-terrorism, human rights, environmental, medical drugs and devices, as well as catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION OPIATE MDL:

Joe is co-lead counsel in the National Prescription Opiate MDL aimed at combatting the alleged over-distribution and deceptive marketing of prescription opioids. Joe, as Chair of the opioid Negotiating Committee, worked with the committee and the Attorney General Committee to reach over $50 billion in settlements for communities nationwide with defendants in the opioid supply chain. Motley Rice continues to represent dozens of governmental entities, including the first jurisdictions to file cases in the current wave of litigation.

VEHICLE RECALLS:

Joe served as one of the lead negotiators in the $15 billion Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Fraud class action settlement for 2.0-liter vehicles, the largest auto-related consumer class action settlement in U.S. history, as well as the 3.0-liter settlement. Under his leadership, Motley Rice also helped negotiate a pair of Takata bankruptcy resolutions that secured funds for victims who were harmed by the company’s deadly, explosive airbags. Joe also serves as a member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for In re General Motors LLC Ignition Switch Litigation, and was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for In re Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep Ecodiesel Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation.

MEDICAL DRUGS AND DEVICES:

Joe led negotiations on behalf of thousands of women who allege complications and severe health effects caused by transvaginal mesh and sling products, including litigation that has five MDLs pending in the state of West Virginia. He is also a member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for the Lipitor® MDL, filed for patients who allege the cholesterol drug caused their Type 2 diabetes.

BP OIL SPILL:

Joe served as a co-lead negotiator for the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in reaching the two settlements with BP, one of which is the largest civil class action settlement in U.S. history. The Economic and Property Damages Rule 23 Class Action Settlement is estimated to make payments totaling between $7.8 billion and $18 billion to class members. Joe was also one of the lead negotiators of the $1.028 billion settlement reached between the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee and Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., for Halliburton’s role in the disaster.

9/11:

Joe held a crucial role in executing strategic mediations and/or resolutions on behalf of 56 families of 9/11 victims who opted out of the government-created September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. In addition to providing answers, accountability and recourse to victims’ families, the resulting settlements with multiple defendants shattered a settlement matrix developed and utilized for decades. The litigation also helped provide public access to evidence uncovered for the trial.

TOBACCO:

As lead private counsel for 26 jurisdictions, including numerous State Attorneys General, Joe was integral to the crafting and negotiating of the landmark Master Settlement Agreement, in which the tobacco industry agreed to reimburse states for smoking-related health costs. This remains the largest civil settlement in U.S. history.

ASBESTOS:

Joe held leadership and negotiating roles involving the bankruptcies of several large organizations, including AWI, Federal Mogul, Johns Manville, Celotex, Garlock, W.R. Grace, Babcock & Wilcox, U.S. Gypsum, Owens Corning and Pittsburgh Corning. He has also worked on numerous Trust Advisory Committees. Today, he maintains a critical role in settlements involving asbestos manufacturers emerging from bankruptcy and has been recognized for his work in structuring significant resolutions in complex personal injury litigation for asbestos liabilities on behalf of victims injured by asbestos-related products. Joe has served as co-chair of Perrin Conferences’ Asbestos Litigation Conference, the largest national asbestos-focused conference.

SECURITIES AND CONSUMER FRAUD:

Joe is often sought by investment funds for guidance on litigation strategies to increase shareholder value, enhance corporate governance reforms and recover assets. He was an integral part of the shareholder derivative action against Omnicare, Inc., Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust v. Gemunder, which resulted in a significant settlement for shareholders as well as new corporate governance policies for the corporation.

Joe serves on the Board of Advisors for Emory University's Institute for Complex Litigation and Mass Claims, which facilitates bipartisan discussion of ways to improve the civil justice system through the hosting of judicial seminars, bar conferences, academic programs, and research. In 1999 and 2000, he served on the faculty at Duke University School of Law as a Senior Lecturing Fellow, and taught classes on the art of negotiating at the University of South Carolina School of Law, Duke University School of Law and Charleston School of Law.

In 2013, he and the firm created the Ronald L. Motley Scholarship Fund at The University of South Carolina School of Law in memory and honor of co-founding member and friend, Ron Motley.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center, Co-chair for inaugural Campaign for the Next Child
First Tee of Greater Charleston, Board of Advisors
American Heart Association of the Lowcountry, 2018 Heart Walk Chair

Manuel F. Cachán

Partner with Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP, Litigation; Mass Torts, Insurance and Consumer Litigation

Mr. Cachán is a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, which is granted by invitation only and limited to 500 active trial lawyers from the United States. In recognition of his work, Mr. Cachán has been honored by several leading industry outlets and organizations, including:

Benchmark Litigation as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the United States, the 2024 Product Liability Litigator of the Year, a National Practice Area Star, a California Litigation Star and a Local Litigation Star
The American Lawyer as Litigator of the Week and Litigator of the Week Runner-Up (multiple times)
Chambers USA in its Product Liability & Mass Torts category
the Los Angeles Daily Journal, which listed one of his jury wins as a Top Defense Verdict of the year
Forbes as one of America’s Top 200 Lawyers
the Los Angeles Business Journal as a Leader of Influence: Top Litigator and Trial Lawyer
the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, which has named him to its annual list of Rainmakers
Lawdragon, which named him to its list of 500 Leading Litigators in America

Mr. Cachán has represented Fortune 500 companies before federal and state courts in jury trials across the nation in breach-of-contract litigations, banking actions, product liability lawsuits and professional malpractice cases. His representations have included:

Monsanto Company in securing a unanimous defense verdict (reached after three hours of deliberations) following a seven-week jury trial in Cook County, Illinois, against claims brought by four plaintiffs who alleged that they developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after being exposed to Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer and fire-retardant additives known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) made by the company. The American Lawyer recognized Mr. Cachán for his victory as a Litigator of the Week Runner-Up
Monsanto in a jury trial in Sonoma County, California, that was anticipated to be a lengthy trial in which the plaintiffs alleged that Monsanto’s product Roundup had caused cancer. After opening statements and testimony from two witnesses, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their case with prejudice. Mr. Cachán again was recognized by The American Lawyer as a Litigator of the Week Runner-Up
Monsanto in state courts in Riverside, California, and St. Louis, Missouri, (verdict reached after three hours of deliberations) on claims that the company’s herbicide Roundup caused the plaintiffs to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Similar claims had previously resulted in verdicts from $80 million to over $2 billion. The jury rejected the claims in their entirety in both trials. The Missouri verdict was ranked second on the list of the Top 10 Most Impressive Defense Verdicts of 2022 by the online trial-viewing network Courtroom View Network (CVN). Mr. Cachán was recognized by The American Lawyer as a Litigator of the Week Runner-Up for both verdicts
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in multiple trials regarding its talc-based products, including:

in St. Louis, where the jury returned a complete defense verdict on all claims and awarded no damages. The verdict was ranked second on CVN’s list of the Top 10 Most Impressive Defense Verdicts of 2017, and The American Lawyer recognized Mr. Cachán as a Litigator of the Week
the first-ever California trial relating to J&J’s talc-based Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower products and their alleged link to ovarian cancer. After trial, the court entered judgment notwithstanding the verdict for the J&J defendants and, in the alternative, granted J&J’s motion for a new trial

NBCUniversal:

and KNBC-TV in a one-month jury trial in Los Angeles Superior Court involving claims of age discrimination brought by a journalist formerly employed by the station
in connection with claims by actor Gabrielle Union over workplace issues on the competition talent show “America’s Got Talent”
in an arbitration involving profits from a series of popular made-for-television movies

Dick Clark Productions in a bench trial in federal court alleging breach of a production agreement, brought by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association over rights to the Golden Globes awards show
Rysher Entertainment in a two-week jury trial in a suit brought by the actor Don Johnson, involving his alleged share of profits from a popular television show
Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company in a jury trial against the city of Los Angeles for damages sustained as a result of the unplanned shut-off of a refining tank

Mr. Cachán is active in the legal community. He is a board member of Public Counsel, the largest provider of pro bono legal services in the United States. He also is an honorary trustee of the Mexican-American Bar Foundation, which provides scholarship assistance to Latino law students. Mr. Cachán previously served as a member of the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation of the State Bar of California, which evaluates all candidates under consideration for a judicial appointment by the governor. He is past president of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers in Los Angeles. Mr. Cachán is the son of Cuban exiles and is fluent in Spanish.

Donald A. Migliori

Member of Motley Rice LLC

Building upon his experience in complex asbestos cases, the historic tobacco lawsuits and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks litigation, Don Migliori is a multifaceted litigator who can navigate both the courtroom and the negotiating table. He represents victims of defective medical devices and drugs, occupational diseases, terrorism, aviation disasters, antitrust, and securities and consumer fraud in mass torts and other cutting-edge litigation that spans the country.

Don serves in leadership roles for a number of multidistrict litigations, including being a key member of Motley Rice’s team that represents dozens of cities, towns, counties and townships in the National Prescription Opiate MDL against opioid manufacturers and distributors. He also represents states in similarly filed litigation. He played a significant role in negotiations on behalf of tens of thousands of women allegedly harmed by pelvic mesh/sling products and served as co-liaison counsel in the N.J. Bard pelvic mesh litigation in Atlantic County. Hundreds of cases have been filed in federal and state courts against multiple defendants.

He is also co-lead counsel for In re Ethicon Physiomesh Flexible Composite Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation, a member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for In re Bard IVC Filters Products Liability Litigation, as well as the Depuy® Orthopaedics, Inc. ASR™ and Pinnacle® Hip Implant MDLs. Don has litigated against both Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, and C.R. Bard previously in pelvic mesh litigation and also against C.R. Bard in the Composix® Kugel® hernia mesh multidistrict litigation, In re Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch Products Liability Litigation, the first MDL before the federal court of Rhode Island. Don also serves as co-lead plaintiffs’ counsel and liaison counsel in the federal MDL, and as liaison counsel for the Composix® Kugel® Mesh lawsuits consolidated in Rhode Island state court on behalf of thousands of individuals alleging injury by the hernia repair patch.

As liaison counsel for all wrongful death and personal injury cases in the September 11th aviation security litigation, Don played a central role in the extensive discovery, mediations and settlements of more than 50 cases of aviation liability and damages against numerous defendants. He also represented families of the victims who opted out of the Victim Compensation Fund to seek greater answers, accountability and recourse. Additionally, he manages associated litigation as a lead attorney for In re Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001, MDL #1570, a groundbreaking case designed to bankrupt the financiers of al Qaeda.

Don contributed his experience in connection with the commencement of and strategy for shareholder derivative litigation brought on behalf Chiquita Brands International, Inc., alleging the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by paying bribes to terrorist organizations in violation of U.S. and Columbian law. He also served as trial counsel for PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund in a securities case against Forest Laboratories, Inc., and was involved in the initial liability discovery and trial strategy in an ongoing securities fraud class action involving Household International, Inc.

Don began working with Motley Rice attorneys in 1997 on behalf of the State Attorneys General in the historic lawsuit against Big Tobacco, resulting in the largest civil settlement in U.S. history. He tried several noteworthy asbestos cases on behalf of mesothelioma victims, including the state of Indiana’s first contractor liability verdict and first premises liability verdict for wrongful exposure to asbestos. He continues to manage asbestos cases and actively litigates mesothelioma lawsuits and individual tobacco cases in the courtroom.

Don is a frequent speaker at legal seminars across the country and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, as well as in print media to address legal issues related to terrorist financing, aviation security, class action litigation, premises liability and defective medical devices. A "Distinguished Practitioner in Residence" at Roger Williams University School of Law for the 2010-2011 academic year, Don taught mass torts as an adjunct professor for more than 10 years. Don is an AV® rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell®.

LICENSED IN:

MA, MN, NY, RI, SC

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE BEFORE:

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First, Fourth, and Eleventh Circuits; U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, District of Massachusetts, and Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York

EDUCATION:

M.A./J.D., Syracuse University, 1993
A.B., Brown University, 1988

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES:

Chambers USA
- 2021 Product Liability: Plaintiffs – Nationwide, Band 3
Best Lawyers® Charleston, SC
- 2020 "Lawyer of the Year" Mass tort litigation/class actions – plaintiffs
- 2011–2024 Mass tort litigation/class actions – plaintiffs
Super Lawyers® lists
- 2018–2021 South Carolina Super Lawyers: Class action/mass torts; Personal Injury – products: plaintiff; Aviation and aerospace
- 2009–2017 Rhode Island Super Lawyers
- 2012–2013 Top 10 Rhode Island Super Lawyers lists
The National Trial Lawyers
- 2010–present Top 100 Trial Lawyers™: Rhode Island
Lawdragon
- 2018–2024 Lawdragon 500
- 2019–2023 Lawdragon 500 Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers
- 2019–2023 Lawdragon 500 Plaintiff Financial Lawyers
- 2010 Lawdragon 3,000
Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly
- 2020 Leader in the Law
- 2011 Lawyer of the Year
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
- 2011 Lawyers of the Year
Benchmark Plaintiff
- 2012–2014 Rhode Island “Litigation Star”: human rights and product liability
Providence Business News
- 2005 Forty Under 40

ASSOCIATIONS:

Law360 Product Liability Editorial Advisory Board, 2019, 2021
American Association for Justice, Board of Governors; former Executive Committee member
American Bar Association
Rhode Island Association for Justice, former President
The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation

Hon. Esther Salas

US District Court, District of New Jersey

Judge Salas earned her B.A. from Rutgers University and her J.D. from Rutgers School of Law-Newark. After graduating from law school, Judge Salas clerked for the Honorable Eugene J. Codey, Judge of the Superior Court, Essex County Vicinage. In October 1995, Judge Salas entered private practice with the law firm of Garces and Grabler, P.C., where she focused on criminal defense and appellate litigation. In September 1997, Judge Salas joined the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of New Jersey. As an Assistant Federal Public Defender, Judge Salas represented indigent criminal clients in front of both the New Jersey District Court and the Third Circuit.

On November 3, 2006, Judge Salas was sworn in as a Magistrate Judge for the District of New Jersey—the first attorney of Hispanic descent to hold that position. On June 14, 2011, the Senate unanimously confirmed President Obama’s nomination of Judge Salas as a United States District Judge. Judge Salas was sworn in by the Honorable Jose L. Linares, making her the first Latina District Judge in the District of New Jersey.

As a District Judge, Judge Salas has presided over complex civil and criminal cases, including a number of issues of first impression for the District of New Jersey. Additionally, Judge Salas, along with Senior District Judge Katharine S. Hayden, co-founded the District of New Jersey Pretrial Opportunity Program, which provides pre-trial judicial intervention for criminal defendants suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.

Judge Salas has been recognized for her work on and off the bench. She has received numerous awards, including the Whipple Memorial Award from the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey (2008), the Women’s Initiative and Leaders in Law Platinum Award from the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association (2015), the Woman of Substance Award from Seton Hall University’s Women’s Law Forum (2015), the Public Interest Law Foundation Award from Rutgers University (2021), the President’s Award from the Hispanic National Bar Association (2022), the Justice Thurgood Marshall Award from the New Jersey State Bar Association (2022), the Jurist Award for Making the World a More Just Place from the National Judicial College (2023), the William J. Brennan, Jr. Award from the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey (2023), the Excellence in Civic Engagement Award from the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University (2023), the Raphael Lemkin Rule of Law Guardian Award from the Bloch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School (2024), and the Morton A. Brody Distinguished Judicial Service Award from Colby College (2024).

Judge Salas is a loving wife to her husband of 26 years, Mark Anderl, and the proud mother of her late son, Daniel Mark Anderl, who offered his life as an act of love when a disgruntled lawyer targeted Judge Salas because of her position as a federal judge. Since Daniel’s senseless and tragic murder, Judge Salas has made it her mission to ensure greater protections for judges. Daniel’s sacrifice, and Judge Salas’s advocacy, led to the swift passage of “Daniel’s Law” in New Jersey. To ensure that Daniel’s death would not be in vain, Judge Salas advocated for federal legislation to ensure greater protections for federal judges. As a result of such advocacy, President Biden signed the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act into law on December 23, 2022.

Kimberly Branscome

Partner with Paul | Weiss

Co-chair of the Product Liability practice group, Kim Branscome is a nationally renowned trial lawyer and litigation strategist who focuses on complex litigation and trials involving product liability, professional liability, environmental and toxic torts, and securities matters. She has secured several high-profile product liability trial victories on behalf of leading multinational corporations across a broad range of sectors, including the pharmaceutical, consumer products, energy and automotive industries. Kim is widely regarded as one of the most talented and respected lawyers in the product liability and mass tort litigation area, with clients describing her as “one of the leading lawyers in this space” and as “someone clients trust to try their cases.”

Experience

Kim has deep experience litigating in federal and state courtrooms across the country, with a particular emphasis on the most high-profile mass torts and product liability matters, as well as high-stakes securities class actions and other complex civil litigation. Kim’s representations include:

Johnson & Johnson in securing multiple complete defense verdicts as lead trial counsel in product liability litigation where the plaintiffs alleged that J&J’s talcum-based baby powder products contained asbestos that caused the plaintiff to develop mesothelioma. The trial wins were recognized by the Daily Journal as “Top Defense Verdicts” in 2018 and 2019, as well as by Law360 as one of the “Top Product Liability Cases of 2018.”
3M as lead defense counsel and lead trial counsel, notably securing multiple favorable trial verdicts, in a multibillion-dollar product liability litigation involving allegations that a product sold to the military is related to hearing loss suffered by servicemen and women. The case is recognized as the largest federal multidistrict litigation in U.S. history.
GlaxoSmithKline as liaison and lead trial counsel in consolidated proceedings in California involving thousands of claimants who allege that an antacid medication has carcinogenic properties.
GM in multidistrict federal and state civil litigation relating to ignition switches in its vehicles, securing victories in the second federal bellwether trial and the first state bellwether trial.
Omega Flex in product liability litigation involving allegations that its product, CSST flexible steel gas piping, was defective.
BP in multidistrict and related civil litigation arising out of the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
BP in multidistrict securities fraud litigation alleging it and other defendants materially misrepresented the client’s stock prior to and immediately following the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion.
Aon in a professional liability action arising from damage to the Opry Mills Mall after the historic flooding of the Cumberland River in Nashville.
Multiple pharmaceutical industry clients, including Merck, Pfizer, Hoffmann-La Roche and AstraZeneca, among others, in mass tort and multidistrict litigation involving product liability claims related to their prescription medicines.

Awards & Recognitions

Kim is widely recognized by leading publications and legal directories for her trial accomplishments and expertise. The American Lawyer named Kim to its 2022 list of “West Trailblazers,” which recognizes lawyers in the western states who have moved the needle in the legal industry. Chambers USA has recognized Kim in the Product Liability & Mass Torts (USA) category for the past four years, describing her as a “well-regarded trial lawyer who has amassed a broad range of experience in mass torts and class actions.” The Legal 500 US also recognizes Kim in its Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action-Defense categories across consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices and toxic torts, describing her as a “strong practitioner with excellent strategic smarts.” The Daily Journal recognized her as one of the “Top 100 Lawyers” in California in 2019 and one of the “Top Women Lawyers” in California in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Forbes recognized Kim on its inaugural 2024 “America’s Top 200 Lawyers” list. The Los Angeles Business Journal named Kim to its “Top Litigators & Trial Lawyers” and “Most Influential Women Lawyers” lists in 2019 and Law360 named her a “Rising Star” in 2017.

Dai Wai Chin Feman

Managing Director – Commercial Litigation, Corporate Counsel, Parabellum Capital

Dai Wai leads Parabellum's commercial litigation vertical. He has closed dozens of investments from inception with aggregate capital commitments in excess of $600 million.

Dai Wai is one of three individuals in the US ranked Band 1 by Chambers for litigation funding and one of The Legal 500’s eight global “Industry Leaders.” He has also been recognized by Leaders League as one of the leading litigation funding professionals in the US, by Lawdragon as a global leader in legal finance, and by Lexology as the inaugural winner of the Client Choice Award for third-party funding in the US. He frequently speaks and comments on developing issues in the industry, and has authored industry commentary for Bloomberg Law, Law360, Carrier Management, ACC Docket, Corporate Counsel, and The Law Reviews.

Dai Wai also manages Parabellum’s public policy initiatives. He is a member of the US Regional Committee of the International Legal Finance Association (ILFA) and coordinator of ILFA’s global best practices working group, and he has testified before multiple legislative bodies on matters related to legal finance. He also served as one of two industry representatives on the New York City Bar Association’s Litigation Funding Working Group, is a member of the New York City Bar Association’s Litigation Committee, contributed to the Government Accountability Office’s study of litigation funding, is an alumnus of the New York City Bar Association's Professional Ethics Committee, and participated on the Uniform Law Commission's Third-Party Funding of Litigation Study Committee.

Prior to joining Parabellum, Dai Wai was a litigation partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP, where he specialized in commercial and antitrust litigation. Dai Wai has broad experience in all manners of complex commercial litigation, ranging from contract disputes to trade secret misappropriation to securities. He has advised and represented clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to closely-held family businesses through all phases of litigation. While in private practice, Dai Wai was consistently named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Business Litigation.

Dai Wai received his A.B., cum laude, from Georgetown University and his J.D. from New York University School of Law. He is active in the Asian American Bar Association of New York, where he is a former board member, Co-Chair of the Judiciary Committee, and Co-Chair of the Litigation Committee. He is also an alumnus and faculty member of the New York City Bar Association Associate Leadership Institute and a member of the New York City Bar Association Litigation Committee.

Derek W. Loeser

Senior Partner with Keller Rohrback Law Offices

Derek is a senior partner in Keller Rohrback’s nationally recognized Complex Litigation Group and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.

Derek's passion for holding large corporations accountable for wrongdoing has helped recover billions of dollars for consumers, retirees, governments and institutions. He has served in leadership roles in multidistrict litigation and major complex cases across the country.

Currently, Derek is co-lead counsel in In re Facebook, Inc. Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation, the MDL against Facebook stemming from the Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal. In the case, after years of hard-fought litigation, he and the team achieved a historic $725 million settlement, the largest amount paid to date to resolve a privacy-based class action. Derek was recently appointed co-lead counsel in In Re: TikTok, Inc, Minor Privacy Litigation, the MDL in which Plaintiffs allege that TikTok unlawfully collects and uses the personal information of children under 13.

In addition to his class action work, Derek helps manage the Keller Rohrback team representing state and local government entities in a number of matters involving significant public health crises. For example, Derek leads the Keller Rohrback team litigating government cases against opioid manufacturers and distributors in The National Prescription Opioid Litigation. In the Opioid MDL, Derek serves on the Expert and Law & Briefing Committees and lead the litigation against a major opioid manufacturer. He also represents school districts and counties in litigation against the e-cigarette company, JUUL, for targeting and addicting youth. These cases are quintessential examples of the type of litigation Derek and the Keller Rohrback team fervently pursue: corporate fraud and malfeasance causing serious harm to the public.

Derek’s other notable cases include the Wells Fargo unauthorized account consumer class action for which Derek served as lead counsel. In the Wells Fargo case, Derek and the Keller Rohrback team achieved a $142 million settlement requiring the bank to refund all improper fees and provide first-of-its kind credit damage reimbursement, among other relief, to Wells Fargo customers; multi-billion dollar mortgage-backed securities cases on behalf of the Federal Home Loan Banks of Chicago, Indianapolis and Boston; ERISA class cases on behalf of employees whose retirement savings were decimated by corporate fraud and abuse on the part of Enron, WorldCom, Countrywide, and Washington Mutual, among others. He has also litigated fraud, RICO, and antitrust cases against drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and insurance companies for conspiring to drive up the cost of life-saving medications such as insulin.

Many of Derek’s cases have required coordinating with state and federal agencies involved in litigation that parallels cases pursued by Keller Rohrback, including state attorneys general, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Labor. In addition, Derek has extensive experience negotiating complex, multi-party settlements, and coordinating with the many parties and counsel necessary to accomplish this. He is frequently asked to speak at national conferences about class actions, public health litigation, ERISA, and other complex litigation topics.

Derek has been included on the Super Lawyers® "Top 100: Washington Super Lawyers" list from 2022 through 2025 and he was recognized by Law360 as a "Titan of the Plaintiffs Bar" in 2024, along with a variety of other prestigious recognitions.

Before joining Keller Rohrback, Derek served as a law clerk for the Honorable Michael R. Hogan, U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. He was also a trial attorney in the Employment Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. where he prosecuted discrimination cases on behalf of the United States.

Douglass A. Kreis

Founding Partner of Aylstock Witkin Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC

Douglass A. Kreis, a partner with the firm, received his B.A. degree from Mercer University, attending under a four-year academic/athletic scholarship, and his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law. While in law school, Mr. Kreis earned the distinction as Cumberland’s 1997 National Environmental/Toxic Tort Law Conference Representative (Washington, D.C.). After gaining significant trial advocacy experience through Cumberland’s Trial Advocacy Program/Moot Court Competitions, Mr. Kreis accepted a prestigious internship with future Alabama Supreme Court Justice, Michael Bolin.

Over the past twenty-five years, Mr. Kreis has dedicated himself towards seeking justice for clients injured by defective pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices – successfully representing thousands of clients in litigation throughout the country. Mr. Kreis has successfully pursued claims against major manufacturers including: Wyeth/Pfizer; Bayer; Smith & Nephew, Zimmer, Biomet, Stryker Orthopedics/Howmedica, Wright Medical Mentor; Johnson & Johnson/Ethicon; American Medical Systems; Bard; Covidien; Coloplast; Atrium/Getinge; and others.

Along the way, Mr. Kreis has become one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in the country regarding the interplay between law and science. Mr. Kreis has gained the respect of his colleagues and has been asked to speak at many mass tort seminars and symposiums throughout the country during which he addresses science and law in the context of epidemiology; the potential modes of failure (general and specific causation); and the pathology, histology and presentation of related injuries.

Mr. Kreis recently put his specialized skillset to work in taking the lead role in identifying and retaining the world’s preeminent experts in acoustics, audiology, military hearing conservation and Military Safety to support U.S. Service Members and Veterans in what is the largest litigation in history. These cases are pending against Minneapolis based 3M relating to a defective earplug (Combat Arms Version 2) which lead to hearing damage, including: hearing loss; tinnitus; hyperacusis and exacerbation of PTSD.

Mr. Kreis has held leadership and committee positions on national litigations, including:

Lead Counsel, In re Mentor Corp. ObTape Transobturator Sling Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2004
Executive Committee, In re Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2441
Steering Committee, In re Biomet M2A Magnum Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, MDL Docket 2391
Expert Committee, In re Combat Arms Earplug Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2885

Ellen Relkin

Partner and Practice Group Chair with Weitz & Luxenberg

Ms. Relkin, whose practice focuses on medical device and pharmaceutical product liability, as well as toxic tort matters, has represented thousands of plaintiffs injured by defective medical products for more than three decades. She has been appointed by numerous federal and state judges to serve as the leadership counsel running large, consolidated litigations. She was most recently appointed as co-lead counsel in the multidistrict litigation In Re: Exactech Polyethylene Orthopedics Product Liability Litigation in the Eastern District of New York. She is co-lead counsel of the In Re: JUUL Labs, Inc. Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, where she helped negotiate settlements on behalf of consumers and government entities of over $500 million dollars with defendants for their conduct in creating a vaping epidemic. She has served as the co-lead counsel of the In Re: DePuy ASR multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of Ohio, resulting in a global settlement. She played a key role in negotiating settlements exceeding $2.5 billion. She also served as court appointed co-lead counsel in the In Re: Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) Products Liability Litigation that was venued in the Southern District of New York.

On the state court front, she has been court-appointed lead and liaison counsel in the New Jersey state court multicounty litigations: In Re: Stryker Rejuvenate & ABG II Modular Hip Implant Litigation; In Re: Stryker LFit CoCr V49 Femoral Heads Litigation; and, previously, in the In Re: Yaz Product Liability Litigation. In addition to roles as lead counsel of litigations, she has been court appointed to the Executive Committees in the multidistrict litigations, In Re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation; In Re: Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head Products Liability Litigation, In Re: Invokana (Canagliflozin) Products Liability Litigation; and In Re: Ortho Evra Product Liability Litigation.

Ms. Relkin, who is Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney, is an elected member of the American Law Institute, as well as the Summit Council, and an invited member of the American Bar Foundation. She also serves on the Board of Advisors of the RAND Kenneth R. Feinberg Center for Catastrophic Risk Management and Compensation. She is an active member of the American Association for Justice (past chair of its Toxic, Environmental, and Pharmaceutical Torts section); the New Jersey Trial Lawyers Association, where she serves on the Board of Governors and is co-chair of its Mass Tort Committee; and the New Jersey and New York Bar Associations, and the American Bar Association. She is also former President of the Roscoe Pound Civil Justice Institute, now known as the National Civil Justice Institute. She is a frequent lecturer nationally at continuing legal education programs. She has published law review articles in the Cardozo Law Review and the Dickinson Journal of Environmental Law and Policy; the chapter on Failure to Warn in Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Mass Tort Litigation in the treatise New Jersey Mass Torts and Class Action published by the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education; and numerous other legal publications.

She has been consistently named as a ”Super Lawyer” in both New York and New Jersey for the past several years, “Best Lawyer” in New York, and has been AV rated by Martindale Hubble for more than two decades.

Deepak Gupta

Founding Principal of Gupta Wessler LLP

Deepak Gupta is the founding principal of Gupta Wessler LLP, where his practice focuses on Supreme Court, appellate, and complex litigation on behalf of plaintiffs and public-interest clients. Deepak is also a Lecturer at Harvard Law School, where he co-teaches the Harvard Supreme Court Litigation Clinic.

In 2025, the National Law Journal described Deepak as “a mainstay of the Supreme Court lectern” and “the go-to advocate” for plaintiffs. Over more than two decades, he has led high-stakes cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, all thirteen federal circuits, and many state supreme courts, focused on ensuring access to justice for consumers, workers, and communities injured by corporate or governmental wrongdoing. He has also testified before the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy

Deepak founded Gupta Wessler in 2012 to serve as a counterweight to the corporate dominance of the Supreme Court and appellate bar. Over the past decade, the firm has established itself as the nation’s premier plaintiff-side appellate firm, with an unmatched record of improbable wins in the U.S. Supreme Court and state and federal courts nationwide.

Over the past two terms alone, the firm had seven oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court, presented by all four of the firm’s partners. Only four other law firms–all large corporate defense firms–had as many arguments. Gupta Wessler had the highest win rate (71%) of any firm in that elite group. Highlights of Deepak’s advocacy include:

In the 2024-2025 term, the firm had four arguments before the Court. Deepak presented three of those arguments and achieved the rare feat of securing two post-argument dismissals for respondents—in Labcorp v. Davis (on class certification and standing) and NVIDIA v. Ohman (on pleading standards for securities fraud).
In the 2023-24 term, the firm had three arguments before the Court, winning two–including unanimously defeating sweeping federal preemption of state consumer law in Cantero v. Bank of America.
Deepak argued and won a landmark victory for access to justice in Ford Motor Co. v. Montana Eighth Judicial District, in which the Court ruled that people injured by mass-market products can establish personal jurisdiction to sue corporations where their injury occurred.
In Smith v. Berryhill, Deepak argued at the Court’s invitation in support of a judgment left undefended by the Solicitor General. He is the first Asian-American to be appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court to argue a case.
In 2017, the firm had three merits cases before the Court; Deepak was lead counsel in two, prevailing in both. In Expressions Hair Design v. Schneiderman, he successfully argued a First Amendment challenge to a law designed to keep consumers in the dark about the cost of credit cards. And in Hernández v. Mesa, he represented the family of a Mexican teenager killed in a cross-border shooting by a border patrol agent, obtaining vacatur of a ruling that the officer was entitled to qualified immunity.
Deepak argued AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion, a watershed case on corporations’ use of forced arbitration to prevent consumers and workers from banding together to seek justice.

Defending the Nation’s Largest Verdicts

Deepak is frequently sought out by plaintiffs’ trial lawyers to defend their biggest victories—including some of the nation’s largest verdicts. He is currently defending several nine-figure and eight-figure verdicts on appeal, including $275-million and $185-million verdicts against Monsanto (over toxic chemical exposure) in the Washington Supreme Court. In 2024, he secured the affirmance in the Nevada Supreme Court of a $200-million verdict against UnitedHealth (over insurance bad faith) and a partial affirmance in Florida of an $83 million verdict on behalf of musician Flo Rida against energy-drink maker Celsius.

Class Actions and Constitutional Litigation

Deepak also designs and prosecutes class actions and constitutional challenges from the ground up. Highlights include:

PACER fees class action: Lead counsel in a nationwide class action in which he persuaded the Federal Circuit that the federal judiciary has been charging people millions of dollars in unlawful fees for online access to court records. The case recently culminated in a $125 million settlement that reimburses the majority of PACER users 100 cents on the dollar.
Federal judges’ class action: Represented all of the nation’s bankruptcy judges, recovering $56 million for Congress’s violation of the Compensation Clause.
High stakes constitutional cases: Representing Gwynne Wilcox in her challenge to President Trump’s attempt to remove her from the NLRB; several plaintiffs seeking to prevent the dismantling of the CFPB; and other major constitutional litigation.

Recognition

Deepak is “known as a skilled appellate lawyer” (New York Times) and “an all-star progressive Supreme Court litigator” (Washington Post). Law360 described him as “one of the emerging giants of the appellate and the Supreme Court bar.” Chambers USA has cited his “impressive” appellate practice, describing him as “an incredible oral advocate” who “writes terrific briefs” and maintains a “vibrant appellate practice focused on public interest cases and plaintiff-side representations.” He is consistently ranked among the “Best Lawyers” for Supreme Court cases by Washingtonian magazine.

His advocacy has been recognized with awards including the 2025 Consumer Advocate of the Year Award from the Nevada Justice Association, the 2022 Appellate Advocacy Award from the National Civil Justice Institute, the Steven J. Sharpe Award for Public Service from the American Association for Justice, and the President’s Award from the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges.

Career Background

Before founding Gupta Wessler in 2012, Deepak was Senior Counsel at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, where he launched the agency’s amicus program and worked on Supreme Court cases. He also spent seven years at Public Citizen Litigation Group, founded the Consumer Justice Project, and worked at the DOJ Civil Rights Division, the ACLU National Prison Project, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. He clerked for Judge Lawrence K. Karlton and studied law at Georgetown, Sanskrit at Oxford, and philosophy at Fordham.

Institutional Leadership

Deepak serves as outside counsel to the American Association for Justice in the Supreme Court and on issues before Congress and agencies. He is a member of the American Law Institute and the Administrative Conference of the United States and sits on several boards including the National Consumer Law Center and Alliance for Justice.

Publications and Media Appearances

Deepak’s publications include Arbitration as Wealth Transfer (2017), Leveling the Playing Field on Appeal (2016), and The Consumer Protection Bureau and the Constitution (2013), as well as shorter pieces for The New York Times, SCOTUSblog, and Trial magazine. He is regularly quoted in national media and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, ABC, and NPR.

Jeff Ostrow

Managing Partner of Kopelowitz Ostrow Ferguson Weiselberg Gilbert

Jeff Ostrow is the Managing Partner of Kopelowitz Ostrow Ferguson Weiselberg Gilbert (“KO”). He established his own law practice in 1997, immediately upon graduation from law school, and has since grown the firm to 25 attorneys in 3 offices throughout South Florida. In addition to overseeing the firm’s day-to-day operations, Mr. Ostrow is also the head of the class action department where he maintains a full-time national and state consumer class action practice. He is a Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rated attorney in both legal ability and ethics, which is the highest possible rating by the most widely recognized attorney rating organization in the world.

Mr. Ostrow is an accomplished trial attorney who has successfully taken many cases to verdict; several of which involved multi-million-dollar damage claims in state and federal courts. Currently, he serves as lead counsel in many nationwide class actions for the unlawful assessment of bank fees, privacy violations, antitrust violations, deceptive insurance practices, and other consumer protection claims. To date, his efforts have successfully resulted in the recovery of over $1,000,000,000 for the classes of people he has had the pleasure of representing. As part of many of his settlements, he has also gotten corporations to make industry-altering monumental changes to the way they do business. These practice changes have resulted in billions of dollars of savings for consumers. In addition to his current practice, Mr. Ostrow has experience in class actions against some of the world’s largest airlines, technology companies, retailers, universities, health and auto insurance carriers, and oil conglomerates. He also has served as class action defense counsel for some of the largest advertising and marketing agencies in the world, technology companies, banking institutions, real estate developers, and mortgage companies.

Prior to focusing on class action work in 2010, Mr. Ostrow frequently served as outside General Counsel to companies, advising them in connection with their legal and regulatory needs. He has represented many Fortune 500® Companies in connection with their Florida litigation. He has handled cases covered by media outlets throughout the country and has been quoted many times on various legal topics in almost every major news publication, including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald, and Sun-Sentinel. He has also appeared on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, and almost every other major national and international television network in connection with his cases, which often involve industry changing litigation or athletes in Olympic swimming, the NFL, NBA and MLB.

Mr. Ostrow received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida and Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. He is a member of The Florida Bar and the District of Columbia Bar and is fully admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida, Eastern District of Michigan, Northern District of Illinois, Western District of Tennessee and Western District of Wisconsin. Mr. Ostrow is also member of the Public Justice Foundation, American Bar Association, and the founder and President of Class Action Lawyers of America. He is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is the one of the most prestigious trial lawyer groups in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won multi-million-dollar jury verdicts. Additionally, he has been named as one of the top lawyers in Florida by Super Lawyers® for several years running; honored as one of Florida’s Legal Elite Attorneys; recognized as a Leader in Law by the Lifestyle Media Group®; and nominated by the South Florida Business Journal® as a finalist for its Key Partners Award. Mr. Ostrow is a recipient of the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business Administration Gator 100 award for the fastest growing University of Florida alumni-owned law firm in the world.

When not practicing law, Mr. Ostrow serves on the Board of Governors of Nova Southeastern University’s Wayne Huizenga School of Business and is a Member of the Broward County Courthouse Advisory Task Force. He is also the Managing Member of One West LOA LLC, a commercial real estate development company with holdings in downtown Fort Lauderdale. He has previously sat on the boards of a national banking institution and a national healthcare marketing company. Mr. Ostrow is a founding board member for the Jorge Nation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to send children diagnosed with cancer on all-inclusive Dream Trips to destinations of their choice.

Adam J. Gomez

Principal at Grant & Eisenhofer

Adam Gomez is a principal at Grant & Eisenhofer where he focuses on complex class action and mass tort litigation, as well as environmental litigation. Prior to joining G&E, Mr. Gomez was an associate at a national defense litigation firm where he defended clients in catastrophic personal injury, products liability, professional liability, and civil rights litigation.

Mr. Gomez currently serves as the Chair of Discovery in the In re East Palestine Train Derailment litigation, which resulted in a record-setting $600 million settlement arising out of the derailment of Norfolk Southern Train 32N in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, 2023. In addition to leading discovery in that matter, Mr. Gomez also served as part of the settlement negotiation team and was primarily responsible for the administration and distribution of settlement funds to the Class.

Mr. Gomez is the Chair of the Discovery Committee and Co-Lead Trial Counsel in the Gilead Tenofovir Cases, California Judicial Council Coordinated Proceeding (JCCP) No. 5043, representing members of the HIV community injured by Gilead Sciences, Inc.’s negligent design of tenofovir-based antiretroviral medications. He was also appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in In re: Depo-Provera Products Liability Litigation (MDL 3140), representing women who developed brain tumors after using the injectable birth control Depo-Provera. Mr. Gomez also actively serves as Co-Liaison Counsel in the Mead Johnson Products Cases, California Judicial Council Coordinated Proceeding (JCCP) No. 5257, relating to injuries suffered by pre-term infants as a result of ingesting defective baby formula products.

In the past, Mr. Gomez served as Chair of the Insurance Committee and a member of the settlement negotiation team representing residents and businesses harmed by the catastrophic gas explosions in Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts caused by the negligence of Columbia Gas and NiSource, which resulted in an historic $143 million settlement. Mr. Gomez has represented victims of the Paradise, California Camp Fire—the deadliest in the state’s history—where plaintiffs allege that fires were sparked by aging, unsafe electrical infrastructure maintained by Pacific Gas & Electric.

Mr. Gomez earned his J.D. from Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law in 2013, where he was a Beasley Scholar and received awards for excellence in Constitutional Law and Outstanding Oral Advocacy in the Integrated Trial Advocacy Program. He received his B.A. in Government from Wesleyan University in 2010 where he served as Chair of the Student Judicial Board and President of Delta Kappa Epsilon.

Mr. Gomez is a member of the American Association for Justice where he serves on the Legal Affairs Committee, Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. He was selected for inclusion in the 2018 list of “Rising Stars” in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Mr. Gomez was also selected to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumers Lawyers Guide for the past four years.

Seth A. Katz

Shareholder with Burg Simpson

For over two decades, Seth has advocated for people harmed by dangerous drugs, defective medical devices, and corporate negligence. As a shareholder at Burg Simpson, he leads some of the nation’s most significant mass tort and class action cases, recovering more than one billion dollars for injured clients. Seth has been a shareholder with Burg Simpson since September 2005, prior to which he was a partner in the New York law firm of Seeger Weiss LLP. Mr. Katz is the head of Burg Simpson’s Mass Tort and Class Action litigation practice group, and he focuses his practice on cases involving drug and device litigation, class actions, as well as consumer protection and products liability litigation. Seth began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City, where he prosecuted everything from drunk drivers, drug dealers, and murders committed by violent gang members. This experience gave him unique insights into complex investigations and trial strategy‚ skills he now uses to fight for injured clients against powerful corporate interests. In addition to his varied professional experience, Mr. Katz is a frequent speaker on pre-trial tactics and practice including electronic discovery, MDL and pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, and class action litigation.

When pharmaceutical companies put profits over people’s safety or corporations harm entire communities, Seth steps in to hold them accountable. Some examples of Seth’s dedication to victims have received national news coverage.

Seth is Co-Lead and Class Counsel in consolidated litigation arising from the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio in In re: East Palestine Train Derailment (No. 4:23-cv-00242) pending before the Hon. Benita Y. Pearson in the Northern District of Ohio. Seth and the other Co-Lead and Class Counsel were charged with managing the putative class action and the individual actions that have been filed. As part of her ruling, Judge Pearson found that the appointed lawyers have demonstrated the qualifications, experience, and commitment to adequately represent the putative class and noted that “[t]he appointment of interim class counsel is critically important in a case of this nature, as it is an ongoing event affecting potentially thousands of residents, property owners, and businesses in East Palestine, Ohio and the surrounding area, all of whom are members of the putative classes that have been proposed.” On the evening of February 3, 2023, numerous cars of a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Included among the cars that derailed were 5 cars transporting vinyl chloride. After several days of the derailed cars being surrounded by fire, Norfolk Southern decided to perform a controlled “vent and burn,” releasing vinyl chloride, benzene residue, and other toxic materials into the environment. The NTSB has concluded that this derailment was 100% preventable. In 2024, after a year of vigorous and contentious litigation, a $600 million dollar class settlement was reached and approved by Judge Pearson. Seth and the other Class Counsel are spearheading the response to an appeal.

Seth’s leadership extends to protecting patients harmed by dangerous medications. He has served as either Lead Counsel, a member of the Executive Committee or a member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in many drug and device MDLs. Seth was appointed as Co-Lead Counsel in In re Pradaxa (Dabigatran Etexilate) Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2385) by the Hon. David R. Herndon (Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois). In May 2014, the Pradaxa MDL announced a $650 million settlement program on behalf of approximately 4,000 claimants after 21 months of litigation. Seth was one of the primary negotiators of that settlement and as Co-Lead Counsel in the MDL he played an active role in the administration of the settlement, including the resolution of private and government medical liens.

Seth was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in In re: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2524) by the Hon. Matthew F. Kennelly, which is pending in the Northern District of Illinois. In that MDL, he also served as the Co-Chair of the Discovery Committee overseeing the discovery against five manufacturers of six different products involved in that MDL. He also was lead trial counsel in two different Bellwether cases that went to verdict – one against AbbVie and one against Auxilium Pharmaceuticals – prior to product-specific global settlements being reached in the MDL.

Seth was also appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in In re: Proton Pump Inhibitor Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2789) by the Hon. Claire C. Cecchi, which is pending in the District of New Jersey. Seth was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in In re DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. ASR Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2197) by the Hon. David A. Katz, in the Northern District of Ohio. Seth was one of the primary attorneys who prosecuted the In re Zyprexa Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 1956) that resulted in a $700 million settlement, where he not only held a leadership role in conducting discovery but also served as Chair of the Law and Briefing Committee. Seth has been recognized by the Legal 500 as “highly experienced, excellent… in all phases of the mass tort and class action practice areas.”

Seth also served as Chair of the Discovery Committee in In re Yasmin and Yaz (Drospirenone) Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2100) pending in the Southern District of Illinois, before the Hon. David R. Herndon. In August 2015, Judge Herndon appointed Seth to the Negotiating Plaintiffs’ Committee as part of the team that negotiated a global settlement with Bayer of the arterial injury cases. Seth has also served as one of the Co-Chairs of the Discovery Committee in In re Gadolinium Based Contrast Agent Products Liability Litigation (MDL 1909), pending in the Northern District of Ohio. Seth was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee by Justice Helen Freedman for the ReNu with MoistureLoc litigation pending in New York State Supreme Court. Burg Simpson’s cases settled shortly after Seth deposed the then-CEO of Bausch & Lomb. Seth was one of the lead attorneys prosecuting the In re Ortho Evra Products Liability Litigation (MDL 1742) on behalf of women who suffered serious adverse events as a result of the use of the Patch, where he held a leadership role in conducting discovery. At the 2006 AAJ Annual Convention in Seattle, Seth was elected as Co-Chair of the Ortho Evra AAJ Litigation Group.

Seth has also been involved in many class actions during his career. Seth was one of the small team of lawyers who negotiated a $143 million class action settlement in In re Columbia Gas Explosion Cases (Mass. Sup. Ct.) after a gas explosion rocked parts of three towns outside of Boston in September 2018. Seth served as Liaison Counsel to the court in a nationwide class action pending in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against Western Union stemming from Western Union’s practice as it relates to unclaimed funds and failing to provide notice to customers that the funds they wired could not be delivered and failing to adequately return the funds to the sender in a timely fashion. Seth has served as counsel in several other class actions involving securities fraud and consumer fraud cases against some of the nation’s largest companies such as Apple, IBM, Firestone Tires, Progressive Insurance Company, Allstate, State Farm, and Panasonic. In 2004, Seth was part of the trial team of lawyers who tried a class action to jury verdict against Allstate Insurance Company due to its failure to fully compensate its policyholders in accordance with the terms of its policy in St. Clair County, Illinois (Sims v. Allstate, 99-1-393-A).

Seth served as the inaugural President of The Mass Tort Trial Lawyers Association until July 2013. The Mass Tort Trial Lawyers Association is made up of attorneys who are dedicated to obtaining fair compensation for clients who have been injured by defective products, dangerous pharmaceuticals, or other conduct causing large-scale injuries. The Mass Tort Trial Lawyers Association’s goal is to enable members to draw upon the Association’s strong training, educational, and networking resources so they may derive benefits that were either unavailable or difficult to find on their own. In addition, Seth served on the Board of the National Trial Lawyers Association. Seth served on the Editorial Board of the Corporate Observer Blog, a blog dedicated to protecting consumer rights.

Prior to joining Seeger Weiss, Seth was an associate at Loeb & Loeb LLP in New York City. There he represented clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and banking institutions to individuals in a wide variety of complex litigation and pre-litigation matters. Seth was part of a small group of lawyers that performed internal investigations in order to design or modify corporate compliance policies on behalf of Loeb & Loeb’s clients. Seth was also part of Loeb & Loeb’s white-collar criminal practice where he represented clients in a variety of different securities fraud and money laundering matters, including representing a Fortune 500 company in a governmental investigation of the allegedly illegal transfer of missile technology to China.

Seth was born in New York, New York. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts, with distinction, from the University of Michigan in 1990 and earned his law degree, cum laude, from Boston University School of Law in 1993.

Seth is admitted to practice law in state courts in Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and New York as well as the United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern, Western and Northern Districts of New York, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming, the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Seth is Preeminent AV rated by his peers in Martindale Hubbell, and has been recognized as a Best Lawyer in America and as a Colorado Super Lawyer for more than a decade.

Stephen Bennett

Partner with faegre drinker

Steve Bennett protects the products and reputations of innovators and manufacturers. He represents clients in product liability and mass tort litigation in state and federal courts across the country.

In addition to his extensive litigation experience, Steve often serves as settlement counsel during mass tort litigation. He is experienced in strategically negotiating favorable settlements when resolving a matter early advances clients’ business interests. Steve also counsels companies on risk management strategies, including document and email management.

As trusted settlement counsel and mass tort strategist for some of the world’s most sophisticated manufacturers of medical device, pharmaceutical and consumer products, Steve has served in leadership roles in more than a dozen mass tort litigations, including:

Settled a major multidistrict litigation (MDL) and state-coordinated proceeding involving allograft products on behalf of a global producer of medical devices.
Served as settlement and strategy counsel, negotiating a global settlement in a hip implant MDL on behalf of an international medical device manufacturer.
Coordinated settlement and strategy, negotiating a global settlement in a knee implant MDL on behalf of a global producer of medical implants.
Acted as settlement counsel, negotiating a global settlement in a pelvic repair systems MDL on behalf of an international medical device manufacturer.
Served as settlement and strategy counsel to a major medical device company in an IVC filter MDL.
Coordinated settlement and strategy in a sprawling metal-on-metal hip implant mass tort on behalf of an international medical device manufacturer.
Acted as settlement counsel on behalf of a major medical device manufacturer in mesh implant litigation.
Served as settlement and strategy counsel, negotiating a global settlement in an MDL involving an orthopaedic hip system on behalf of an international medical device manufacturer.
Acted as settlement counsel in an MDL involving recalled hip and knee systems on behalf of a medical device manufacturer.
Served as settlement counsel for a national retail pharmacy chain in a high-profile pharmaceutical litigation.
Serving as settlement counsel on behalf of a health care company in an MDL involving medical equipment.
Coordinated the defense and obtained early dismissal in a significant environmental MDL for a gas station chain.
Acted as settlement counsel in multidistrict app-based litigation on behalf of a technology company.

A member of the firm’s product liability group nationally ranked by Chambers USA, Steve’s experience includes defending manufacturers and sellers of consumer, food, gasoline, industrial machinery and plastic products.

Rodolfo “Rudy” Armando Ruiz II has served as a District Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida since 2019. Judge Ruiz is a member of the Judicial Conference of the United States Committee on Court Administration and Case Management, where he chairs the Subcommittee on Legislation. He also serves on the Local Rules Committee of the Judicial Council of the United States Eleventh Judicial Circuit. Judge Ruiz is Chair of the Probation Committee for the Southern District of Florida and former Chair of the Court’s Budget Committee. He currently presides over MDL-3090, In Re: Fortra File Transfer Software Data Security Breach Litigation, his second transferee assignment from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, having previously presided over MDL-2994, In Re: Mednax Services, Inc., Customer Data Security Breach Litigation.

Prior to his confirmation to the federal bench, Judge Ruiz was a Circuit Court Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida from 2014 through 2019, and a Miami-Dade County Court Judge from 2012 through 2014. During his tenure as a state court judge, Judge Ruiz served as Chair of the Florida Bar’s Civil Procedure Rules Committee. He was also appointed to the Florida Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases. Judge Ruiz was an active Florida judicial faculty member and served as the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court Liaison to Dade Legal Aid.

Prior to taking the state court bench, Judge Ruiz was an Assistant County Attorney with the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office from 2009 through 2012. As an Assistant County Attorney, Judge Ruiz represented Miami-Dade County and government employees in federal and state court at both trial and appellate levels, serving as a member of the Federal Litigation, Tax & Finance, and Torts Sections. Before joining the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office, Judge Ruiz was an associate with White & Case L.L.P. from 2006 through 2008, where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions, asset-backed financings, and general corporate matters as a member of the firm’s Corporate Latin America practice group.

Judge Ruiz served as a law clerk to the Honorable Federico A. Moreno of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida from 2005 through 2006. He received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Duke University and his law degree from Georgetown University, where he served as the Articles Editor for the American Criminal Law Review. He currently serves as Board Vice Chair of the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University. He is also a member of the Georgetown Law Alumni Board and a member of the Judicial Group of Directors of the South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Judge Ruiz has also served as an adjunct professor of law at St. Thomas University School of Law, teaching Complex Litigation.

Judge Perez earned her bachelor’s degree from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts before enrolling at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. Upon graduating, Judge Perez accepted a position at the Defender Association of Philadelphia where she honed her skills as a trial attorney, dedicating thousands of hours to her cases, culminating with the representation of indigent defendants in the Court of Common Pleas, Major Trial Division.

Ready for a different challenge, Judge Perez was then tapped to serve as an associate at Friedman Schuman Applebaum, PC where she represented municipalities in counties throughout Southeast Pennsylvania and members of Laborers Union Local 135.

In 2011, Judge Perez established her own practice, Perez Law LLC, specializing in criminal defense and family law. The practice argued cases in federal court, in addition to counties throughout Pennsylvania, while maintaining an office in Philadelphia. Judge Perez handled various types of complex cases including sex trafficking and capital homicide.

Judge Perez has demonstrated her passion for teaching young lawyers by serving as an adjunct professor at the Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law, teaching second- and third-year law students for ten years and coaching the school’s distinguished Trial Advocacy Program. She also serves as an instructor for Trial Advocacy Consulting and Training, LLC

In 2016, Judge Perez became one of the youngest judges to serve on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas bench. She presided over thousands of cases in the Criminal Division. In July 2021, Judge Perez was one of five Criminal Division judges tapped to participate in the Case Accelerated Resolution Program (CARP), designed to bring expedited resolutions to the many cases pending as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and cleared hundreds of cases since the initiation of that program. Judge Perez also served as the Supervising Judge of the city’s Investigating Grand Jury Program, as a co-chair of the First Judicial District’s Education Committee, on the First Judicial District Jury Committee, and as a member of: the First Judicial District Language Focus Group, the First Judicial District Criminal Division Pandemic Working Group, the Philadelphia Bar Association “Bench Bar” committee, the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association House of Delegates. Judge Perez was appointed to serve on the Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf in January of 2022.

President Joe Biden nominated Judge Perez to serve as a United States district Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on July 12, 2022. The United States Senate confirmed Judge Perez’s nomination on December 7, 2022, and she received her judicial commission on December 16, 2022.

Paul Geller

Managing Partner with Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

Paul Geller, managing partner of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP’s Boca Raton, Florida office, is a founding partner of the Firm, a member of its Executive Committee, and head of the Firm’s Consumer Practice Group. Paul’s 30 years of litigation experience is broad, and he has handled cases in each of the Firm’s practice areas. Notably, before devoting his practice to the representation of consumers and investors, he defended companies in high-stakes class action and multi-district litigation, providing him with an invaluable perspective. Paul has tried bench and jury trials on both the plaintiffs’ and defendants’ sides and has argued before numerous state, federal, and appellate courts throughout the country.

Paul was recently selected to serve in a leadership position on behalf of governmental entities and other plaintiffs in the sprawling litigation concerning the nationwide prescription opioid epidemic. In reporting on the selection of the lawyers to lead the case, The National Law Journal reported that “[t]he team reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ in mass torts.” Paul was also a critical member of the team that negotiated over $50 billion in settlements against certain opioid distributors, manufacturers and dispensers. Prior to the opioid litigation, Paul was a member of the leadership team representing consumers in the massive Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” emissions case. The San Francisco legal newspaper The Recorder labeled the group that was appointed in that case, which settled for more than $17 billion, a “class action dream team.” Paul was recently one of the Lead Counsel in In re EpiPen (Epinephrine Injection, USP) Mktg., Sales Pracs. & Antitrust Litig., a nationwide class action that alleged that pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Mylan N.V. engaged in anti-competitive and unfair business conduct in its sale and marketing of the EpiPen auto-injector device. The case recently settled for $609 million.

Some of Paul’s other recent noteworthy successes include the then largest privacy class action settlement in history – a $650 million all cash recovery in In re Facebook Biometric Info. Privacy Litig., concerning the use of biometric identifiers through Facebook’s “tag” feature. In addition to the monetary recovery, Facebook disabled the tag feature altogether, deleting user facial profiles and discontinuing the use of facial recognition software.

Paul serves on the Trial Lawyers of Mass Torts Advisory Board and was formerly on the Advisory Board of Emory University School of Law and the separate Board of The Institute for Complex Litigation and Mass Claims at Emory. He is a member of the Trial Law Institute and the Diversity Law Institute of the Litigation Counsel of America. Paul is also a member of the Supreme Court Historical Society. Additionally, he served for many years as a member of the Board of Advisors for The Center on Civil Justice at New York University School of Law. In these roles and others, Paul frequently lectures on class action and MDL issues at judicial seminars, bar conferences, and academic programs. Paul is also a recurring member of the faculty of the Mass Torts MDL Certificate Program at the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University School of Law, as well as the Baylor MDL Judicial Summit.

Paul is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell (the highest rating available), twice named one of the nation’s top “40 Under 40” by The National Law Journal, and named one of “Florida’s Top Lawyers” by Law & Politics and South Florida Business Journal. He has also been named a Legend, a Leading Lawyer in America, a Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyer, and a 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer by Lawdragon; a Leading Lawyer by Chambers USA; a Plaintiffs’ Lawyer Trailblazer by The National Law Journal; one of Florida’s “Legal Elite” by Florida Trend magazine; and one of “Florida’s Most Effective Lawyers” by American Law Media’s Daily Business Review. Additionally, Best Lawyers® named Paul a Best Lawyer in America and a Florida Best Lawyer in the area of “Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs,” and he was additionally chosen as Lawyer of the Year in that same category. Super Lawyers Magazine has also named Paul a Florida Super Lawyer for 16 consecutive years.

Paul earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, where he was a member of the University Honors Program. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law, with Highest Distinction, where he was an editor of the Emory Law Journal, a member of the Order of the Coif Legal Honor Society, and awarded multiple American Jurisprudence Book Awards for earning the highest grade in class.

Gary A. Dordick

Dordick Law Corporation

Gary A. Dordick of Dordick Law Corporation is a trial attorney specializing in plaintiff jury trials and has over 150 Jury trials in his career. Mr. Dordick went directly from high school to law school, never attending college. He put himself through a four-year night program while working at a law office, where he started as a file room clerk. Immediately after passing the bar, Mr. Dordick opened his own law firm, starting out with no employees. Now, Dordick Law Corporation has three locations, 56 employees, and 18 lawyers, including his three kids, Michelle, Dylan, and Taylor, as associate lawyers. Mr. Dordick is also on the executive board of the ABOTA Los Angeles chapter and will be The ABOTA President in 2025. He is an Emeritus member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) Board of Governors and was just inducted into the Hall of Fame on June 8, 2023. He won CAALA's Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2001. He has been nominated for CAALA's Trial Lawyer of the Year an unprecedented eleven times. He is CAOC's (Consumer Attorneys of California) 2009 Trial Attorney of the Year. He was announced one of the Daily Journal's Top 100 Lawyers in California in 2017, 2021, and 2022 as well as one of the Daily Journal's Top Plaintiff Lawyers in California for 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Mr. Dordick was named Jury Verdicts Trial Lawyer of the Year. In 2016, he was awarded the Loyola Law School Champion of Justice Award for his career achievements representing Plaintiffs. In 2015, he received the “Civil Advocate Award” from the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel (ASCDC). In 2003, Mr. Dordick received the University of West Los Angeles's highest honor – The Bernard Jefferson Award. Mr. Dordick founded Dordick Trial College in Cabo San Lucas, B.C. which holds an annual trial school with all the proceeds going to cancer research. Mr. Dordick frequently lectures trial practice, ethics, and civility in the courtroom. Some of his recent lectures include: CAALA Teaching PTA, CAOC National Webinar, Brain Injury Association, Loyola Law School, Western Trial Lawyers Association, Law-Di-Gras, ASCDC Annual Seminar, CAALA, and CAOC annual conference. He has held the record for the highest jury verdicts in numerous courthouses, including a record-breaking $125 million dollar jury verdict in Ventura County in 2016. Mr. Dordick is extremely proud of starting The Dordick Trial College in 2020, located in Cabo San Lucas, MX., where 100% of the proceeds go to cancer research at Dana Faber Cancer Center in Boston.

Chris Paulos

Shareholder with Levin Papantonio

Christopher G. Paulos is a shareholder at Levin Papantonio. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 2000 obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts and Sciences, with an emphasis in Argumentation and Advocacy, as well as Cinema/Television Critical Studies.

In May 2010, Mr. Paulos received his Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. In law school, Mr. Paulos was President of the Student Bar Association during which he oversaw the activities of more than 40 student organizations and represented the student body in consultations with the American Bar Association, faculty, administration, and local community organizations. He was also the president of the Entertainment Law Society. Mr. Paulos was also member of both the Moot Court Honor Society and Mock Trial Team, competing and prevailing in both national and regional competitions that included topics such as medical malpractice, wrongful death, criminal law, entertainment law, and copyright and trademark disputes.

From 2008 to 2010, during a clerkship at the San Diego County Office of the Public Defender, Mr. Paulos worked closely with the Felony Trial department on cases involving violent crimes, drug crimes, and financial wrongdoing. Transitioning to private practice, Chris went on to work for several of San Diego’s most well-known and respected criminal defense attorneys handling motion and appearance work, and participating in the resolution of international discovery disputes, the representation of parties accused of violations of international and offshore gaming regulations, high intensity drug trafficking conspiracies, healthcare fraud, and professional malpractice.

Mr. Paulos joined Levin Papantonio in February 2011 and has developed a diverse practice that includes pharmaceutical, medical device and environmental mass torts, as well as catastrophic personal injury, qui tam/false claims cases, and counter-terrorism/human rights litigation. Chris was a member of the MDL Yaz bellwether Trial Team in Sims v. Bayer, conducted apex corporate deposition discovery in the GranuFlo MDL, and was a member of the trial team in all four DuPont C8 MDL bellwether trials. Chris has handled the day-to-day litigation of the Yaz, NuvaRing, Zimmer NexGen, GranuFlo, and Abilify mass tort cases, and also oversees the daily operation of the qui tam and counterterrorism departments.

Mr. Paulos has significant expertise in the handling of evidence and issues of admissibility at trial. He has written and argued numerous legal briefs to address complex legal issues, and has routinely published articles on various issues related to litigation and jury trials. He is a frequent lecturer at national mass tort and trial lawyer conferences.

Rosemary Rivas

Partner with Gibbs Law Group

Rosemary Rivas has dedicated her legal career to representing consumers in complex class action litigation, covering claims from false advertising and defective products to privacy violations. She is deeply committed to securing justice for consumers, achieving billions of dollars in recoveries for her clients and the classes they represent.

Rosemary serves in leadership roles in various high-profile class action cases and multi-district litigations. In a competitive appointment process, Judge Charles R. Breyer appointed her to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the Volkswagen Clean Diesel Litigation, which culminated in a landmark $14 billion settlement. The Recorder recognized the lawyers selected by Judge Breyer as a class action “dream team.” For her contributions to the Volkswagen case, Rosemary was honored with the 2018 California Lawyer Attorney of the Year (CLAY) Award.

Throughout her career, Rosemary has received numerous accolades, including the Bay Area Legal Aid Guardian of Justice Award for her work in directing cy pres settlement funds to promote equal access to justice. She has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer since 2019 and was previously named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine. Currently, she serves as a Lawyer Representative for the Northern District of California and the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference.

A fluent Spanish-speaker, Rosemary has been actively involved in diversity initiatives, previously serving on the Board and as Diversity Director of the Barristers Club of the San Francisco Bar Association. She frequently speaks at conferences on developments in consumer protection and class action litigation.

Litigation Highlights

Porsche Gasoline Litigation: As part of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee and Class Counsel, Rosemary represented consumers alleging Porsche manipulated emissions and fuel economy tests. Judge Charles R. Breyer approved a nationwide class action settlement with a non-reversionary fund of $80 million.
Lash Boost Cases: Rosemary served as Class Counsel representing consumers who alleged Rodan + Fields failed to disclose potential side effects of their Lash Boost product. Judge Ethan Schulman approved a $30 million cash settlement with an additional $8 million in credits for consumers.
In re: Apple Inc. Device Performance Litigation: Appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee, Rosemary helped represent consumers in a nationwide case alleging Apple intentionally slowed iPhones. The case settled for $310 million under the oversight of Judge Edward J. Davila.
In re: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., Dog Food Products Liability Litigation: Rosemary represented consumers alleging Hill’s sold dog food with harmful Vitamin D levels. Chief Judge Julie A. Robinson approved a $12.5 million nationwide class action settlement.

Hon. Randa M. Trapp (Ret.)

JAMS

Hon. Randa M. Trapp (Ret.) brings more than three decades of legal and judicial experience to her role at JAMS, following an 18-year tenure on the San Diego Superior Court, where she retired as the Supervising Judge of the Civil Division. During her time on the bench, she presided over more than 100 civil jury trials and managed a broad spectrum of complex civil matters, including business and commercial disputes, employment law (including PAGA and class actions), construction defect, personal injury, traumatic brain injury, medical and professional malpractice, and trade secret litigation including pharmaceutical trade secret litigation.

Since joining JAMS, Judge Trapp has been selected to oversee a wide range of sophisticated legal matters, including business-to-business contract disputes, business divorces, disputes concerning the adequacy of insurance payments to providers under contractual agreements, mass employment arbitrations, mass tort allocations, unfair and deceptive practices, and wage and hour claims. Judge Trapp has significant experience in safeguarding-related matters, including Title IX cases involving sexual abuse, domestic violence, racial and religious discrimination, workplace abuse, and retaliation. In her role as a court-appointed neutral allocator in mass tort proceedings, Judge Trapp has handled numerous cases involving sexual abuse and child sexual abuse. Her work in these sensitive areas is grounded in trauma-informed practices and guided by survivor-centered resolution strategies, ensuring that each case is approached with compassion, respect, and care. She is periodically appointed as a neutral in minors’ compromise proceedings, including those arising within the foster care system, and as a court-appointed discovery neutral in high-stakes litigation.

A skilled and intuitive mediator, Judge Trapp is known for her calm, respectful, and highly engaged style. She quickly builds rapport with parties and counsel, fostering a safe and constructive environment for negotiation.Her approach is solution-oriented and pragmatic, grounded in her extensive judicial experience and deep understanding of complex legal and factual issues. She is particularly effective in emotionally charged and high-stakes matters, where her empathetic demeanor and strategic insight help guide parties toward resolution. Her preparation is meticulous, and she remains committed to post-session follow-up when needed.

Before her judicial appointment, Judge Trapp practiced construction defect and business litigation at a mid-sized firm and later served as in-house counsel for a Fortune 100 energy company. In that role, she managed corporate governance matters, negotiated municipal franchise agreements, and oversaw complex litigation, including multi-million-dollar personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from a nuclear radiation leak.

Judge Trapp is known for her thoughtful, balanced approach and her commitment to resolving disputes efficiently and equitably.

Allison M. Brown, P.C.

Partner with Kirkland & Ellis

Alli Brown is a litigation partner in the Philadelphia office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Alli is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who represents clients in high-stakes jury trials and has a proven track record of success in some of the most challenging jurisdictions around the country. She is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation only fellowship of lawyers “who have demonstrated the very highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism, and collegiality.” In 2022, Alli was honored with The American Lawyer’s coveted Litigator of the Year award for her “herculean efforts on behalf of clients facing existential challenges.” Noting her “against all odds” jury trial wins, AmLaw described her work in “the most high-stakes, high profile cases” as “off the charts.”

The American Lawyer also named Alli as a 2022 Northeast Trailblazer, an honor recognizing attorneys who “are truly agents of change” and “have moved the needle in the industry.” In 2020 and 2021, she was recognized as a Law360 Product Liability MVP in its ranking of the five most valuable product liability lawyers in the country for her “string of victories representing Johnson & Johnson” in high-stakes jury trials. In 2021, Alli was named one of 10 Powerhouse Trial Attorneys for being an “expert litigator who navigates high stakes trials” by Courtroom View Network (CVN), which, along with other online video platforms, regularly features her trials. In 2024 and 2025, she was named one of Benchmark Litigation’s Top 10 Women Litigators in the United States based on “unwavering peer and client review.” Clients describe her as a “go-to for major products litigation” and a trial lawyer they “trust immensely,” praising her “unique style” in the courtroom and her “down to earth” approach to talking to juries.

Prior to joining Kirkland, Alli secured three major back-to-back-to-back jury trial wins for Johnson & Johnson in notoriously plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions where plaintiffs sought billions of dollars in damages for alleged personal injuries resulting from their use of Johnson’s baby powder. Her 2019 win following a two-week jury trial in which the plaintiff sought $5 billion in damages was called one of CVN’s Top 10 Most Impressive Defense Verdicts of 2019. In 2021, Alli secured a unanimous defense verdict in a three-week jury trial, despite significant and unexpected evidentiary exclusions during trial, and secured a unanimous defense verdict in less than an hour in a three-week jury trial in which three plaintiffs sought $1 billion in damages, which again earned her recognition from The American Lawyer as a Litigator of the Week runner-up.

Alli has earned numerous awards from Benchmark Litigation, which has noted her as a “standout trial lawyer.” She has been named a Benchmark 2023 Litigation Star and National Practice Area Star, and has previously been named a Product Liability Attorney of the Year. She also has been named one of its Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America (2020–2024) for “being the best in breed at the nuanced practice of trial law,” and among its Top 250 Women in Litigation (2019–2024) as one of the “leading female litigators ... participating in some of the most impactful litigation matters in recent history.”

Alli was named Litigator of the Week three times by The American Lawyer (September 2021, March 2019 and October 2018) and Trial Lawyer of the Year – Non-IP Litigation by LMG Life Sciences in 2020. Additionally, she was honored as a 2019 Litigation Trailblazer by The National Law Journal and has been recognized repeatedly by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, Law360, The Best Lawyers in America and Lawdragon, which has named her one of its 500 Leading Global Litigators and 500 Leading Litigators in America.

Sasha M. Gurvitz

Partner with KTBS Law LLP

Ms. Gurvitz has represented clients as restructuring counsel in a variety of roles, both out of court and in chapter 11 cases in Delaware, Texas, New York, California, Nevada, and Indiana. Ms. Gurvitz has represented chapter 11 debtors in numerous mid-market Delaware bankruptcy cases. Ms. Gurvitz also has experience representing official creditors’ committees, purchasers of assets, secured lenders, DIP lenders, contract counterparties, landlords, equity holders, independent directors, chapter 11 trustees, and other chapter 11 stakeholders. Ms. Gurvitz’s chapter 11 practice has recently been focused on mass tort, hospital, real estate, retail, and restaurant cases. Ms. Gurvitz serves as official committee counsel to the survivor committee in the bankruptcy case of The Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego, and represented the interests of sex abuse survivors in the Boy Scouts and USA Gymnastics bankruptcy cases. Ms. Gurvitz served as official committee counsel in 3M’s mass tort bankruptcy case, In re Aearo Technologies. Ms. Gurvitz serves as counsel to the Independent Director in the Amyris bankruptcy case in connection with his investigation of potential breach of fiduciary duty claims and related matters. Ms. Gurvitz has also worked on significant out of court workouts in the healthcare industry, as well as in the retail and marijuana industries. In addition to her primary restructuring work, Ms. Gurvitz has represented clients in federal multi-district litigation, in fraudulent transfer actions, and in appeals, including to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Seventh Circuit, and Ninth Circuit.

Ms. Gurvitz is a member of the California State Bar, the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Turnaround Management Association, and the Financial Lawyers Conference. Ms. Gurvitz serves as President for the Southern California chapter of the Turnaround Management Association, as Co-Chair for the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Southwest Conference, and on the Board of Governors of the Financial Lawyers Conference. Ms. Gurvitz is honored to have been named as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for the years 2019 through 2024 and as a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute’s 2021 class of “40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders in Insolvency.” Ms. Gurvitz has written articles for several bankruptcy publications, including Colliers on Bankruptcy, Colliers Practice Guide, the Norton Adviser, and Law360, and enjoys speaking at conferences on bankruptcy-related topics.

Ms. Gurvitz received her J.D. from UCLA School of Law, where she graduated tenth in her class and was admitted to the Order of the Coif and awarded the 2013 American Bankruptcy Institute Medal of Excellence. Ms. Gurvitz earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with highest honors.

Hon. Stuart M. Rice (Ret.)

JAMS

Hon. Stuart M. Rice (Ret.) joins JAMS following more than two decades of distinguished service on the Los Angeles County Superior Court, where he earned a reputation as a thoughtful and decisive jurist with a deep command of complex civil law. During his tenure on the bench, Judge Rice presided over a broad range of matters, including complex commercial litigation, torts, employment, class actions, insurance coverage disputes and probate cases.

Before his appointment to the bench in 2005, Judge Rice built a distinguished career in private practice, first as an associate with Gottlieb, Gottlieb & Stein and later as the senior partner at Rice & Rothenberg, where he specialized in civil, tort and probate litigation as well as juvenile defense. His service to the profession included roles on the State Bar Board of Governors, the Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission and the Legal Services Trust Fund Commission. He also served as president of the California Young Lawyers Association, Long Beach Barristers and Long Beach Bar Association.

As a judicial officer, Judge Rice was elected as the president of the California Judges Association (CJA) (2017–2018) and served on the Judicial Council of California during the same time period. He is entering his fourth consecutive year as president of the California Judges Foundation, the philanthropic arm of CJA. He has also served as a member of the Judicial Council Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee and as chair of the Subcommittee on Rules of Court from 2023 until his retirement. He is also a member of the statewide task force on civility in the legal profession.

In addition to his judicial accomplishments, Judge Rice was deeply engaged in leadership within the court and the broader legal community. He served as chair of the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Temporary Judge Committee for 15 years and was a three-time member of the court’s Executive Committee. He also held leadership roles as assistant supervising judge of the criminal division and as president of the Benjamin Aranda III chapter of the American Inns of Court. In 2012, the South Bay Bar Association honored him with its prestigious MacFadden Judge of the Year Award in recognition of his service and dedication. He was also recognized as Judge of the Year by the Long Beach Bar Association in 2020.

Judge Rice is widely recognized for his fairness, efficiency and mastery of judicial procedure, as well as his ability to manage large caseloads, multifaceted settlement conferences and class action disputes with clarity and precision. Parties and counsel consistently remarked on his rigorous preparation, balanced evaluations and ability to create an environment where all voices were heard. Judge Rice’s judicial and private practice experience and professional leadership provide him with a uniquely well-rounded perspective that he now brings to his work as a neutral at JAMS.

Judge Rice has long been committed to mentorship and supporting the next generation of legal professionals. He established a needs-based scholarship in his son’s name, reflecting his dedication to advancing educational opportunities and fostering professional development for aspiring attorneys. Throughout his career, he has been a trusted mentor and teacher to colleagues, young lawyers and law students, offering guidance on both professional practice and the responsibilities of public service. His focus on mentorship has been highlighted in publications such as the Daily Journal, which recognized his commitment to cultivating leadership and integrity in the legal community.

Genevieve Zimmerman

Attorney with Meshbesher & Spence

Genevieve focuses her practice on medical malpractice cases and medical products liability litigation. She currently serves as Co-Lead Counsel for plaintiffs in MDL 2666: In re Bair Hugger Products Liability Litigation. Genevieve was trial counsel in the only MDL bellwether trial, as well as in state court cases in Missouri, Alabama and Texas. The last three state court cases set for trial each settled on the courtroom steps. Bair Hugger litigation is over ten years old, has included a .500 batting average at the Eighth Circuit, including an abuse of discretion reversal reinstating over 6,000 claims in August 2021. The Bair Hugger litigation involves claims brought by patients who allege the patient warming system caused deep joint infections following total hip and total knee replacement surgeries.

Genevieve has been court appointed to other MDLs, including Co-Lead in MDL 2775: In re Smith & Nephew Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Products Liability in the District of Maryland where she tried the first and only MDL bellwether case in July 2021. After a three-week trial, the jury agreed Smith & Nephew was negligent for its false or misleading communications to orthopedic surgeons. In MDL 2441: In re Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, Genevieve serves as co-lead counsel and is also one of four attorneys appointed to the Settlement Committee for the Stryker MDL. Total settlements in the global resolution programs exceed $2 Billion.

In October 2019, Genevieve tried the first defamation case against a conspiracy theorist who wrote a book titled “Nobody Died at Sandy Hook”. Together with her husband Jake, she represented Lenny Pozner, who was defamed by James Fetzer’s book. By all accounts, Fetzer was the original source for the absurd contention that Sandy Hook was a “false flag” operation by the so-called Deep State aimed at taking away gun rights, and it was Fetzer’s willfully false information that Alex Jones and Infowars.com amplified nationwide. Her closing argument cautioned the jury not to let Alt Right vitriol go viral without consequence – a nod to lyrics by her favorite band. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Mr. Pozner in less than two hours.

During 2007-2009, Genevieve spent nearly 75% of her time providing pro bono legal services to survivors and families who lost loved ones as a result of the I-35W Bridge Collapse. The consortium was successful in obtaining recoveries exceeding $75 million.

Genevieve is a member of the Local Rules Committee for the District of Minnesota, Minnesota Lawyer “Attorney of the Year” in both 2019 and 2021, Past President of the Minnesota Association for Justice, and has served on the Board of Governors since 2009. MAJ named her “Member of the Year” in 2012, and “Star Award” recipient in 2021. She is a past member of the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice. Genevieve has been rated by SuperLawyers as a Super Lawyer since 2014.

On a personal note, Genevieve volunteers and raises money for scholarship funds for her alma mater, St. Paul Central High School. A noted and enthusiastic “food gatherer”, Genevieve loves travel, skiing, recreational marathons, and discussing the finer points of music by The National, Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift with her teenagers.

Theane Evangelis

Partner with Gibson Dunn

Theane Evangelis is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. She is Co-Chair of Gibson Dunn’s global Litigation Practice Group and one of the country’s leading litigators. Theane represents clients in federal and state courts throughout the nation in a wide spectrum of cases and has argued and won high-profile, groundbreaking appeals across the country, including in the Supreme Court of the United States. Her achievements have earned her accolades from leading national legal publications.

Practice Areas

Theane is a member of the Appellate, Labor and Employment, Media, Entertainment, and Technology, and Crisis Management Practice Groups. She joined Gibson Dunn after serving as a law clerk to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor during October Term 2004 and as an associate with Ziffren Brittenham, a Los Angeles law firm specializing in entertainment and media transactions. Before clerking for Justice O’Connor, Theane was a law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Awards & Recognition

Named “Employment MVP” by Law360 and recognized three times as a “Class Action MVP.”
Recognized by the National Law Journal as a 2023 “Employment Law Trailblazer.”
Ranked by Chambers USA for Appellate Litigation since 2020.
Recognized among the “Top 10 Women in Litigation” by Benchmark Litigation, named California Labor & Employment Litigation “Attorney of the Year.”
Included in Lawdragon’s lists of “500 Leading Litigators in America,” “500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers,” and “500 Leading Global Litigators.”
Featured on Los Angeles Business Journal's lists of “Leaders of Influence” for Labor & Employment in 2022 and “Lawyer of the Year” for 2021.
Listed by The Daily Journal among California’s “Top 100 Lawyers” and “Top Woman Lawyer in California” from 2016 to 2024.
Acknowledged by Best Lawyers as the 2023 Appellate Lawyer of the Year.
Received the 2022 distinguished Amicus Service Award from the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA).
Selected as “Litigator of the Week” by The American Lawyer in July 2024.

Recent Representative Matters

Won a landmark Supreme Court ruling upholding public-camping laws on behalf of the City of Grants Pass, Oregon.
Lead counsel for Uber in nationwide misclassification cases involving drivers who use the Uber app.
Lead counsel for Reddit, achieving a first appellate ruling interpreting FOSTA amendments to Section 230.
Secured interlocutory review and class certification reversal for a leading retailer in the Ninth Circuit.
Represented actor Ashley Judd against Harvey Weinstein, securing justice for career-related harm.
Lead counsel for the City of Grants Pass, Oregon, in defending its public camping ban in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Defended Reese Witherspoon and Draper James in a nationwide consumer class action.
Successfully represented Uber in the Sixth Circuit, achieving a unanimous decision in favor of arbitration in an overtime class action.
Obtained summary judgment for David Letterman’s production company, Worldwide Pants, in a breach of contract case.
Achieved a unanimous victory for Standard Fire in the Supreme Court regarding the interpretation of the Class Action Fairness Act.

Education & Early Career

Theane graduated summa cum laude from New York University School of Law in 2003, receiving the University Graduation Prize for the highest GPA. She was a Butler and Pomeroy Scholar and served as Managing Editor of the New York University Law Review. She earned her B.S. in Foreign Service, cum laude, from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.

Bar Admissions & Affiliations

Theane is a member of the California bar and is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States, U.S. Courts of Appeal across the country, and all federal courts in California. She serves on the boards of the California Women’s Law Center and The Hellenic Initiative, is a Trustee of the Global Greek Film Initiative, and a Member of the Board of Trustees of NYU Law School. She was appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to the Los Angeles County Blue Ribbon Commission on Homelessness.

Edgar C. Gentle, III

Founding Partner with Gentle Turner & Benson, LLC

Ed Gentle was born in Birmingham, Alabama, February 17, 1953. He graduated summa cum laude in 1975 from Auburn University where he was a Danforth Scholar and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1977, he received a Master of Science (summa cum laude) from the University of Miami as a Maytag Fellow where he became familiar with the law of the sea and international resource planning issues involving competing nations.

He was a Rhodes Scholar (Auburn’s second and Miami’s first) at Oxford University where he earned a B.A. degree with honors in Jurisprudence in 1979. He received a M.A. degree from Oxford in 1980. He then attended the University of Alabama School Of Law as a Hugo Black Scholar. He earned his J.D. and was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1981.

Mr. Gentle has comprehensive experience in serving as Special Master and Claims Administrator in Mass Tort Litigation, and providing claims administration and financial and business advice to Courts, Settling Parties, and Mass Tort Settlements. He has helped create and administer over $2 Billion in Settlements during the past 20 years.

From 1992 to 2015, Mr. Gentle has served as Special Master and Escrow Agent for the MDL 926 Global Breast Implant Settlement, paying over $1.1 billion dollars in claims. From 2001 until 2003, he was Interim Financial Adviser for the Settlement Facility – Dow Corning Trust (the Dow Corning Breast Implant Settlement) overseeing the investment of over $1 billion and providing tax and accounting support for the Settlement.

Commencing in December 2003, Mr. Gentle was appointed as the Settlement Administrator in the $300 million Anniston, Alabama Tolbert PCB Settlement with Monsanto and Solutia in connection with the administration of a Global Settlement before the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Alabama applicable to approximately 18,000 claimants with respect to PCB contamination of property and PCB personal injury claims. In administering the $300 million settlement, Mr. Gentle has designed the claimant payment program for property damage and personal injury, collected criteria for payments for each of the 18,000 Claimants, ranked the claimants for payment amounts, and remitted payments to each of the claimants. He now helps manage a medical clinic for the claimants in Anniston.

In 2015, Mr. Gentle successfully mediated a Settlement of the Perrine v. DuPont case in Harrison County, West Virginia, involving a closed Zinc Smelter site in Spelter, West Virginia, with a medical monitoring and a property remediation component. In 2013, Mr. Gentle was appointed Medical Monitoring Administrator in a groundwater contamination settlement in Mingo County, West Virginia.

One of Mr. Gentle’s specialties, such as the Anniston PCB Settlement described above, a groundwater contamination case in Camden, New Jersey, a warehouse fire settlement in Conyers, Georgia, and Zinc Smelter Settlements in Spelter, West Virginia and Blackwell, Oklahoma.

From 2009 to 2015, Mr. Gentle served as Claims Administrator in the Jefferson County, Alabama, Occupation Tax Refund Case before the Honorable David Rains, in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County. On May 14, 2010, the Supreme Court of Alabama upheld $37 million of the Judgment. The Parties entered into a Settlement, which was approved by the Court, tax refunds were issued to over 300,000 claimants.

In June 2010, Mr. Gentle was appointed Special Master and Settlement Administrator in the Total Body Multi-district Litigation, MDL 1985. Working closely with the Court, Mr. Gentle facilitated the aggregate settlement of 222 of the 245 cases, in August 2010. Mr. Gentle and his staff determined the value of each of the settled cases, which was consented to by all 222 settling Plaintiffs, and Mr. Gentle is administering the Settlement.

In March 2012, Mr. Gentle was appointed Special Master of the $140 Million Blackwell, Oklahoma Zinc Smelter Settlement.

Mr. Gentle is Special Master in the national MDL Blue Cross Antitrust Litigation (MDL 2406)….@, with putative provider and subscriber classes, before the Honorable R. David Proctor, having been appointed in 2012.

In November 2014, Mr. Gentle was appointed one of three Special Masters of the $1 Billion Stryker Hip Settlement.

In August 2014, Mr. Gentle was appointed to Administer the Westpoint, KY Train Derailment Settlement and Appointed Special Master.

Ed Gentle is a member of the Birmingham and American Bar Associations—as well as the Alabama State Bar.

In 2015 Mr. Gentle was appointed Common Benefit Special Master in the CHS MDL before The Federal District Court in Birmingham, AL. In December 2015 and July 2016 Mr. Gentle was appointed Special Master to administer two Smith and Nephew aggregate settlements in the State Circuit Court in Memphis, TN. In March 2017 Mr. Gentle was appointed Special Master by the Federal District Court in Louisville, KY to administer the potential aggregate settlement of personal injury and property claims respecting a defunct Federal Mogul plant site in Bowling Green, KY.

In March 2017, Mr. Gentle was elected President of the Academy of Court Appointed Masters, founded by Francis McGovern and Ken Feinberg.

Yahonnes Cleary

Partner with Paul, Weiss

A partner in the Litigation Department and co-chair of the Product Liability & Mass Torts practice group, Yahonnes Cleary represents clients in a broad range of complex commercial litigation and high-profile disputes. His experience includes mass tort and product liability litigation, cybersecurity and data privacy litigation and investigations, insurance litigation, financial and securities litigation, and contractual disputes. Yahonnes represents clients at all phases of litigation and at trial. He also advises clients conducting internal investigations and facing state or federal regulatory investigations.

Representative matters include:

Product Liability and Mass Torts

Defending Monsanto at trial in Washington state court against claims brought by 15 plaintiffs alleging injuries from PCB exposure, including securing complete defense verdicts on 11 of the 15 plaintiffs’ claims
Defending AbbVie in multiple bellwether trials in federal and state court related to the company’s testosterone replacement therapy product, including securing a complete defense verdict at trial in Illinois state court
Defending Pfizer in national litigation related to the company’s antidepressant, including securing complete defense verdicts in the first two bellwether trials in Missouri and Pennsylvania state courts
Defending ExxonMobil in various climate-change related tort lawsuits brought by states, counties and municipalities

Cybersecurity and Data Protection

Defending the owners of the Ashley Madison website in a consumer fraud class action over a data breach
Representing a healthcare company in federal regulatory investigations related to data privacy and digital advertising
Representing a hospital in a state regulatory investigation related to data privacy

Insurance

Defending CNA and affiliates in numerous lawsuits in state and federal courts seeking coverage for business losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic

Financial and Securities Litigation

Defending investment bank underwriters, including Citigroup, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley, in securities fraud class action lawsuits in state and federal court related to initial public offerings
Defending Bank of New York Mellon in various civil and regulatory matters related to the company’s foreign exchange services
Defending UBS against fraud claims related to residential mortgage-backed securities

Investigations

An investment management company in an internal investigation related to accounting issues
A financial institution in an internal investigation related to accounting issues
An investment adviser as a third-party witness in a federal regulatory investigation

Other High-Profile Litigation and Investigations

Representing the New Jersey Governor in the successful defense of a lawsuit challenging an investigation into state tax incentive programs
Representing the National Basketball Players Association in an internal investigation related to allegations of nepotism and conflicts of interest

Yahonnes has worked, on a pro bono basis, with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund on matters related to voting rights and racial justice, the American Bar Association on matters related to affirmative action in higher education, and the Bronx Defenders and the Sentencing Project on matters related to criminal justice.

Yahonnes is co-president of the board of trustees of Prep for Prep, a member of the Board of Trustees of Choate Rosemary Hall, and a member of the Yale Law School Fund Board.

He was named to the “40 & Under Hot List – Northeast” in 2020 and 2021 and recognized as a “Future Star” in the 2025 edition of Benchmark Litigation.

Joanna Wright

Partner with Jenner & Block

A dynamic trial lawyer, Joanna Wright represents plaintiffs and defendants in all stages of litigation and forges creative solutions to her clients’ most complex challenges. With deep experience in complex civil litigation, she has litigated almost every kind of high-stakes dispute, including novel constitutional claims, securities fraud, corporate governance and shareholder disputes, antitrust, white-collar defense, product liability, bellwether trials, copyright, and class actions.

Joanna has first chaired trials in both federal and state courts and arbitrations and served on over 15 trial teams in her career. She collaborates with industry leaders across the firm to leverage her skillset as a generalist litigator in high-stake matters. As a crisis manager, Joanna partners with her clients to advance business goals and build consensus among key stakeholders.

Her reputation as a forceful advocate is recognized across the industry. In 2023, Joanna was named a Notable Woman in Law by Crain’s New York Business. She is ranked among Lawdragon’s Leading Lawyers and Leading Litigators. Benchmark recognized her as a Future Star in 2022 and a 40 & Under honoree in 2023. The American Lawyer named her Young Lawyer of the Year in 2021.

Joanna is deeply committed to her pro bono practice, securing significant victories in the nation’s most critical matters of recent years. Most recently, just 72 hours after the Dobbs decision reversing Roe v. Wade, she obtained injunctive relief against multiple abortion bans in Louisiana—the first in the country. She continues to advocate for women in this matter in partnership with the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Prior to joining Jenner, Joanna was a partner and Executive Committee member at a leading New York litigation firm.

Areas of Focus

Representative Matters

Handling high-impact constitutional litigation in Louisiana following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization; just 72 hours after Dobbs, Joanna won the first ruling in the nation to block the implementation of a state’s unconstitutionally vague “trigger bans”; she then secured a preliminary injunction enjoining the laws and is now proceeding with the underlying lawsuit challenging the laws.
Defended a multinational investment bank and financial services company in disputes involving tortious interference claims asserted by another investment bank concerning employment relationships of the respective firms’ investment bankers.
Defended a multinational automotive and clean energy company in a spate of litigations and arbitrations involving the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Defended a public company in major shareholder litigation and proxy contest.
Conducted an internal investigation into independent directors on the board of a public company and bringing securities fraud claims against the independent directors.
Sued a multinational technology company and online video sharing platform for copyright infringement on behalf of a putative class seeking billions in damages.
Represented a public-benefit corporation to advocate for consumers’ property rights in their personal data.
Defended a major luxury resort in an environmental CERCLA inquiry.
Defended the CEO of a ride share company in a novel antitrust class action lawsuit.
Sued a multinational automotive manufacturing company for product liability claims that resulted in favorable jury findings at trial.
Represented over 500 women Olympians and professional and collegiate athletes in a first-of-its-kind Supreme Court amicus brief in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, supporting women’s right and access to abortion healthcare.
Represented the former CEO of a major insurance company in a breach-of-contract dispute that settled favorably three days before trial.
Represented one of the co-founders of a major beverage company in a judicial buyout proceeding.
Represented an international airline’s minority shareholder in a potentially hostile takeover.
Defended a major New York restaurateur in a trademark and licensing dispute.
Represented a hedge fund in bringing fraud claims and securing remedies.
Defended an international bank in residential mortgage-backed securities litigation.
Represented women and children trafficked on Backpage in ongoing litigation.
Sued the federal government for a Fifth Amendment taking based on the federal bailout of a multinational finance and insurance corporation, resulting in liability findings in the Court of Federal Claims.
Represented a sexual assault survivor in a civil lawsuit that settled favorably at jury selection.
Represented an Ecuadorean teenager in asylum proceedings.

Stuart A. Davidson

Partner with Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

Stuart Davidson is a partner in Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP’s Boca Raton office. His practice focuses on complex consumer class actions, including cases involving deceptive and unfair trade practices, privacy and data breach issues, and antitrust violations.

He has served as class counsel in some of the nation’s most significant privacy and consumer cases, including:

In re Facebook Biometric Information Privacy Litigation, No. 3:15-cv-03747-JD (N.D. Cal.) ($650 million recovery in a cutting-edge class action concerning Facebook’s alleged privacy violations through its collection of user’s biometric identifiers without informed consent)
In re Yahoo! Inc. Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, No. 5:16-md-02752-LHK (N.D. Cal.) ($117.5 million recovery in the largest data breach in history)
Kehoe v. Fidelity Federal Bank & Trust, No. 9:03-cv-80593-DTKH (S.D. Fla.) ($50 million recovery in Driver’s Privacy Protection Act case on behalf of half-a-million Florida drivers against a national bank)
In re Sony Gaming Networks & Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, No. 3:11-md-02258-AJB-MDD (S.D. Cal.) (settlement valued at $15 million concerning the massive data breach of Sony’s PlayStation Network)
In re Solara Medical Supplies Data Breach Litigation, No. 3:19-cv-02284-H-KSC (S.D. Cal.) ($5 million all-cash settlement for victims of healthcare data breach)

Stuart currently serves as Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel in:

In re American Medical Collection Agency, Inc. Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, No. 2:19-md-02904-MCA-MAH (D.N.J.) (representing class of LabCorp customers)
In re Independent Living Systems Data Breach Litigation, No. 1:23-cv-21060-KMW (S.D. Fla.)
Garner v. Amazon.com, Inc., No. 2:21-cv-00750-RSL (W.D. Wash.) (alleging Amazon’s illegal wiretapping through Alexa-enabled devices)
In re American Financial Resources, Inc. Data Breach Litigation, No. 2:22-cv-01757-MCA-JSA (D.N.J.)
In re Fortra Tile Transfer Software Data Security Breach Litigation, No. 1:24-md-03090-RAR (S.D. Fla.) (representing Aetna patients)

Stuart also serves on Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in:

In re Lakeview Loan Servicing Data Breach Litigation, No. 1:22-cv-20955-DPG (S.D. Fla.)
In re FTX Cryptocurrency Exchange Collapse Litigation, No. 1:23-md-03076-KMM (S.D. Fla.)

Stuart also currently represents the State of Arkansas in a major antitrust enforcement action, State of Arkansas ex rel. Griffin v. Syngenta Crop Protection AG, No. 4:22-cv-01287-BSM (E.D. Ark.).

Stuart also spearheaded several aspects of:

In re EpiPen (Epinephrine Injection, USP) Marketing, Sales Practices & Antitrust Litigation, No. 2:17-md-02785-DDC-TJJ (D. Kan.) ($609 million total recovery achieved weeks prior to trial in certified class action alleging antitrust claims involving the illegal reverse payment settlement to delay the generic EpiPen, which allowed the prices of the life-saving EpiPen to rise over 600% in 9 years)
Served as Co-Lead Class Counsel in three cases brought against Genworth Life Insurance Company on behalf of long-term care insureds: Skochin v. Genworth Life. Ins. Co., No. 3:19-cv-00049-REP (E.D. Va.); Halcom v. Genworth Life Ins. Co., No. 3:21-cv-00019-REP (E.D. Va.); and Haney v. Genworth Life Ins. Co., No. 3:22-cv-00055-REP (E.D. Va.) (recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in cash damages for policyholders)
Served as Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel in In re NHL Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation, No. 0:14-md-02551-SRN-BRT (D. Minn.) (representing retired National Hockey League players in multidistrict litigation suit against the NHL regarding injuries suffered due to repetitive head trauma and concussions)
In re Pet Food Products Liability Litigation, No. 1:07-cv-02867-NLH-AMD (D.N.J.) ($24 million recovery in multidistrict consumer class action on behalf of thousands of aggrieved pet owners nationwide against some of the nation’s largest pet food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers)

He also served as Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel in:

In re UnitedGlobalCom, Inc. Shareholder Litigation, C.A. No. 1012-VCS (Del. Ch.) ($25 million recovery weeks before trial)
In re Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. Shareholder Litigation, No. 16-2011-CA-010616 (Fla. Cir. Ct.) ($11.5 million recovery for former Winn-Dixie shareholders following the corporate buyout by BI-LO)
In re AuthenTec, Inc. Shareholder Litigation, No. 5-2012-CA-57589 (Fla. Cir. Ct.) ($10 million recovery for former AuthenTec shareholders following a merger with Apple)

Stuart is a former lead assistant public defender in the Felony Division of the Broward County, Florida Public Defender’s Office. During his tenure at the Public Defender’s Office, he tried over 30 jury trials and defended individuals charged with major crimes ranging from third-degree felonies to life and capital felonies. He has been quoted in numerous major media outlets regarding his cases, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, New York Daily News, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Boston Globe, the Miami Herald, The Globe & Mail, and Law360, and is a frequent speaker at conferences involving class action practice and procedure.

Stuart has been honored in the category of Outstanding Antitrust Litigation Achievement in Private Practice at the American Antitrust Institute’s Antitrust Enforcement Awards. He has also been named a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation, a Recommended Lawyer by The Legal 500, a Leading Lawyer in America, a Leading Litigator in America, a Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyer, and a Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer by Lawdragon, one of “Florida’s Most Effective Lawyers” by American Law Media’s Daily Business Review, and a member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100-Civil Plaintiffs. He has also been named a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine. He is a member of the Sedona Conference Working Group 11 Brainstorming Group, focusing on the California Consumer Protection Act. Stuart currently serves on the 2024 Consumer Protection Editorial Advisory Board for Law360.

Stuart earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the State University of New York at Geneseo. Stuart earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, where he graduated summa cum laude in the top 3% of his class. While in law school he was the Associate Editor for the Nova Law Review and was the recipient of Book Awards (highest grade) in Trial Advocacy, International Law, and Criminal Pretrial Practice.

Tor Hoerman

Owner/Attorney with TorHoerman Law, LLC

Tor Hoerman is a nationally recognized attorney who has served in the field for more than 25 years. He is most well-known as the founder of the personal injury law firm TorHoerman Law, LLC (THL).

Early Life & Education

Tor was born the youngest of four boys on July 16, 1969, in Bethesda, Maryland to Kirk and Greta Hoerman. With his father serving as a Captain in the Navy, Tor often moved towns during his childhood, eventually landing in the Chicago metropolitan area.

In Chicago, Tor lived in the Great Lakes Naval Base and Lake Bluff before his family settled in Lake Forest, which is where he attended high school. Despite repeatedly switching homes, Tor made the most of his situation. In high school, he played football, basketball, and baseball, and he earned varsity letters in each of these sports.

In addition to varsity recognition, he was recognized as an All-county athlete and awarded the Booster Club Athlete of the Year his senior year. Outside of sports, Tor coached little league baseball, served as a summer camp counselor, and worked as a summertime janitor at his former high school after graduating.

Tor attended Depauw University and majored in Political Science. He played NCAA baseball and football at Depauw, and he was the captain of the baseball team. After graduating from Depauw in 1991, Tor enrolled in the Chicago-Kent College of Law. During law school, Tor bartended at a local bar and clerked for Kravolec, Jambois & Schwartz, LLC.

Legal Career

After graduating from law school in 1995, Tor took on a job doing insurance defense at Bolero, Cart & Stone, LLC, where he worked reluctantly for a year and a half. One day at work, Tor received a phone call from Steve Jambois, his former employer throughout law school, asking if he wanted a job on the plaintiff’s side of insurance law. Tor immediately accepted the job, kickstarting decades to come of fighting corporations on behalf of harmed individuals.

Tor’s Transition To Medical Malpractice Litigation

Tor returned to Kravolec, Jambois & Schwartz to fight on behalf of medical malpractice victims, which mostly consisted of high-intensity trial work in the Chicago courthouse. After seven years at the Jambois firm, Hoerman was recruited by the Simmons law firm, based in an Illinois suburb of St. Louis, to start and lead a branch of the practice that focused on pharmaceutical litigation.

Leading The Pharmaceutical Practice At Simmons Law Firm

Tor became a partner of what is now Simmons, Hanly, and Conroy and led the pharmaceutical practice for seven years. One of Tor most notable achievements while leading the practice was his work against Purdue Pharma and its reckless distribution of OxyContin. Tor was the first to file a case alleging Purdue Pharma’s wrongdoing in distributing OxyContin and failing to adequately warn healthcare providers and the public of the risks of addiction.

Achieving Justice Against Purdue Pharma

He led the litigation process and got Purdue Pharma to agree to a large settlement, which was distributed to thousands of accidental addicts. Tor took a step further to achieve justice in this case, assisting the Department of Justice in obtaining guilty pleas by Purdue Pharma representatives who had a direct role in contributing to the opioid epidemic.

Founding TorHoerman Law

Having garnered success leading the pharmaceutical branch at the Simmons firm, Tor amicably decided to split from Simmons in 2009 and start his own pharmaceutical and personal injury practice called TorHoerman Law, LLC (THL). After negotiating the terms of the split, Tor struck a deal that allowed him to bring his entire staff from Simmons to his new practice, which summed up to more than 25 lawyers and staff members.

Expansion And Success Of THL

Tor opened offices in Edwardsville, IL; Clayton, MO; and Chicago, IL to kickstart operations; all three offices remain open today. In the time since opening THL, Tor and his team have litigated many pharmaceutical malpractice and personal injury cases.

Notable Successes At THL

Tor’s most notable successes while operating THL are perhaps co-leading the litigations against Boehringer Ingelheim’s Pradaxa and Takeda’s Actos. Through intense research and vetting, Tor was able to find substantial evidence indicating Actos causes bladder cancer and Pradaxa causes internal bleeding. He then presented the evidence to the companies, which decided to settle the cases.

Tor played a significant role in negotiating these settlements, which ended up being $650 million for Pradaxa and $2.4 billion for Actos. Tor has also had major success in several other product liability lawsuits, such as Zelnorm, Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents, and Incretin Mimetics.

Recognition & Awards

His successes with these cases and beyond earned him the distinction as a Top 25 Notable Alumni from the Chicago-Kent School of Law, which was awarded to him and 24 other lawyers out of the tens of thousands who have graduated from the school since its founding in 1888. Tor is also recognized as a Top 100 National Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Organization.

Notable Cases & Results

Pradaxa (Dabigatran Etexilate) – Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2385 – Appointed by Judge Herndon as national lead counsel in the MDL. After protracted litigation successfully negotiated a $650 million settlement.
Actos Related Cases, MDL Case No. 11 L 10011, Et. Al. – Appointed by Judge Dooling as lead counsel in Cook County consolidated docket (over 4400 cases). After protracted litigation, he was one of four lead negotiators (along with Pete Flowers, Mark Lanier, and Andy Birchfield) on a $2.4 billion settlement.
Incretin Mimetics Products Liability Litigation, MDL Case No. 13MD2452 AJB (MDD) – Appointed as lead counsel by Judge Battaglia in the MDL. The case is pending.
OxyContin – Represented thousands of “accidental addicts”. After protracted litigation, he negotiated a large settlement and assisted the DOJ in obtaining guilty pleas by corporate representatives.
Zelnorm Litigation., Case No. 280 – Appointed lead counsel in NJ state court consolidation, took the major depositions and negotiated a confidential settlement.
Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents Litigation Case No. 279 and Products Liability Litigation MDL No. 1909 – Appointed by Judge Polster as both the state and federal liaison and lead counsel in the Cook County consolidated docket. He negotiated large, confidential, individual settlements.

Involvement In The Legal Community

In addition to his litigation work, Tor is on the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyer Association and an Executive Board Member of the Mass Torts Trial Lawyer Association. He also attends national legal conferences on a yearly basis.

Personal Life

Personally, Tor is the proud father of Casey, Kirsten, and Quinn, and husband of Jessica. He tries to stay active including still playing baseball.

Jake Plattenberger

TorHoerman Law, LLC

Jacob Plattenberger has taken hundreds of depositions, argued in countless hearings, and tried over 35 cases to a jury. His experience in and out of the courtroom has made him a passionate advocate for those injured due to the negligence of others.

Professional Career

Jake started his career trying cases at one of the busiest civil courthouses in the country – the Richard J. Daley Center in downtown Chicago. He started out doing insurance defense because he knew that afforded him the best opportunity to get courtroom experience.

“When I was working on the defense side, I always knew that I was going to be a plaintiff’s lawyer. I knew that being able and willing to try a case to a jury was a skill that I needed to have if I was going to be able to offer my clients the best legal representation. Insurance companies and corporate defendants need to believe you when you say you will take them to trial – they need to fear that.”

This type of real trial experience is exceedingly rare in complex civil litigation and having seen it from the defense side gives Jake an added advantage.

At TorHoerman Law, Jake manages our Chicago office where he leads trial teams in nationwide, complex litigations such as:

Representing dozens of workers across the United States who were exposed to Diacetyl at work and now suffer lung disease

e.g. The Juul/E-cigarette Litigation

The Incretin Mimetics Products Liability Litigation, currently pending in the Southern District of California, where he was named to the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee
Various Transvaginal Mesh multidistrict litigations that are currently pending

Jake also maintains a personal injury practice in Chicago, representing people and their families who have been victims of catastrophic auto and truck accidents, products liability, maritime accidents, premises liability, and medical negligence.

Jake believes that to successfully represent his clients, it is absolutely necessary to get personally involved.

Notable Cases & Results

Incretin Mimetics – Products Liability Litigation, MDL Case No. 13MD2452 AJB (MDD). Appointed to the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee by Judge Battaglia in the MDL. The case is pending.
JUUL E-Cigarettes – Products Liability Litigation, JCCP No. 5052. Appointed to the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee by Judge Anne Jones in the JCCP. The case is pending.
Diacetyl – Leads the Diacetyl litigation for TorHoerman Law. Previous settlements and verdicts have exceeded $5,000,000.00 to date. Litigation is currently ongoing.
Actos Related Cases, MDL Case No. 11 L 10011, Et. Al. – Actively participated in managing the case for TorHoerman Law which resulted in a $2.4 billion settlement.
Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents Litigation Case No. 279 and Products Liability Litigation MDL No. 1909 – Managed the cases for TorHoerman Law which resulted in a large, confidential settlement.
Bus Accident – Handled a bus accident injury case in which an individual was thrown from a seat. Resulted in a $850,000.00 settlement.
Auto Accident – Handled an auto accident injury case that resulted in a $650,000.00 settlement.
Slip and Fall – Handled a slip and fall accident that occurred on a sightseeing boat in Chicago. Resulted in a $490,000.00 settlement.

Personal Life

Jake was born and raised in Chicago. He now lives in the Chicago suburbs, where his two young sons keep him busy.

When he isn’t working, Jake is a lifelong Bears and Cubs fan and loves participating in the (mostly) healthy rivalry between the Cubs and Cardinals fans at TorHoerman Law.

Doug Monsour

Founder of Monsour Law Firm

Douglas C. Monsour, or Doug Monsour, is a trial lawyer who handles important and significant injury cases in Texas and across the nation. He is one of a handful of trial lawyers who have successfully tried multiple pharmaceutical, medical device, and mass tort product liability cases as the lead lawyer. He also vigorously represents injured oil field workers, victims of 18-wheeler wrecks, industrial accident victims, and those that have been severely burned.

Trial Success

Doug is known for his abilities in the courtroom. Recently, Doug secured two major trial victories in the 3M Combat Arms version 2 earplug litigation. On December 10, 2021, a Tallahassee, Florida Federal Court jury awarded U.S. Army veteran T.J. Finley $22.5 million for hearing loss suffered due to his defective Combat Arms version 2 earplugs. A few months later, on April 29, 2022, a Federal Court jury in Gainesville, Florida awarded $2.2 million to U.S. Army veteran Jonathan Vaughn for his hearing loss suffered from wearing the defective Combat Arms version 2 earplugs. The Finley v. 3M verdict was listed by The National Law Journal as one of the Top 100 verdicts of 2021. In fact, this verdict was the very first verdict in the entire 3M litigation to ever make the Top 100 list. Both trials were defended by international law firm Kirkland & Ellis.

Previously, in November 2014, Doug served as the lead lawyer in a transvaginal mesh case involving four women implanted with the Obtryx sling system to treat stress urinary incontinence. After an almost month-long trial, the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs in the amount of $18.5 million. This was the first verdict against Boston Scientific in the Federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL) for any of its incontinence sling products.(Wilson et al v. Boston Scientific Corp., WV, MDL 2326).

In 2004, Doug’s trial skills were tested by pharmaceutical giant Wyeth. He served as lead lawyer in two very significant Fen-Phen cases. In the first case, Wyeth hired world famous defense lawyer Dan Webb of Chicago’s legal Goliath, Winston & Strawn, to defend them. In the third week of the trial, Wyeth relented and settled for a confidential sum. In the second case, Wyeth retained Houston mega-firm Vinson & Elkins to defend them. Wyeth again relented, and just before closing arguments settled for a confidential sum.

In addition to these trials, Doug has tried over thirty cases of various types including oil field injuries, defective drugs, defective medical devices, medical malpractice, trucking (18-wheeler) wrecks, industrial accidents, car wrecks, civil rights and malicious prosecution.

Doug is triple board certified. He is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trail Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, he is a Board Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Furthermore, he is Board Certified in Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy.

Adam C. Silverstein

Partner in the Litigation Department of Otterbourg P.C.

Mr. Silverstein has been a complex commercial litigator for over thirty years. He has successfully first-chaired both jury and non-jury trials through verdict, litigated arbitrations through award and confirmation, and argued appeals in both federal and state courts, in New York and elsewhere.

Mr. Silverstein has substantial experience litigating corporate attempts to resolve mass tort liabilities in bankruptcy. In the successful multi-firm effort to dismiss the In re Aearo Technologies, LLC (3M) bankruptcy earlier this year, he delivered the opening statement, split the closing argument with Eric Winston of Quinn Emanuel, and examined multiple witnesses at trial on behalf of the Official Committee of Combat Arms Earplug Claimants and the more than 200,000 veterans, service members and independent contractors, who collectively moved to dismiss the bankruptcy as a bad faith filing. The landmark decision of the bankruptcy court, the first ever to dismiss a mass tort bankruptcy at the trial level, largely adopted the movants’ arguments. A year earlier, at the outset of the Aearo bankruptcy, Mr. Silverstein played a significant role at trial in another successful multi-firm effort to defeat the debtors’ attempt to stay and enjoin the 3M Products Liability MDL. The denial of stay protection and preliminary injunctive relief in a mass tort bankruptcy was another first by a bankruptcy court.

In the recent multi-firm effort to dismiss the second LTL Management, LLC (Johnson & Johnson) bankruptcy, Mr. Silverstein directed or cross-examined four experts at trial on the subject of the respective capabilities of the tort system versus the bankruptcy system to globally resolve mass tort disputes involving future claims. In 2021 and 2022, in the first LTL bankruptcy, he litigated, and presented closing argument, on behalf of (initially) MDL leadership and (subsequently) the Official Committee of Talc Claimants in opposition to stay protection and preliminary injunctive relief in favor of Johnson & Johnson. The first LTL bankruptcy was subsequently dismissed on appeal by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the first appellate court to dismiss a mass tort bankruptcy.

Mr. Silverstein’s experience also includes litigating and advising clients in a broad array of other industries and with respect to a wide range of other subjects, including: creditors’ rights and lender liability; corporate governance and control; securities fraud; sponsorships and licenses; trade secrets, unfair competition and employment contracts; trusts and estates; higher education; intellectual property; and insurance coverage.

Mr. Silverstein has been selected for inclusion each year from 2009 through present as a New York Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine and long has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell. He is a member of the New York State and New York City Bar Associations and of the American Bankruptcy Institute. His closing argument on behalf of MasterCard in the FIFA World Cup injunction trial is quoted in Andrew Jenning’s “FOUL! The Secret World of FIFA: Bribes, Vote-Rigging and Ticket Scandals” (paperback edition 2008).

Education:

B.A., with distinction in all subjects - Cornell University - 1988

J.D. cum laude - University of Pennsylvania – 1992

Navan Ward

Principal at Beasley Allen Law Firm

Navan is a principal at Beasley Allen Law Firm. He is the firm’s lead attorney on the metal-on-metal hip implant litigation, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) litigation, and practices from the Atlanta office. Navan is licensed to practice in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and New York. He is also an Executive Board Member of “Shades of Mass.” Navan is honored to currently serve as the Immediate Past President of the American Association for Justice (AAJ).

Background

Before he arrived at Beasley Allen, Navan had experience working for an insurance defense firm and an employment law firm. He was involved in cases dealing with medical malpractice, auto accidents, contractor liability, race discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Navan is married to the former Bridget L. Maynor, of Irondale, Alabama, and they have twin sons, Roman and Jaxon. Navan attends church at Northview Christian Church – Communion City.

Notable Cases

Hip Implant Litigation

Navan’s hip implant litigation involves victims who have defective hip implants causing severe pain, metal poisoning, revision surgery, and in some cases, permanent injury. These defective hip devices are manufactured by various companies, such as Johnson & Johnson and DePuy Orthopedics, among others.

He has been instrumental in assisting with the verdicts and global settlements against major hip implant manufacturers, including Johnson & Johnson / DePuy for $4.057 billion, Howmedica Osteonics Corporation / Stryker for over $1 billion, and Biomet Corporation for more than $250 million, as well as additional confidential settlements involving other metal-on-metal and/or modular-neck hip components.

Medication Litigation

Upon arrival at Beasley Allen, Navan was responsible for overseeing the Meridia pharmaceutical drug litigation, a medication that caused heart attacks and strokes, as part of the Mass Torts Section.

Navan’s PPI litigation involve people who use PPI’s (ie: Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Nexium, Dexilant, etc.) for acid reflux and suffer severe kidney damage or stomach cancer as a result.

Navan was also heavily involved with the hormone replacement therapy litigation, representing hundreds of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer as a result of ingesting these combination hormone medications. His trial team was responsible for obtaining a $72.6 million verdict for three hormone therapy clients that went to trial in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Navan was heavily involved with the COX-2 inhibitor (Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra) pharmaceutical drug litigation. These drugs were used for the treatment of arthritis, but caused heart attacks, strokes and serious skin reactions. Specifically, he was the firm’s lead attorney for the Celebrex and Bextra pharmaceutical litigation. Navan was one of the leaders in the Bextra/Celebrex Multidistrict Litigation, serving on both the Science and Discovery committees.

Additionally, Navan was responsible for overseeing the Permax and Dostinex pharmaceutical drug litigation. These drugs were used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease but caused damage to the users’ heart valves. Overall, Navan has obtained more than $360 million for the specific clients that he has represented in the various areas he has practiced.

Litigation Leadership Positions

Navan was selected to a team of lead lawyers, called the Plaintiffs Steering Committee (PSC), for the DePuy “ASR” Hip Implant Recall Multi-District Litigation (MDL), as well as for the DePuy “Pinnacle” Hip Implant MDL. Navan was also appointed as co-lead counsel for the Plaintiffs Executive Committee (PEC) in the Biomet M2a Magnum Hip Implant Products Liability MDL. Navan has also recently been appointed to the PEC for the PPI MDL litigation.

Other Litigation

As a member of the Personal Injury Section, he mostly litigated nursing home neglect and abuse, as well as wrongful death trucking cases in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. Navan has litigated cases where the nursing home resident suffered from injuries such as multiple falls, bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia and sepsis/infections. He has been successful in obtaining verdicts and/or settlements in the millions for his nursing home and wrongful death trucking clients.

Professional Associations

Navan has served in leadership positions for various legal organizations. He is Past President of the American Association for Justice, which is formerly known as the American Trial Lawyers Association. This is Navan’s tenth consecutive year serving on the Executive Committee. He has also served as a past chairman of the Minority Caucus, past chairman of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and a member of the Board of Governors. Most recently, Navan is a founding member of the Executive Committee of “Shades of Mass,” which is a group that advocates and facilitates the appointment of minorities to leadership roles in federal and state-based centralized civil actions (including federal MDLs).

In addition, Navan is an American Bar Association (ABA) member, a member of The National Black Lawyers Top 100 Executive Committee, serving as a former Alabama State Bar delegate for the ABA. He is a past president of the Alabama Lawyers Association, the Alabama State Bar’s Young Lawyers Section, and the Montgomery County Association for Justice. Navan also was a member of Leadership Montgomery’s Class XXI, a former chairman of the Father Walters Charity Golf Tournament, and a member of the Alabama Law Foundation Grant Committee.

Awards and Recognitions

Navan has earned a Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating. In 2017, he was awarded the American Association for Justice’s (AAJ) Minority Caucus Stalwart Award for his dedicated years of service to the organization. Navan has been regularly selected to the Best Lawyers in America list, as well as being named to the Super Lawyers list for the last few years. He has also been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, which is the 500 best attorneys across the nation in this category.

Navan also received the AAJ Distinguished Service Award in 2012, and again in 2015. In 2014, Navan was the recipient of the AAJ’s Wiedemann & Wysocki Award. In 2013, he was selected as Beasley Allen’s Litigator of the Year. In 2011 and 2014, Navan was named Beasley Allen’s Mass Torts Section Lawyer of the Year.

Publicity

Navan has given several presentations concerning Talcum Powder litigation, PPI Litigation, the Johnson & Johnson / DePuy hip implant recall, Stryker modular-neck hip implant recall, defective metal-on-metal hip implants, hormone replacement therapy litigation, Cox-2 drug litigation, Permax/Dostinex litigation and nursing home litigation, Mass Tort Litigation, as well as various other practice skills presentations throughout the country.

Heidi Levine

Partner with Sidley Austin LLP

HEIDI LEVINE is a global co-leader of the Product Liability and Mass Torts practice, member of the firm’s Executive Committee, serves on Sidley’s Global Life Sciences Leadership Council, and is a firmwide co-chair of the firm’s women’s initiative. She has defended companies in a wide variety of product liability and mass tort litigation involving pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, environmental toxic torts, and other products. Heidi also advises clients on risk management, analysis and prevention, as well as conducts pre-litigation assessments and due diligence.

Heidi most often acts as lead national litigation counsel in the mass tort context, representing clients in federal actions, typically in multidistrict litigation proceedings, as well as in coordinated state court actions and related litigation outside the U.S. As national counsel, Heidi formulates and implements the pre-trial, trial and/or end-game strategy with her clients and leads the strategy on all other aspects of the engagement, including coordination relating to regulatory, patent, and business issues. Heidi also has significant experience in alternative dispute resolution, designing and implementing innovative resolution programs for companies faced with complex litigation.

Advocacy on behalf of clients has earned Heidi notable awards and acknowledgement in numerous industry publications, including:

From 2017–2023, Heidi has been recognized by Chambers USA in nationwide Product Liability & Mass Torts. Sources in the 2023 edition note that they “would trust her with any matter. She's super responsive, smart, quick on her feet and has a unique ability to get along with people." In 2020, Heidi was described as “a tenacious litigator — if you have her in your corner, you can't go wrong,” and a “standout lawyer” who is “very highly respected by her clients, who trust and value her advice and recommendations” and is “very skilled.”
Heidi was named to the 2023 Crain’s New York Business “Notable Women in Law” list, featuring women from across the legal industry whose work reaches beyond the clients they serve.
In 2023, Heidi was shortlisted for the “Product Liability Lawyer of the Year” award by Women in Business Law Americas, which celebrates women lawyers who have developed strong and innovative practices.
In 2022, Heidi was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for her work in Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.
In 2021 and 2023, LMG Life Sciences shortlisted Heidi for the Americas Awards as “Product Liability Attorney of the Year.”
In 2017, Heidi received the University of Baltimore School of Law’s “Byron Warnken Distinguished Alumni Award.”
In 2017 and 2009, The Legal 500 US cited Heidi as a recommended lawyer.
In 2011, The American Lawyer named Heidi to its “45 under 45” list of “The Top Young Women of the AmLaw 200.”
In 2014, Heidi received the National Organization of Women’s “Women of Power & Influence Award.”
In 2013, Heidi was honored by the Women’s Venture Fund with the “Highest Leaf Award,” celebrating “trailblazing women business executives who have shown outstanding leadership and commitment to their respective industries and other women.”
In 2010, Law360 named Heidi among its “10 Product Liability Lawyers to Watch,” commenting that she “has played a leading role in defending several major pharmaceutical companies in mass torts.”
From 2009–2023, Heidi has been recognized in the Who’s Who Legal: Life Sciences, Product Liability Lawyers. She is also listed in Who’s Who Legal: Product Liability Defence 2023.
From 2012–2023, Heidi has been named a “Life Sciences Star” for Product Liability in Euromoney’s Institutional Investor’s LMG Life Sciences, non-IP Litigation section.
Lawyer Monthly “Women in Law 2014 Award” in recognition of work in the Life Sciences sector.
Honored in Euromoney’s Product Liability section of the Expert Guide to the World’s Leading Women in Business Law, every year since 2013.
From 2009–2022, Heidi has been recognized as a New York “Super Lawyer” for personal injury defense.

Cari Campen Laufenberg

Partner with Keller Rohrback

As a partner in Keller Rohrback’s nationally recognized Complex Litigation Group, Cari Laufenberg maintains a national practice representing consumers, employees, and institutions in complex class actions involving corporate fraud, data privacy, breach of fiduciary duty, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).Since joining Keller Rohrback in 2003, she has played a key role in obtaining multi-million-dollar recoveries for consumers, employees, and shareholders in many of the firm’s largest and most complex cases, including cases involving Meta Platforms, Inc., T-Mobile, Anthem Inc., Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., Marsh McLennan Companies, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., HealthSouth Corporation and The Williams Cos.

While having excelled in the realms of corporate fraud, fiduciary duty, and ERISA, Cari has also developed an excellent reputation litigating data privacy cases by securing meaningful relief for her clients and class members. She has been instrumental in the foundation and growth of the firm’s data privacy practice group. In that effort, she has served as Co-Lead Counsel in a number of high-profile data breach cases for which she and the KR team have achieved outstanding results: In re T-Mobile Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, MDL No. 3019 (W.D. Mo.) (obtaining the second largest data breach settlement to date); In re 21st Century Oncology Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, MDL No. 2737 (M.D. Fla.) (securing a meaningful settlement despite the company declaring bankruptcy), and as Class Counsel in Fox v. Iowa Health System (W.D. Wis.) (securing a favorable settlement for approximately 1.4 million victims of the UnityPoint Health data breach).

She also currently serves as Co-Lead Counsel in several other multidistrict data breach cases including In re 23andMe, Inc. Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, MDL No. 3098 in the Northern District of California—a case concerning the exposure of highly sensitive personal and genetic information for 6.9 million customers and In re T-Mobile 2022 Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, MDL 3037, in the Western District of Missouri—a case involving a November 2022 data breach impacting 37 million customers of U.S. wireless carrier T-Mobile.

Cari has served in leadership positions in other prominent consumer class-action cases as well, including as Interim Lead Class Counsel in In re EpiPen ERISA Litigation (D. Minn.) and her appointment to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in In re Oral Phenylephrine Marketing and Sales Practice Litigation, MDL No. 3089 (E.D.N.Y.).

She also played a fundamental role in the In re Facebook, Inc. Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation, MDL No. 2843 (N.D. Cal.), in which, together with co-lead counsel, KR achieved a $725 million settlement—the largest recovery ever achieved in a private data privacy class action and the most Meta has ever paid to resolve a private class action.

Over the past almost 20 years, Cari’s background in nonprofit management and public administration has served her clients well. She is adept at organizing large complex cases, working collaboratively with other counsel, and developing a cogent strategy which achieves short-term goals and long-term successes. Before joining Keller Rohrback in 2003, Cari served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Barbara Jacobs Rothstein of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. She is a frequent speaker at national conferences on class actions, identity theft and privacy, and other complex litigation topics.

Jean S. Martin

Attorney with Morgan & Morgan

Jean Sutton Martin is a lead attorney in Morgan and Morgan’s Complex Litigation Group. For more than 20 years, Ms. Martin has concentrated her practice on complex litigation, including consumer protection and defective products class action. She has a unique background having handled individual personal injury and mass tort cases as well as managing large consumer class actions.

Jean has considerable experience in data breach cases, including appointments as interim co-lead counsel in In re Morgan Stanley Data Security Litigation, 1:20-cv-05914 (S.D.N.Y.), In re Warner Music Group, Case No. 1:20-cv-07473-PGG (S.D.N.Y.), In Re: Ambry Genetics Data Breach Litigation, No. 20-cv-00791 (C.D. Cal), In re Brinker Data Incident Litigation, 18-cv-686 (M.D. Fla.), and Gordon, et al. v. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.,17-cv-01415 (D. Colo.) She is also a member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee and bellwether trial team in In re: Smith & Nephew Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, No. 17-md-2775 (D. Md.) and a member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in In re: Allergan Biocell Textured Breast Implant Products Liability Litigation, No. 19-md-2921 (D. N.J).

Recognizing the growing importance of ESI issues, Jean obtained eDiscovery certification from the eDiscovery Training Academy at Georgetown Law Center in 2017. She is often called upon by other members of her firm to negotiate ESI protocols, establish document review protocols and procedures, and select appropriate ESI vendors tailored to the specific litigation.

In 2016, Jean was selected by her peers as the top Litigation attorney in the State of North Carolina for Business North Carolina Magazine’s Legal Elite, gaining membership in the Legal Elite Hall of Fame. Since 2012, she has been selected to the Super Lawyers list for North Carolina in the areas of mass torts and class actions, with additional selection to the Top 50 Women North Carolina list.

Jean has been honored with the prestigious “AV” rating by Martindale-Hubbell. In

2015, she was inducted as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a prestigious trial lawyer honorary society comprised of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. For upholding the highest principles of the legal profession and for outstanding dedication to the welfare of others, Ms. Martin has also been selected as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, an honorary legal organization whose membership is limited to one-third of one percent of lawyers in each state.

Jean received her Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law,

where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Wake Forest Law Review and a member of Moot Court. Ms. Martin graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics and earned a Master of International Business from the University of South Carolina.

Prior to her legal career, she worked in Munich, Germany on the finance team of a global computer company focusing on the company’s expansion into the Eastern European market after the fall of the Berlin wall. Ms. Martin also worked as a marketing manager for an international candy manufacturer where her responsibilities included product development, brand licensing, market research, and sales analysis.

Ms. Martin is a member of the North Carolina bar. She is also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Federal Claims, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of North Carolina.

Gerald L. Maatman, Jr.

Partner with Duane Morris

Gerald L. Maatman, Jr., chair of Duane Morris’ Workplace Class Action group, has nearly four decades’ experience of practicing law and has defended some of the most significant bet-the-company cases ever filed against corporate America. Mr. Maatman has represented companies, executive teams and boards across the country in class action litigation, ranging in size from thousands to hundreds of thousands of claims by employees. Among his accomplishments, he defended and defeated the largest systemic enforcement action ever brought in the history of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the first Attorney General prosecution of a Wall Street company for workplace discrimination and harassment, and the largest wage & hour class and collective actions ever brought in Florida and New York. While he is known to be a fierce litigator, he also helps his clients anticipate large-scale litigations risks before they happen to prevent issues that could turn into litigation. Mr. Maatman pioneered the process of conducting employment-practices audits to assist employers in structuring effective and practical personnel policies and protocols. Profiled in The Wall Street Journal, these audits are designed to minimize the incidence of employment-related class action litigation and to maximize management discretion and workplace productivity. He has served as a legal commentator on PBS, NPR, MSNBC, CNBC and U.S. talk radio, and his comments have appeared in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Business Insurance, USA Today, Fortune and Forbes.

Mr. Maatman also writes and lectures extensively on class action and employment litigation topics. He has authored six books on employment law topics and has spoken to employer groups throughout the United States, as well as in Asia, Europe, Canada and Mexico. Mr. Maatman is the author and editor of a widely circulated, highly regarded industry class action report, published yearly since 2003. The report, called by EPLiC Magazine "the bible on class actions that no corporate counsel should do without," is widely praised for its sharp analysis backed by comprehensive research, helps corporate employers navigate an increasingly volatile class action landscape. Mr. Maatman is recognized regularly by legal publications for his excellent work on behalf of clients. He is a 2021 Law360 MVP for Employment Law, which is his sixth such honor from Law360 since 2013. Winners of this accolade have distinguished themselves from their peers by securing impressive successes in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters and record-breaking deals. Overall, Mr. Maatman has received more Law360 MVP awards than any other attorney in the United States.

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business selected Mr. Maatman as one of the nation’s leading class action defense lawyers in its 2006 to 2023 rankings of U.S. lawyers. In its rankings, Chambers stated that “Maatman is absolutely phenomenal” and is “one of the top class action minds in the country.”

In nine of the last 11 years, BTI Consulting selected Mr. Maatman as one of the top attorneys in the Unites States in terms of client service and by distinguishing him as a Client Service All-Star. In 2014, American Lawyer selected him as “Litigator of the Week” relative to his back-to-back victories in EEOC v. Sterling and EEOC v. Kaplan, the two biggest pattern or practice lawsuits brought by the Commission in the last 10 years. In 2021, Mr. Maatman was inducted into the Legal 500 Hall of Fame in recognition of his continued excellence in representing clients in class actions.

Mr. Maatman is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Law (J.D. 1981) and Washington and Lee University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1978). He has served as an adjunct professor of law at Northwestern for more than 30 years.

Dena Sharp

Partner with Girard Sharp

Dena Sharp is dedicated to finding common-sense solutions in even the most complex litigation. She recently served as co-lead counsel in the In re Juul Labs Inc. multidistrict litigation, which resulted in recoveries of nearly $2 billion for individual consumers, school districts, municipalities, and Native American tribes. The last of the Juul settlements—for $235 million with Altria (formerly Philip Morris)—was reached after Dena and her co-lead trial counsel rested the plaintiff’s case in a bellwether jury trial against the tobacco giant.

Dena currently serves as co-lead counsel in In re Xyrem Antitrust Litigation and In re Google Digital Advertising Antitrust Litigation, as well as in leadership positions in various life sciences and statutory damage matters. She also serves as a member of the End-Payer Steering Committee in the massive In re Generic Pharmaceuticals Pricing Antitrust Litigation. Dena previously led a team to a $104.75 million recovery on the eve of trial in a certified “pay-for-delay” antitrust class action concerning the drug Lidoderm, which delivered the largest recovery for a class of end-payers in similar federal litigation in more than decade.

Dena tries cutting-edge cases. In a first-of-its-kind jury trial in 2021, Dena and team represented clients whose eggs and embryos were in a freezer tank at a fertility clinic that failed. After a three-week trial, the jury returned a $15 million verdict for the plaintiffs, leading to a global resolution with the tank manufacturer for the dozens of households represented by Girard Sharp.

Outside the courtroom, Dena chairs the board of directors of the Impact Fund, a public interest nonprofit. She is an elected member of the American Law Institute, sits on the board of advisors of the Center for Litigation and the Courts at the UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and serves on the executive committee of the local chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Dena co-wrote a chapter in the ABA’s “Class Action Strategy and Practice Guide,” and the widely-cited Sedona Principles: Best Practices and Principles for Electronic Document Production (Third Edition). She is the immediate past co-chair of the Northern District of California’s Lawyer Representatives to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Council.

Dena has twice been recognized as the “Lawyer of the Year” in San Francisco for Plaintiffs’ Mass Tort / Class Action Litigation by Best Lawyers in America (in 2023 and 2024), and was selected as a “Titan of the Plaintiffs’ Bar” by Law360 in April 2023. She recently received the prestigious “California Lawyer Attorney of the Year” (CLAY) Award for the JUUL litigation, recognizing its major impact on society and the law. Dena has three times been named to the National Law Journal’s “Elite Women of the Plaintiffs’ Bar,” honoring her as one of only a handful of lawyers nationwide who has “consistently excelled in high-stakes matters on behalf of plaintiffs.” The Daily Journal has also recognized her as one of the “Top Antitrust Lawyers in California” and “Top Women Lawyers” in California. In 2023, Dena was selected as one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Northern California, and since 2020 she has been recognized by San Francisco magazine as one of the “Top 50 Women Attorneys in Northern California.”

Dena is a graduate, cum laude, of the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, and earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University, where she graduated magna cum laude. A first-generation American, Dena is fluent in Spanish and German.

Shelley Hutson

Partner with Clark Love Hutson

Shelley Hutson focuses her practice on product liability, mass tort litigation, pharmaceutical, and personal injury litigation. She began her career in Houston, Texas as an assistant district attorney, trying a wide variety of cases with a greater than 95% success rate. Afterwards, Shelley began focusing on medical/legal cases in the civil litigation arena. Shelley is nationally recognized for her specialized talent in locating world-renowned medical and scientific experts across all litigations. Additionally, she prepares and oversees the development of liability and medical causation strategies and the building of damage models for every client. Shelley's relentless attention to the medical issues, her work with treating physicians, and her expert development has resulted in settlements for tens of thousands of clients.

Shelley was appointed as co-lead counsel in the 3M Combat Earplug Litigation. On August 29, 2023, the MDL settled for $6 billion dollars. Prior to resolution, Shelley obtained a 55 million dollar verdict for her client, Ronald Sloan against Defendant 3M on January 27, 2022.

Shelley also obtained verdict as lead counsel in the Southern District of Florida on behalf of four clients who suffered injuries from Boston Scientific's Pinnacle Pelvic Floor Repair Kit. The Pinnacle mesh kit is implanted for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. (Amal Eghnayem, et al. v. Boston Scientific Corporation).

As lead counsel in the second Topamax case to be tried in the country, Shelley obtained a verdict ranking 1st in product liability cases in PA that year (Gurley-Powell v. Janssen, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas) in the amount of $10.9 million dollars. As co-counsel in the first Topamax trial, Shelley obtained another verdict for her client (Czimmer v. Janssen, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas) in the amount of $4.2 million dollars.

In addition to her active litigation practice, Shelley devotes time training and educating law students on how to become effective advocates for their clients. She gives back to her law school, South Texas College of Law, by participating in their moot court and mock trial programs. While participating in these programs herself during law school, Shelley won Best Speaker in the Nation award at the American Bar Association moot court competition.

Shelley graduated from Texas Tech University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science and a double major in English and French. She then attended graduate school at Texas Tech University studying French literature and graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1993.

In her 31 years of practice, Shelley has proven to be a ferocious advocate on behalf of those who have been injured by corporations that look out for their profits instead of the health and welfare of the public consumer.

Genevieve Zimmerman

Attorney with Meshbesher & Spence

Genevieve presently serves as court-appointed Co-Lead Counsel for plaintiffs in MDL 2666: In re Bair Hugger Products Liability Litigation. Genevieve was trial counsel in the only MDL bellwether trial. The Bair Hugger MDL includes claims brought by patients who allege the Bair Hugger patient warming system caused deep joint infections following total hip and total knee replacement surgeries.

Genevieve is also Co-Lead Counsel for Plaintiffs in MDL 2775: In re Smith & Nephew Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Products Liability pending in the District of Maryland. The MDL includes claims brought on behalf of patients who required revision surgery as a result of defective Smith & Nephew hips. Plaintiffs successfully defeated motions to dismiss based on preemption and tried the first MDL bellwether case in July 2021. After a three-week trial, the jury agreed Smith & Nephew was negligent for its false or misleading communications to orthopedic surgeons. Since the trial, nearly all of the cases in the MDL have settled, and the remaining cases are in the process of being remanded as the MDL winds down.

In October 2019, Genevieve tried the first defamation case against a conspiracy theorist who wrote a book titled “Nobody Died at Sandy Hook”. Together with her husband Jake, she represented Lenny Pozner, who was defamed by James Fetzer’s book. By all accounts, Fetzer was the original source for the absurd contention that Sandy Hook was a “false flag” operation by the so-called Deep State aimed at taking away gun rights, and it was Fetzer’s willfully false information that Alex Jones and Infowars.com amplified nationwide. In her closing argument Genevieve told the jury “truth matters, saying false things about somebody matters.” The jury returned a verdict in favor of Mr. Pozner in the amount of $450,000.

Since 2013, Genevieve has served as a court-appointed member of the Plaintiffs’ Lead Counsel Committee for MDL 2441: In re Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, and is also one of four attorneys appointed to the Settlement Committee for the Stryker MDL. Total settlements in the global resolution programs exceed $2 Billion.

Genevieve was appointed to the Plaintiff’s Executive Committee of the 3M Combat earplug litigation MDL (2019), the PSC in In re Taxotere (2016) and In re Biomet MDL (2014), and some of her past work includes helping heart defibrillator patients after a Guidant recall in 2006, helping patients who suffered serious injuries and death following use of the recalled prescription drugs Vioxx and Yaz, hip implants dating back to 2001 manufactured by nearly every company from Sulzer to St. Gobain to Zimmer, DePuy, Stryker, Wright, Smith & Nephew and Exactech.

During 2007-2009, Genevieve spent nearly 75% of her time providing pro bono legal services to the survivors and families who lost loved ones as a result of the I-35W Bridge Collapse. The consortium was successful in obtaining recoveries exceeding $75 million.

Genevieve serves the community through ongoing pro bono work where she has represented victims of domestic violence seeking to obtain court orders for protection, immigrants seeking to update immigration documents, and high school students seeking protection of their first amendment rights to equal access to school facilities.

Genevieve is a member of the Local Rules Committee for the District of Minnesota, Minnesota Lawyer “Attorney of the Year” in both 2019 and 2021, Past President of the Minnesota Association for Justice, and has served on the Board of Governors since 2009. MAJ named her “Member of the Year” in 2012, and “Star Award” recipient in 2021. She is a past member of the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice. Genevieve has been rated by SuperLawyers as a Super Lawyer since 2014.

On a personal note, Genevieve volunteers and raises money for scholarship funds for her alma mater, St. Paul Central High School. A noted and enthusiastic “food gatherer”, Genevieve loves travel, skiing, recreational marathons, and discussing the finer points of music by The National and Taylor Swift with her teenaged daughter and son.

Elizabeth J. Cabraser

Partner with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein

Under Elizabeth Cabraser’s leadership, Lieff Cabraser has become one of the country’s largest law firms serving clients seeking redress for financial and consumer fraud, anti-competitive practices, harmful drugs and products, and illegal employment practices. For four decades, Elizabeth has made sure that our firm remains dedicated to its clients and its core values.

Possessing unparalleled expertise in complex civil litigation, Elizabeth has served as court-appointed lead, co-lead, or class counsel in scores of federal multi-district and state coordinated proceedings. These cases include multi-state tobacco, the Exxon Valdez disaster, Breast Implants, Fen-Phen (Diet Drugs), Vioxx, Toyota sudden acceleration, numerous securities/investment fraud cases, and Holocaust litigation.

Today, Elizabeth serves in court-appointed leadership positions in several of the nation’s highest profile civil cases, including serving as Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel in the GM ignition switch defect litigation, as Plaintiffs’ Lead Counsel in the Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” and Fiat Chrysler Ecodiesel Emissions MDLs. She is currently immersed in nationwide Opioids litigation. In January 2018, she was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee and Settlement Negotiating Committee in the National Prescription Opiates MDL, and earlier this year was appointed Plaintiffs’ Lead Counsel in the McKinsey & Co. National Prescription Opiate MDL.

A Pillar of the Plaintiffs’ Bar

Elizabeth has been repeatedly recognized as one of the foremost litigators in our nation, including being selected an unprecedented four times as one of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America by the National Law Journal, which has called her “a pillar of the plaintiffs’ bar.”

A Daily Journal “Top California Woman Lawyer” since 2007, in 2018 Law360 named her a “Titan of the Plaintiffs Bar,” the National Trial Lawyers Association selected her for its National Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame, and California Lawyer named her “California Lawyer of the Year” for her work on the Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” Emissions Fraud case.

In 2017, Elizabeth received the National Law Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Also in 2017, she was named “Plaintiff Attorney of the Year” by Benchmark Litigation, which noted that she “is known nationwide for having handled some of the largest class actions in US history, as well as being one the firm’s — and the country’s — foremost trial lawyers.” The publication also named her to its lists for “Top 10 Women in Litigation,” “Top 250 Women in Litigation,” and “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America.”

The National Law Journal selected Elizabeth as a 2017 “Energy and Environmental Law Trailblazer,” and Chambers and Partners USA named her a “Leader in the Field” for General Litigation (California) and Product Liability (Nationwide).

Jason L. Lichtman

Partner with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein

The chair of Lieff Cabraser’s Economic Injury Product Defect Practice Group, partner Jason L. Lichtman has extensive experience leading multidistrict and large class action litigation on behalf of consumer plaintiffs. With a practice focused on consumer protection, data privacy, and damages, Jason recently recovered more than $122 million in economic value for coffee farmers in the Kona region who sued nearly two dozen companies for selling “Kona coffee” that was not coffee from Kona. The Court described Jason as conducting one “of the most impressive class action cases I have dealt with in my time on the federal bench,” adding that his results in the litigation were “great for justice” because this was a case with “a real result that makes people whole again.”

Numerous other courts have also appointed Jason to leadership positions in large consumer protection cases, in which he has recovered more than $500 million for his clients, including the exploding Samsung Top-Loading Washing Machines case (Co-Lead Counsel); the Whirlpool Corp. Front-Loading Washer products liability litigation (Co-Lead Counsel); and the Dover v. British Airways airline overcharging case (Class Counsel). In the Whirlpool Defective Washers Products Liability litigation, Jason served as Co-Chair of the Law and Motion Committee, one of the trial counsel, and Lead Settlement Counsel, achieving a nationwide settlement strongly favorable to plaintiffs following a bellwether trial, multiple appeals to the Sixth and Seventh Circuits (all won by plaintiffs), and multiple petitions for certiorari (all defeated by plaintiffs). Jason has also secured major victories as counsel of record before numerous federal appellate courts.

Jason’s practice also includes a focus on complex damages issues, including in the Anthem Data Breach Litigation and Marriott Data Breach litigation, leading plaintiffs’ work with damages experts, including the development of highly technical, comprehensive experts reports, defending depositions of plaintiffs’ experts, and taking defendants’ experts’ depositions. The Marriott case remains pending, but Jason’s work contributed heavily to the groundbreaking settlement for plaintiffs of $115 million in Anthem, as well as significant injunctive relief targeting deficient Anthem’s cybersecurity practices. Jason also serves on the board of directors for Public Justice Foundation and is past Chair of the Public Justice Class Action Committee. Public Justice is devoted to standing up for consumers against unscrupulous payday lenders, reckless polluters, dangerous food producers, and other bad corporate actors. A multiple-year “Super Lawyer” for the New York area, he also served on the Law360 Privacy and Consumer Protection Editorial Advisory Board, providing feedback on Law360’s news coverage, including case updates, policy developments, and trends in various industries.

Yvette R. Austin

Senior Managing Director and Chair, Compass Lexecon’s Global Finance Practice

Yvette R. Austin is a Senior Managing Director and Chair of Compass Lexecon’s Global Finance Practice. Over her 30-year career, Ms. Austin has developed expertise in a wide range of financial and economic areas. With subject matter expertise in valuation, credit and solvency analysis, and other financial damages, she has been retained as a testifying and consulting expert to analyze and quantify damages in disputes involving M&A, bankruptcy, breach of representation and warranties, breach of fiduciary duty, financial fraud, material adverse effect, dissenting shareholder actions, leveraged buyouts, debt recharacterization, avoidance actions, liability management transactions, antitrust damages and trade disputes. Ms. Austin also regularly estimates the number and value of claims in mass torts. She has provided claims analysis and estimation in connection with claims arising from talc, opioids, asbestos, transvaginal mesh, and PFAS.

Ms. Austin has submitted expert oral and written testimony in multiple venues, including state courts in Delaware, New York, and California; U.S. federal bankruptcy and district courts; international courts in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom; and the World Trade Organization and other international arbitration forums. In addition to providing expert testimony, Ms. Austin advises special board committees on M&A litigation matters and serves as a bankruptcy trustee.

As representative bankruptcy engagements, Yvette has been retained as a financial expert in connection with the bankruptcies of Lehman Brothers (on behalf of JPMorgan Chase), Caesars Entertainment Operating Company (on behalf of Apollo Global Management), Physiotherapy Associates Holdings (on behalf of a litigation trustee), U.S. Steel Canada (on behalf of United States Steel), Purdue Pharma (on behalf of a large group of states and U.S. territories), Johnson & Johnson talc-related bankruptcies (on behalf of the tort claimants), Millennium Laboratories (on behalf of a litigation trustee), Revlon (on behalf of the Debtor), and Endo (on behalf of First Lien creditors).

As representative M&A and financing disputes, Yvette has been retained as a financial expert in: Votorantim S.A., Claimant/Counter-Respondent v ArcelorMittal Brasil S.A., ArcelorMittal Spain Holding SL Respondents/Counter-Claimants (ICC Arbitration),The Yucaipa Companies LLC et al., Plaintiff v. Lantern Asset Management GP, LLC, Spyglass Media Group, LLC (f/k/a Lantern Entertainment LLC) et al., Defendants (California); Twitter, Inc., Plaintiff, v. Elon R. Musk, et al. (Delaware); Snow Phipps Group, LLC, and DecoPac Holdings Inc., Plaintiff, v. KCake Acquisition, Inc., et al., Defendants (Delaware); Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. v. Corporación Interamericana de Entretenimiento, S.A.B. de C.V. (“CIE”) (ICC Arbitration); The Mangrove Partners Master Fund, Ltd., Petitioner, v. Calamos Asset Management, Inc., Respondent (Delaware); In re Baker Hughes, a GE Company, Deriv. Litig. (Delaware) and Polar Multi-Strategy Master Fund v. The Stars Group Inc. (Ontario).

Jonathan Orent

Member with Motley Rice LLC

Jonathan Orent litigates for people alleging harm by defective medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs, including all aspects of discovery and expert development. He represents women suffering from painful side effects associated with pelvic mesh/sling products, hernia patients harmed by mesh repairs, as well as military service members suffering from hearing loss due to allegedly defective earplugs.

Jonathan was appointed lead counsel of hernia mesh litigation In re Atrium Medical Corp. C-QUR Mesh Products Liability Litigation, MDL #2753. He serves as co-lead and co-liaison counsel in the largest consolidated hernia mesh litigation in the country, In re Davol/C.R. Bard Hernia Mesh Multi-Case Management Coordination. Jonathan previously served as co-liaison counsel in the In re Bard Litigation in New Jersey state court and as state court liaison counsel in Massachusetts. He is a member of the litigation team that successfully tried the Barba case to a $100 million verdict in Delaware (later reduced by appeal to $10 million). Jonathan also led the successful appeal to the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, which allowed key evidence relating to Boston Scientific’s alleged knowledge of the potential harm caused by its products. Jonathan is co-chair of the AAJ Hernia Mesh Litigation Group.

In addition to his leadership in hernia mesh litigation, Jonathan is also a member of the Science & Experts Subcommittee for multidistrict litigation filed for U.S. troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2003 and 2015 and suffered hearing loss or tinnitus after using allegedly defective earplugs manufactured by 3M and its predecessor Aearo Technologies.

Jonathan also represents communities and people facing personal injury, property damage and economic loss as a result of negligence, environmental hazards or groundwater and soil contamination. In 2008, he litigated against a large New England utility company on behalf of more than 100 Tiverton, R.I., residents who claimed they suffered damages resulting from environmental contamination of their residential property. More recently, Jonathan played a role in the settlement of contamination litigation between members of the Tallevast, Fla., community and a major aerospace defense contractor involving property damage and emotional distress claims resulting from the alleged release of trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE) and other chemicals into the groundwater.

Jonathan has worked on complex litigation against the lead paint industry on behalf of government entities in California, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, as well as lead poisoning cases for individual children and families against property owners. He also assists with discovery and trial preparation of the firm’s asbestos cases.

Prior to joining Motley Rice in 2005, Jonathan served as a law clerk with the Missouri State Public Defender Youth Advocacy Unit and a legal intern for Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois. Recognized as an AV® rated attorney Martindale-Hubbell®, he has made numerous presentations on a variety of legal matters involving medical device litigation and environmental law. He served on the Rhode Island Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, a group whose mission is to address key community issues and discrimination matters, such as foreclosure scams and the disparate treatment of minority youth. Jonathan is President of AG Bell Rhode Island, as well as a member of the Rhode Island Early Intervention Work Group, a group that reviews early intervention services provided to deaf or hard of hearing children between the ages of 0-3 in Rhode Island.

Adam J. Levitt

Partner with DiCello Levitt

Adam Levitt is one of the nation’s leading advocates for plaintiffs in complex, multidistrict, class action, public client, mass tort, and commercial litigation. Drawing on his extensive experience pursuing and obtaining justice for those who have been wronged by powerful defendants, he co-founded DiCello Levitt to create a top-tier complex issues and trial firm founded on excellence, trust, and respect—where every team member’s voice and talents are valued.

In his decades-long career, Adam has scored numerous significant and precedent-setting victories, delivering more than $20 billion in recoveries to clients in biotechnology, financial services, securities, insurance coverage, consumer protection, automotive defects, agricultural products, and antitrust disputes. His reputation for innovatively taking on tough cases has led to his appointment to leadership positions in many historic and headline-grabbing litigations, including three of the largest biotechnology class actions in U.S. history, where he served as co-lead counsel, helped recover more than $1.7 billion on behalf of plaintiffs, and created a game-changing economic model to measure crop contamination damages that set the modern industry standard. He was also retained by multiple State Attorneys General to hold some of the world’s largest chemical companies accountable for widespread environmental contamination from their “forever chemicals” known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Also, as part of a leadership group characterized as a “class action dream team,” Adam helped secure a $16 billion settlement in litigation arising from Volkswagen’s emissions scandal, and, in a rare class action trial, he and his fellow co-lead counsel secured a milestone $102.6 million jury verdict against General Motors for hiding engine defects from consumers.

Adam is also a leader in the legal profession and a frequent speaker on multidistrict litigation, consumer protection, automotive litigation, biotechnology, corporate governance, securities litigation, and internet privacy. Nationally recognized as an authority on class action litigation, Adam writes a monthly class action column in The National Law Journal, has testified before the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee on class action practice, and chairs an annual class action litigation conference in Chicago.

As a founding partner of DiCello Levitt, Adam has cultivated a diverse roster of skilled litigators to advance the cause of justice for individuals, businesses, and public clients. The firm’s attorneys are highly respected for their ability to litigate and win cases and have secured billions of dollars in recoveries for their clients through class action, business-to-business, whistleblower, personal injury, civil rights, and mass tort litigation. They have worked on some of the highest-profile securities actions ever filed, developed game-changing legal theories to secure landmark wins against tech giants that misused and exposed massive troves of personal data, and held some of the world’s largest corporations accountable for endangering and harming American consumers. With a long history of working with public clients, Adam and his partners understand the wants and needs of government officials and their teams, and, as experts in trial practice and jury persuasion, they consistently achieve best-in-class results for their clients.

Adam’s own groundbreaking work on behalf of plaintiffs has been recognized locally and nationally in prestigious ranking directories, including Chambers USA, where he has received a Band 1 ranking for Mainly Plaintiffs Litigation in Illinois for three consecutive years. Chambers USA also ranked Adam in Illinois for General Commercial Litigation and nationwide for Product Liability Litigation, where the editors describe him as the “go-to plaintiffs’ attorney in the class actions space.” In 2021, 2022, and 2023, Benchmark Litigation named Adam a National Litigation Star and Securities and Litigation Star in Illinois. According to The National Law Journal, Adam is a “pioneer” in technology litigation. Crain’s Chicago Business has named him a Notable Litigator and Trial Attorney and a Notable Gen X Leader in Accounting, Consulting, and Law, and Lawdragon has named him one of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers and one of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the United States.

An elected member of the American Law Institute and the Economic Club of Chicago, Adam considers the formation of DiCello Levitt in 2017 to be a pivotal moment in his distinguished legal career. With a shared vision and commitment to helping people and businesses use the legal system to have their voices heard, he and his partners intend to maintain their industry-wide influence for years to come with a steadfast resolve for justice in all its dimensions.

Justin Presnal

Partner with Simmons Hanly Conroy

Attorney Justin Presnal is a partner in the Complex Litigation Department at Simmons Hanly Conroy, based in College Station, Texas. Justin’s cases involve dangerous drugs, medical devices, and other complex litigation matters.

Justin has practiced law since 1993, working on a wide array of cases. He has represented individuals and businesses in trial and appellate courts throughout the country, often involving complicated jurisdictional and choice of law issues.

“The Complex Litigation Department at Simmons Hanly Conroy is on the cutting edge of high stakes litigation, constantly looking at novel legal theories to help the clients we represent,” Justin said. “No case is too complicated or difficult for us to handle, and we have the experience and resources needed to creatively and strategically win hard cases.”

Careful Analysis & Compelling Writing

Justin works on the analytical and strategic components of the firm’s cases. Along with other attorneys in the firm, and frequently with co-counsel from other firms, he analyzes potential cases and develops case strategies. He takes the lead on preparing the papers that are filed with trial and appellate courts and has a passion for writing and the law.

Justin had an early introduction to working on complex and unusual cases, working on cases that were international in scope and often involved unusual legal questions — such as the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, the Warsaw Convention, federal and state application of the forum non conveniens doctrine, and federal preemption in pharmaceutical, medical device, automobile, and other product liability cases. He once told one of his early mentors, Mike Maloney of Houston, “Mike, every one of your cases is like a law school exam question.”

That early experience was instrumental in Justin learning to find ways to prosecute complicated cases using creative but legally sound strategies, and the importance of not just winning in the trial court but making sure you can preserve that win on appeal.

Justin was fortunate to work alongside some of the finest legal writers in Texas early in his career. That experience inspired him to develop a writing style that is plain and direct, rather than the “legalese” found in so much legal writing. Most issues are decided based on the papers provided to the court, often without having an oral hearing on motions, which puts an emphasis on the quality and persuasiveness of those papers.

Fighting the Opioid Epidemic

Justin currently represents the interests of Simmons Hanly Conroy’s many governmental clients in the massive and far-reaching litigation involving the pharmaceutical industry’s improper promotion and distribution of prescription opioid medications. He is a member of the Law and Briefing Committee in MDL 2804, In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, Northern District of Ohio; he was part of the trial team representing the firm’s clients in the coordinated New York state court litigation, Index No. 400000/2017, In re: Opioid Litigation, Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk.

Opening statements for the New York opioid trial began in June 2021, marking the start of the first opioid case in the United States to be heard before a jury and, ultimately, the longest jury trial in the history of the New York State Supreme Court. The trial included over 800 exhibits and 9,000 filings.

Leading up to the trial’s opening arguments, several original defendants, including Johnson & Johnson and the pharmacies CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid and Wal-Mart, settled and were severed from the trial. Additional defendants settled for significant amounts during the seven-month trial, which concluded with a plaintiffs’ verdict in December 2021 against opioid manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiaries, and the distributor Anda Manufacturing.

Key results from the trial totaled more than $1.7 billion in settlements, including:

The three largest U.S. drug distributors — McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation — settled claims with New York State for a combined $1.18 billion.
Endo Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiaries agreed to a settlement with New York State, and Suffolk and Nassau Counties, totaling $50 million.
Johnson & Johnson settled with the state of New York for $263 million, and as part of their agreement, the company agreed to stop making opioids.
Former opioid manufacturer Allergan settled on the eve of closing arguments for $200 million.

These settlements provided recoveries for Suffolk and Nassau counties, the State of New York and numerous other New York counties the firm represents.

In addition to the national opioid MDL pending in the Northern District of Ohio (MDL 2804), Justin works with the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in MDL 2996, In re: McKinsey & Co., Inc. National Prescription Opiate Litigation, Northern District of California, which seeks to hold global consulting giant McKinsey & Co. responsible for its role in helping opioid manufacturers like Purdue Pharma develop strategies to aggressively promote the use of dangerous prescription opioid medications, which contributed to the opioid epidemic that has ravaged so many communities and affected so many lives.

San Francisco Opioid Trial

In May 2022, as part of the fourth bellwether case in the federal prescription opioid litigation, Justin served on the trial team that helped secure a $230 million settlement with Walgreens for the city of San Francisco over the company’s role in the opioid epidemic, which is believed to be the largest award to a local jurisdiction against an opioid defendant nationwide.

After an 11-week liability trial, U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer found Walgreens liable for contributing to the opioid epidemic and creating a public nuisance in the city. Walgreens was the last remaining defendant in the trial, after several leading opioid manufacturers and distributors had already settled for over $120 million.

Protecting Rights of Patients Injured by Hip Implants

Justin was appointed to the Law and Motions Committee in MDL 2244, In re: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., Pinnacle Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. He was part of the trial team that obtained jury verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs in that MDL resulting from injuries caused by the “Pinnacle” metal-on-metal hip implants sold by Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary, DePuy Orthopaedics:

$1 billion verdict: Rosa Metzler, et al. v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 12-2066; Michael Weiser v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 13-3631; Judith Rodriguez v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 13-3938; Linda Standerfer v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 14-1730; Kathleen Davis, et al. v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 15-1767; Marvin Andrews, et al. v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 15-3484. (Six cases consolidated for trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division)
$502 million verdict: Aoki v. DePuy Orthopedics, et al., No. 3:13-cv-01071-K; Christopher v. DePuy Orthopedics, et al., No. 3:14-cv-01994-K; Greer v. DePuy Orthopedics, et al., No. 3:12-cv-01672-K; Klusmann v. DePuy Orthopedics, et al., No. 3:11-cv-02800-K; and Peterson v. DePuy Orthopedics, et al., No. 3:11-cv-01941-K. (Five cases consolidated for trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division)
$247 million verdict: Alicea v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 3:15-cv-03489-K; Barzel v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 3:16-cv-01245-K; Kirschner v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 3:16-cv-01526-K; Miura v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 3:13-cv-04119-K; Stevens v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 3:14-cv-01776-K; Stevens v. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., et al., No. 3:14-cv-02341-K (Six cases consolidated for trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division)

In addition to these trials, Justin was a part of the team that handled the appeal from the Aoki trial, In re: DePuy Orthopaedic, Incorporated, Pinnacle Hip Implant Product Liability Litigation, No. 16-11051, published at 888 F.3d 753 (5th Cir. 2018). That decision from the conservative Fifth Circuit decided several important issues that were significant not only for other cases in the Pinnacle MDL, but will also impact product liability cases involving medical devices and other products in other courts:

Preemption: The court reaffirmed that design defect claims involving medical devices cleared for sale by the FDA using its “510k” procedure are not preempted by the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Safer Alternative Design: The court rejected Johnson & Johnson’s argument that the plaintiffs should have been required to present evidence of a safer metal-on-metal hip implant design, and agreed with plaintiffs that Johnson & Johnson’s cross-linked polyethylene implant was an appropriate safer alternative design because both devices had the same utility.
“Comment k” to the Restatement (Second) of Torts, § 402A: The court also rejected Johnson & Johnson’s argument that this provision categorically bars plaintiffs’ claims, an argument that Johnson & Johnson and other medical device manufacturers have asserted in numerous other courts.
Adequacy of Device Warnings: The court rejected Johnson & Johnson’s argument that the “instructions for use” included with its implants adequately warned of the risk of soft tissue damage, concluding that those instructions were not sufficiently specific.
Personal Jurisdiction: The court reaffirmed the Fifth Circuit’s adherence to the “stream of commerce” basis for exercising personal jurisdiction over companies that sell dangerous products. The court also found that parent company Johnson & Johnson’s involvement in the development and marketing of the Pinnacle hip implants made it subject to the court’s jurisdiction.
Liability of Parent Corporation: The court also agreed that Johnson & Johnson could be liable for product liability claims as a “non-manufacturer seller” under Texas law because it participated in the design of the Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip implant and it was aware of the dangers associated with it. The court also found that the evidence was sufficient to show that Johnson & Johnson could be liable under the theory of “negligent undertaking” because of its role in the marketing of the Pinnacle metal-on-metal implant.

Justin was also appointed by the Court to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in MDL 2391, In re: Biomet M2A Magnum Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. In addition to working on behalf of all the plaintiffs in the MDL as a member of the PEC, he represented numerous individual plaintiffs, most of whom were not eligible for the global settlement that Biomet announced in 2014.

Along with the other PEC members in MDL 2391, Justin helped develop a strategy for getting cases in the MDL remanded to their home courts so they could be tried, and helped develop a “trial package” for lawyers representing other Biomet plaintiffs to use in those trials. This led to a wave of additional settlements on behalf of Biomet plaintiffs all over the country, and two trials in federal court in Iowa and Missouri where the plaintiff’s prevailed on their product liability claims. Both of those verdicts were held on appeal.

Additionally, Justin was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in MDL 3044, In re Exactech Polyethylene Orthopedic Products Liability Litigation, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. That case involves recalled hip and knee implant devices that have forced thousands of patients to undergo “revision” surgeries to replace the defective devices. He is part of the Law & Briefing Team in that litigation and is also helping prepare the first bellwether cases for trial, which are scheduled for Fall 2024 and Summer 2025.

Legal Background

Justin graduated with honors from Texas A&M University in 1990, and graduated with honors from Baylor University School of Law in 1993. He is admitted to the State Bar of Texas, the United States Supreme Court, the federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States District Courts for the Southern, Northern, and Eastern Districts of Texas, the District of Colorado, and the Eastern District of Wisconsin. He is board-certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, is a member of the American Association for Justice, and is a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.

Representative Cases Include

In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL No. 2804, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio frequently described as one of the most complex litigations in U.S. history.
In re: Opioid Litigation, Index No. 400000/2017, Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk representing Suffolk County, the City of New York, and SHC’s numerous other New York clients in that state’s coordinated opioid litigation.
In re: Hair Relaxer Marketing Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation,MDL 3060, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (member of Law & Briefing and Trial Procedures teams)
In re: Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3047, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
In re: East Palestine Train Derailment, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (member of Law & Briefing team)
In re: Camp Lejeune Water Litigation, No. 7:23-cv-00897, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
In re: Biomet M2A Magnum Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2391, S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
MCI Sales and Service, Inc. v. Hinton, 329 S.W.3d 475 (Tex. 2010), denied, 563 U.S. 1008 (2011) product liability case involving a motor coach that was defectively designed and unsafe because it was not equipped with seat belts or laminated side window glass; the Texas Supreme Court rejected the defendants’ contention that the plaintiffs’ claims were preempted by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act; United States Supreme Court denied defendants’ attempt to appeal the Texas ruling.
Victor Alarcon MD v. Alcolac, Inc., No. 16-0343, in the Supreme Court of Texas (hired by lawyers for the plaintiff to appeal to the Texas Supreme Court a decision by lower courts dismissing the claims of a former U.S. Army combat field surgeon who was exposed to mustard gas during Gulf War I, against defendants who illegally sold the chemicals used to make mustard gas to the Government of Iraq)
Exxon Neftegas Limited v. Sakhneftegaz Engineering LLC, No. 2014-25508, in the 270th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas (and related litigation in the Southern District of Texas and state court litigation in New York) (representing consortium of owners of offshore oil platform in the Sea of Okhost, near Sakhalin Island, in litigation over defective and delayed engineering in connection with construction of the platform)
Brianne Miller, et al. v. Sikorsky Support Services, Inc., No. 2:11-cv-00087, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Corpus Christi Division (representing the widow of a Navy instructor pilot killed during a training flight)
Rowan Companies, Inc. v. Signal International, LLC, No. 2007-47010, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas (litigation involving defective construction of offshore “jack-up” drilling rig)
British American Offshore Limited v. TCW Global Project Fund II, Ltd., No. 2005-64490, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas; In re TCW Global Project Fund II, Ltd., 274 S.W.3d 166 (Tex. App.—14th Dist. 2008) (commercial dispute between drilling contractor and North Sea operator and its lender over canceled drilling contract and related mandamus proceeding involving enforcement of forum selection clause)
Rowan Companies, Inc. v. Amoco (UK) Exploration Company, No. 1999-2626, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas (litigation involving canceled offshore drilling contract with parallel proceedings in Texas and the United Kingdom)
Victor C. Baris, et al. v. Sulpicio Lines, Inc., et al., 74 F.3d 567 (5th Cir. 1996) (litigation involving the sinking of the ferry M/V Dona Paz in the Philippines, in which approximately 5,000 Philippine passengers perished)
Ker & Downey Safaris, Ltd. v. Friedkin Adventure Companies Inc., et al., 1994-420767, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas (representing an iconic Kenya-based safari company in trademark infringement and unfair competition dispute)
Cynthia Wilkinson v. McDonnell Douglas Corp., No. 1992-49470, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas (representing the widow of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter pilot killed in a crash in Germany)
Kathleen Farris v. Wilrig (U.S.A.) Inc., No. 1992-16041, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas (representing the widow of an electrician killed while working on an offshore oil rig in the Port of Galveston)
Lee Kern, et al. v. Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc., et al., No. 1993-45153, In the District Court of Harris County, Texas (litigation involving the 1992 crash of Pakistan International Airlines flight PK268 while en route to Kathmandu, Nepal, killing all passengers and crew aboard)
Elena Lozano, et al. v. GPE Controls, et al., No. 1987-33476, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas (litigation involving death of U.S. airman and Korean civilians in explosion of fuel storage tank at Osan Air Base, South Korea in 1986)

Adam S. Paris

Partner with Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Adam Paris is a member of S&C’s Litigation Group and has been a partner of the Firm since January 2006. Prior to joining S&C, Adam was a Law Clerk to Judge Pamela Ann Rymer of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and, before that, to Chief Judge Marilyn Huff of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.

Adam has more than twenty years of experience advising clients on a variety of complex business litigation matters, with particular concentration on antitrust/unfair competition matters, trade secrets litigation, mergers & acquisition litigation and securities litigation. He regularly appears in federal and state courts throughout the country, has first-chaired civil jury and bench trials and handled domestic and international arbitrations through hearings on the merits. Adam’s antitrust practice has included the defense of private class action litigation, criminal investigations by the Department of Justice, and merger clearances (including four multi-billion dollar transactions) before the Federal Trade Commission or Department of Justice.

Highly regarded as one of the country’s leading litigators, Adam is regularly recognized by such authorities as Chambers USA, The Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal. He has also been repeatedly named a BTI Client Service All-Star, an award which honors lawyers who have “mastered the art of superior client service.” In 2020, Adam was recognized by the National Law Journal as a “Litigation Trailblazer” for delivering successful outcomes in some of S&C’s highest-stakes antitrust and competition cases, including serving as lead trial lawyer in a crucial court battle for Pabst Blue Ribbon, which ended in a settlement favorable to his client. Adam is also a member of Law360’s Competition Editorial Advisory Board (2022).

Professional Activities and Community Involvement

Adam has an abiding commitment to pro bono legal and community services. In addition to litigating a number of pro bono matters throughout his career at S&C, Adam serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations committed to providing legal, educational and cultural services to disadvantaged and underserved communities in Los Angeles.

Director, Los Angeles Legal Aid Foundation
Director, Friends of the Los Angeles Law Library
Director, Western Center for Law & Poverty
Director, The Industry (Los Angeles)
Trustee, The Country School

Adam is also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Los Cabos Speakers 2025

Los Cabos Speakers

Michael C. Andolina

Partner, White & Case

Yvette R. Austin

Senior Managing Director and Chair, Compass Lexecon’s Global Finance Practice

Bryan Aylstock

Founding Partner of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis, & Overholtz PLLC

David Benck

Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Hibbett Sports

Stephen Bennett

Partner with faegre drinker

Alyson Beridon

HSG Law Group

Andrew Bradt

Shannon Cecil Turner Professor of Jurisprudence Faculty Director, Civil Justice Research Initiative

Kimberly Branscome

Partner with Paul | Weiss

Brad D. Brian

Chair of Munger Tolles & Olson LLP

Allison M. Brown, P.C.

Partner with Kirkland & Ellis

Loren H. Brown

Partner with DLA Piper

US Vice Chairman, Chair of US Disputes practice

Member, Global Board

Member, Executive Committee

Virginia M. Buchanan

Levin, Papantonio, Proctor, Buchanan, O’Brien, Barr & Mougey, P.A.

David R. Buchanan

Partner with Seeger Weiss LLP

Manuel F. Cachán

Partner with Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP, Litigation; Mass Torts, Insurance and Consumer Litigation

Elizabeth J. Cabraser

Partner with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein

Katherine E. Charonko

Partner with Bailey & Glasser, LLP

Hailyn J. Chen

Partner with Munger Tolles & Olson LLP

Christopher Chorba

Partner with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Lori G. Cohen

Vice-Chair at Greenberg Traurig

Jayne Conroy

Partner with Simmons Hanly Conroy

Mildred Conroy

Partner with Simmons Hanly Conroy

Nick D'Aquilla

Counsel Financial

Mark J. Dearman

Partner with Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

Diandra “Fu” Debrosse

Partner with Dicello Levitt

Sharon Desh

Partner with Winston & Strawn LLP

Theane Evangelis

Partner with Gibson Dunn

Kyle Farrar

Kaster Lynch Farrar & Ball, LLP Trial Attorneys

Dai Wai Chin Feman

Managing Director – Commercial Litigation, Corporate Counsel, Parabellum Capital

Brian T. Fitzpatrick

Milton R. Underwood Chair in Free Enterprise, Vanderbilt University Law School

Kristen Renee Fournier, P.C.

Partner with Kirkland & Ellis

Paul Geller

Partner with Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

Brian Glasser

Partner with Bailey & Glasser, LLP

Adam J. Gomez

Principal at Grant & Eisenhofer

Sean Grimsley

Partner with Olson Grimsley Kawanabe Hinchcliff & Murray LLC

Kiley Grombacher

Co-Founding Partner of Bradley/Grombacher LLP

Deepak Gupta

Founding Principal of Gupta Wessler LLP

Milli Kanani Hansen

Partner with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates

Brandon Henry