Product Liability: Mainly Defendant

Highly regarded for its proficiency in handling substantial group actions, including those with cross-border elements. Well versed in handling claims for key clients from a range of sectors including the automotive, scientific and telecoms industries. Also adept at providing advice and support to clients on product safety, recall and regulation, with notable expertise in novel areas including autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things. Offers strong complementary expertise in environmental claims.

One source remarks: "They are absolute leaders in handling product liability group actions."

Another says: "Their partner-led approach provides reassurance of quality of service, and they appropriately allocate work among the wider team."

"They are a remarkable team that handle huge amounts of work seamlessly," an interviewee notes.

Andrew Austin provides both contentious and regulatory counsel to a broad spectrum of clients, including those hailing from the tobacco and food and beverage sectors. He is accustomed to advising on substantial group actions.
"Andrew Austin's capacity to absorb complex information from a variety of sources and piece it together into a cohesive and credible defence strategy is second to none."

James Roberts offers notable experience in significant group actions involving automotive and consumer products.
"James Roberts is ferociously bright and ferociously organised; he is the man you want to keep a number of plates spinning with aplomb." "He sees the big picture and can dive into everything. He keeps the show on the road."

John Blain is particularly admired for his handling of high-value, large group actions and is known for skilfully coordinating international product liability proceedings for multinational clients.
"His capacity for managing all of the workstreams is pretty incredible. He is always on top of the detail." "John Blain is furiously clever, committed and knowledgeable." "He always has an eye for the big picture."

Jonathan Isted garners praise from the market for his handling of group claims emerging from a range of industry sectors, notably the automotive and energy arenas. His respected product liability practice is bolstered by extensive environmental expertise.
"He has a really innate ability to get straight to the heart of the matter very quickly." "He is a great strategist." "He is very wise and very tactical as he understands how litigation will develop. He is brilliant to have on your side."