Department profile
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Product Liability: Tobacco

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Those who make products available to the public are constantly challenged: to respond to consumer demands, to meet changing regulatory requirements, to challenge established routes to market and to meet new market demands.

When things do not go to plan, our global team is on hand to assist in the event of major product liability events. We help manufacturers, suppliers and retailers (and their insurers) in the wake of major product liability events to manage the crisis in which they find themselves and handle all aspects of a matter to take a strategically aligned approach. This includes advising on:

  • Cross-border, multi-jurisdictional product recalls
  • Regulatory compliance including engaging with relevant regulators and responding to any enforcement action (including criminal prosecutions)
  • Civil claims arising from the incident, including class actions
  • Any corresponding insurance claims

We advise clients across our network from a broad range of industry sectors including consumer and retail products, food and drink, industrial chemicals, manufacturing, medical devices and pharmaceutical products, telecommunications and transport.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Product Liability: Tobacco - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

HSF Kramer is noted for its considerable expertise in large-scale product liability suits against the tobacco industry, including those brought by classes of claimants, governments and state attorneys general. The firm has capabilities representing clients in domestic US and cross-border matters across a wide array of jurisdictions. It offers wider strength in regulatory advisory work.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • HSF Kramer continued to serve as counsel for British American Tobacco, advising several BAT companies in multiple health care recoupment lawsuits in Canada. Ten Canadian Provinces collectively sought hundreds of billions.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are sophisticated and effective trial lawyers combined with the resources and credibility of a major global firm.

    Product Liability: Tobacco respondentUSA
  • HSFK's strategic acumen in the US litigation is outstanding.

    Product Liability: Tobacco respondentUSA
  • This department is distinguished by its exceptionally clear and responsive communication, its strong understanding of the business needs of international clients, and its consistent delivery of favorable litigation outcomes. Their ability to align legal strategy with the commercial realities of global companies sets them apart within the industry.

    Product Liability: Tobacco respondentUSA
  • HSF Kramer demonstrates exceptional strategic depth in managing complex product liability litigation. Their ability to synthesize technical data into persuasive legal arguments is world-class.

    Product Liability: Tobacco respondentUSA
  • The team have a keen appreciation of the business itself. They also have a willingness to delve deeply into the broader ramifications of a matter, develop a partnership with stakeholders, and provide practical and commercial advice.

    Product Liability: Tobacco respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Benjamin Rubinstein
    Band 1Benjamin Rubinstein

    Benjamin Rubinstein

    Benjamin Rubinstein is respected for the quality of his advocacy in product liability cases. He demonstrates deep knowledge of cases in the tobacco space.
    • Ben stands out as an exceptional practitioner in the product liability field. He brings top-level expertise and consistently demonstrates the ability to lead matters with clarity, confidence, and strategic precision.

      Product Liability: Tobacco respondentUSA
    • Ben is a solid lawyer who is very client-focused and responsive.

      Product Liability: Tobacco respondentUSA
  • Band 1Gregory M Loss
    Band 1Gregory M Loss

    Gregory M Loss

    Gregory Loss maintains a broad and widely respected litigation practice that exhibits strength in product liability cases in the tobacco space.
  • Up and ComingMaxwell Herman
    Up and ComingMaxwell Herman

    Maxwell Herman

    Maxwell Herman has notable expertise advising tobacco clients in mass tort litigation.

    • Max is a rising rockstar who combines intellectual aptitude and competence with business effectiveness and interpersonal skills. When I talk about boutique-style effectiveness paired with big law credibility, Max is the #1 lawyer who comes to mind. I expect to see him continuing to ascend the ranks of the nation's most distinguished litigators.

      Product Liability: Tobacco respondentUSA
    • Max is an outstanding professional in the product liability space. He is exceptionally attentive and proactive in communication, ensuring that the client is always well-informed and supported. His analytical depth and ability to navigate technically challenging issues reflect a level of sophistication that is rare even within this specialty.

      Product Liability: Tobacco respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (3)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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