Paul W Schmidt

Ranked in 2 Practice Areas

Band 1

Litigation: Trial Lawyers

USA - Nationwide

6 Years Ranked

Band 1

Product Liability & Mass Torts

USA - Nationwide

16 Years Ranked

Ranked in Guides

Global 2025

About

Provided by Paul W Schmidt

USA

Practice Areas

Paul Schmidt is a nationally recognized trial lawyer and strategist, with a practice focused on life sciences clients. He has been selected as a “Top Litigator” by National Law Journal and an MVP by Law 360, and his wins have been recognized by publications such as American Lawyer (in its Litigator of the Week and Product Liability Litigation Department of the Year features, and in "Covington Lawyers Kill on Cross-Exams in Cymbalta Case") and the National Law Journal (recognizing Covington as Washington Litigation Department of the Year finalist).

In addition to trial wins around the country, Paul also maintains an active appellate practice, including sweeping precedent-setting wins in a string of 18 argued appeals. Finally, he has played key leadership roles in multiple successful mass torts, including ones resolved for the defense through Daubert wins.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Product Liability & Mass Torts - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Paul Schmidt is highly experienced both in trial and at appeal, with particular strength in pharmaceutical litigation and toxic torts. He cochairs Covington & Burling's product liability and mass torts practice.

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Litigation: Trial Lawyers - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Paul Schmidt has a distinguished reputation for representing clients in a range of product liability trials, regularly defending major pharmaceutical companies. He works out of Covington & Burling's New York office and cochairs its product liability and mass torts practice.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Paul is a top lawyer. He is able to streamline complex issues in a case with ease. He can strongly advocate in front of judges and juries.

Product Liability & Mass Torts respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Paul is one of the smartest humans I've ever met. He is strategic, provides clear communication and can deal with complex topics. He's a good team leader and also a rockstar in the courtroom.

Product Liability & Mass Torts respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

He is an outstanding lawyer who blends being a strategic advisor and trial lawyer. He has both those skill sets mastered.

Product Liability & Mass Torts respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Paul is a superb lawyer who is extremely skilled. He has lots of trial experience and savvy instincts. He's great to work with.

Product Liability & Mass Torts respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Paul is one of the smartest humans I've ever met. He is strategic, provides clear communication and can deal with complex topics. He's a good team leader and also a rockstar in the courtroom.

Litigation: Trial Lawyers respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Paul is a top lawyer. He is able to streamline complex issues in a case with ease. He can strongly advocate in front of judges and juries.

Litigation: Trial Lawyers respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Paul is a superb lawyer who is extremely skilled. He has lots of trial experience and savvy instincts. He's great to work with.

Litigation: Trial Lawyers respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

He is an outstanding lawyer who blends being a strategic adviser and trial lawyer. He has both those skill sets mastered.