Product Liability & Mass Torts: The Elite
USA Guide 2024 : USA - Nationwide
Band 4
Contact number
+1 212 837 6000About
Provided by Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
Hughes Hubbard's Product Liability and Mass Tort group is widely recognized by leading legal publications, jurists, clients and the products bar at large as a "go to" defense team. With a large number of experienced product liability litigators and trial lawyers, including 10 partners who practice nearly exclusively in this area, as well as partners and litigation analysts with advanced degrees in engineering, medicine, nursing, and chemistry, our group is one of deepest and widest in the profession.
We have a long history of defending the largest and most complex products cases—Vioxx, Tobacco, Talc, opioids, PFAS, PCBs, DES, and Gardasil, to name a few. We also provide guidance to companies to help them stay out of future litigation. We have served as national coordinating counsel, trial counsel, and heads of nationwide science, expert, law, and discovery teams. In addition to our work as trial counsel, we have represented companies in congressional investigations, federal prosecutions, attorney general actions, and other agency proceedings. We represent life science defendants in litigations around the world, partnering with top tier local firms to achieve excellent results for our clients. We have been on the ground, at trial and working with witnesses and local counsel in dozens of countries on six continents.
Chambers Review
Hughes Hubbard & Reed is a highly regarded group with substantial experience in product liability defense and a notable focus on the pharmaceutical and tobacco sectors. Highlighted for its in-depth guidance on litigation strategy as well as its longstanding relationships with major clients. Strong national and international presence allows it to act on mass tort cases with a global reach. Extensive experience acting as lead litigation counsel in product liability trials.
Work Highlights
- Hughes Hubbard & Reed represented LG Electronics in litigation alleging that exposure to non-ionizing radiation emitted from mobile phone handsets caused brain tumors.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The proficiency in supporting local counsel, aligning seamlessly with overarching strategy and attentiveness is unparalleled. I highly rate the depth and breadth of the team and their commitment to maintaining a high-end product."
"The team is responsive and tailors according to the needs of the situation."
"The firm has the unique ability to participate and coordinate in highly complex cases out of the US with their outstanding experience and knowledge. The entire team has deep experience and knowledge of the law as well as the technical and medical aspects required for crafting a successful defense."
"The proficiency in supporting local counsel, aligning seamlessly with overarching strategy and attentiveness is unparalleled. I highly rate the depth and breadth of the team and their commitment to maintaining a high-end product."
"The team is responsive and tailors according to the needs of the situation."
"The firm has the unique ability to participate and coordinate in highly complex cases out of the US with their outstanding experience and knowledge. The entire team has deep experience and knowledge of the law as well as the technical and medical aspects required for crafting a successful defense."
Notable Practitioners
Theodore Mayer currently serves as chair of the firm and acts regularly for clients defending against medical and pharmaceutical MDLs. He is particularly active in disputes involving pharmaceuticals, vaccines and blood products.
"He's very experienced and has a lot of wisdom in the area."
Charles Cohen has a strong reputation in life sciences product liability, with experience representing domestic and international clients in pharmaceutical cases and toxic torts.
"He consistently demonstrates a keen ability to handle sophisticated cases and his adept leadership ensures a high-end product, always maintaining a proactive approach and staying on top of every detail."
"Charles is brilliant, well versed, detail-oriented and success-driven. No stone goes unturned when he oversees a case, and he won't stop until the client receives the best possible defense."
James Fitzpatrick frequently defends pharmaceutical clients against high-profile MDLs on a national and international scale. He is especially well versed in defending litigation involving vaccines.
"Jim's performance is marked by efficiency, delivering a service that is not only effective but also personalized and prompt. His dedication to forming intelligent teams and allocating resources judiciously underscores his effectiveness as a legal professional."
"Jim consistently provides valuable input on the most challenging and complex medical and scientific product-related issues."
"He is a longstanding and hugely valued asset to our company, has a deep understanding of the science and understands complex issues. He's also extremely practical and is an excellent problem solver."
William Beausoleil is relied upon for his strategic advice in relation to complex mass torts and pharmaceutical MDLs.
"He has a smart legal mind, with good ideas for strategy and litigation."
"He provides very practical advice and is on top of the details of the matters."
"William is a smart lawyer and a joy to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
USA - Nationwide
Members
Provided by Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP