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Freshfields

Product Liability: Mainly Defendant

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Freshfields

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Provided by Freshfields

Please visit the Freshfields website for more details about our work in this category:

Consumer products | Freshfields

Commercial litigation | Freshfields

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Product Liability: Mainly Defendant - UK-wide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Freshfields is highly regarded for its proficiency in handling substantial group actions, including those with cross-border elements. The firm is well versed in handling claims for key clients from a range of sectors, including the automotive, scientific and technology industries. It is also adept at providing advice and support to clients on product safety, recall and regulation, with notable expertise in novel areas including AI and autonomous vehicles. The team offers strong complementary expertise in environmental claims.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Freshfields is the leading firm for product liability work. The firm has a phenomenal team.

    Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK

  • Freshfields is a huge firm and so it can bring a lot of resources to bear, with impressive individuals in the team.

    Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK

  • Freshfields is a top-level, global firm that handles big-ticket matters very well.

    Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK

  • Freshfields is extremely well versed in this field and has a very good set-up to provide cross-border advice. The firm is very good in terms of subject matter expertise and is extremely responsive.

    Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK

  • Freshfields think outside of the box and are not afraid to discuss daring potential strategies. The lawyers are very good communicators and have proven able to handle the most complex matters.

    Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John Blain
    John Blain

    John Blain

    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.

    • I have a lot of respect for John.

      Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK
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  • Andrew Austin
    Andrew Austin

    Andrew Austin

    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 is fantastic to work with.

      Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK
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  • James Roberts
    James Roberts

    James Roberts

    James Roberts offers notable experience in significant group actions involving automotive and consumer products.

    • James is a phenomenally bright lawyer who has the ability to cut through incredibly complex legal problems and articulate the issues in a clear and simple way. He is an invaluable partner.

      Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK
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  • Simon Duncombe
    Simon Duncombe

    Simon Duncombe

    Simon Duncombe offers particular expertise in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, defending against defective products claims and representing clients in class actions. He often provides regulatory advice on product safety, labelling and advertising, with his expertise extending to cross-border mandates.

    • Simon is super user-friendly, open, approachable and down to earth, which means we can get to the crux of the issue much quicker.

      Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK

    • Simon has impressive character and presence about him. I just see him as Freshfields through and through.

      Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK

    • Simon is our go-to lawyer, and for a reason. He is a strong communicator, has a big network and is able to convince people.

      Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK
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  • Harriet Hanks
    Harriet Hanks

    Harriet Hanks

    Harriet Hanks is a respected counsel noted for her regulatory and products disputes work. She regularly advises clients in the life sciences and automotive sectors, often tackling cross-border issues.

    • Harriet is very good to work with. She is very personable, client-focused and has excellent attention to detail.

      Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK

    • Harriet is extremely talented. She is spot on with her assessments and extremely quick. I would highly recommend her.

      Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK

    • Harriet stays absolutely up to speed on issues and is outstanding in the way that she handles matters.

      Product Liability: Mainly Defendant respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Freshfields (5)

UK-wide

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