Lori G. Cohen is Vice Chair of Greenberg Traurig and serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Global Litigation Practice, leading a group of over 700 attorneys nationally and internationally. Lori is Co-Chair of the Trial Practice Group, her “brainchild,” which she created at GT. Upon joining GT, she also built the Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Health Care Litigation Practice. Under Lori’s leadership, this practice rose through the ranks and grew to include over 100 attorneys across more than 30 offices in the United States and globally; in 2018, the group was named The American Lawyer’s “Product Liability Litigation Department of the Year.”
Nationally recognized for her extraordinary trial record of 58 defense verdicts, Lori leads a global practice that focuses on complex litigation of all types including products liability and pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare litigation. Lori has served as national, regional, and trial counsel for numerous medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers, handling all types of litigation, including class actions, multidistrict litigation, and trials nationally. Lori and her team routinely take complex cases to trial and win, including some of the most complex mass torts in history. Well known for her ability to win high-stakes trials, Lori is often called upon to “parachute in” at the last minute before trial, especially in challenging cases in dangerous jurisdictions. Lori is Board Certified in Complex Litigation by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Referred to by her clients in Chambers USA as a “Trial Wizard,” Lori has been lauded for “using creative approaches to explain to lay jurors complex evidence.” In addition to her vast trial experience, she has significant Daubert and scientific expertise with a number of her victories captured in published opinions. She has worked extensively on and lectured nationally regarding the use of technology in courtroom presentations of complex medical, scientific and other catastrophic injury cases.
Lori is a high-energy, high-profile leader among trial attorneys, and an effective, passionate mentor. In an industry where two-thirds of attorneys in civil cases are men, and women represent only a quarter of lead or trial counsel, Lori stands out as a female leader and a champion of developing the next generation of attorneys, particularly diverse attorneys. She is widely regarded for her ability to build strong, diverse, trial-ready teams made up of not just lawyers but nurses, in-house graphics/demonstratives designers, technology consultants, paralegals and legal assistants, who are “all hands-on deck” up to and through trial.
Lori was named as the 2020 “Life Sciences Attorney of the Year” by the Euromoney Legal Group, and honored as 2022 and 2019 “Product Liability Attorney of the Year” by Benchmark Litigation, which has also selected her as a “National Practice Area Star” (2020-2024), “Litigation Star” (2019-2024), “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” (2018-2024), and “Top 10 Woman Litigator” (2018-2024). In 2018, Lori was recognized as “Product Liability Attorney of the Year” by LMG Life Sciences and inducted into the Life Sciences Hall of Fame. She has been selected by Law360 as a 2018 “Life Sciences MVP,” 2016 “Trial MVP,” 2015 “Trial Ace,” and 2012 “Top Female Trial Attorney.”
Lori has been profiled twice in “Winning Litigators,” a special report recognizing the top U.S. litigators in The National Law Journal, which also named her one of “The 50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America” and declared two of her defense trial victories “Top Defense Wins.” Courtroom View Network recognized her team’s victory in a pelvic mesh trial in state court in Missouri as the “Top Defense Verdict of 2016.” The American Lawyer recognized Lori’s team as their 2018 “Product Liability Litigation Department of the Year,” as well as the 2018 and 2021 “Regional Litigation Department of the Year for Georgia.”
Lori is one of twelve attorneys listed in The Legal 500 “Hall of Fame” for product liability litigation involving pharmaceutical and medical devices and has been recognized five times on their “Leading Trial Lawyers” list. Lori is one of a very small group of attorneys selected nationally for inclusion in Chambers USA’s National Pharmaceutical Industry Products Liability table (2010-2023). She is also ranked on Chambers USA’s Star Individuals list for Litigation: Trial Lawyers (2022-2024). Lori is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Outstanding Lawyers in America, The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers, The International Who’s Who of Life Science Lawyers, The International Who’s Who of Products Liability Defense Lawyers, Georgia Trend’s “Legal Elite,” and Georgia Super Lawyers magazine, including “Top 10 Georgia Super Lawyers” (2013-2023), “Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers” (2009-2024) and “Top 50 Female Georgia Super Lawyers” (2006-2024).
Lori serves as a member of the Emory Law School Advisory Board, as well as the Advisory Board for the Institute for Complex Litigation and Mass Claims. She is a member of the board for the Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC) and the steering committee for the AdvaMed Legal Defense Academy. Lori is also a board member for the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the National Board of Complex Litigation.
She has served as an instructor for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) and the Emory Law School Trial Techniques Program, and she has served as a faculty member of the International Association of Defense Council’s (IADC) elite Trial Academy.
Experience
Representative Trials
- Obtained a complete defense verdict following a two-month trial involving pelvic mesh implants against our client, a medical device manufacturer of women’s health products, and another medical device company. This was the first pelvic mesh trial to involve two different manufacturers and the first in Missouri state court. The plaintiff requested $28 million in compensatory damages, claiming that the company’s pelvic mesh implants rendered her incontinent and caused pain and other ailments. The plaintiff also sought punitive damages against both defendants.
- Obtained a complete defense verdict following a four-week trial in October 2010 in a case involving the consolidation of three products liability cases pleading strict liability and negligence related to a continuous infusion pain pump manufactured by our client. Plaintiffs sought approximately $18 million in compensatory damages and punitive damages.
- Obtained a defense verdict as a result of a three-week trial in a multimillion-dollar action brought by the husband and estate of the patient who had suffered severe brain damage as a result of a sudden respiratory arrest following orthopedic surgery. Plaintiff claimed that the patient’s respiratory arrest was caused by the negligence of the nurse and the orthopedic surgeon in allegedly overmedicating the patient and failing to monitor the patient appropriately while the patient was on a morphine Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pump.
- Obtained a defense verdict as a result of a three-month, $78 million trial against the world’s leading manufacturer of implantable defibrillators. The action was filed as a result of severe neurological injuries sustained by a 14-year-old girl that were allegedly caused by a company sales representative’s statements to a physician. The case involved novel legal issues related to sales representative liability in the context of learned intermediary and failure to warn claims.
- Obtained a defense verdict as a result of a three-week trial, representing OB/GYN clients in a medical malpractice action. The action involved the birth of a brain-damaged baby who was determined to have suffered an infection, transmitted from the mother, which left the child suffering from cerebral palsy.
Additional Significant Representations
- Lead defense counsel in an environmental toxic tort litigation impacting the entire medical device sterilization industry; notably these cases are very unique in that an effective and successful defense requires a multidisciplinary approach involving specialized expertise in products liability, toxic torts, air regulations, and class actions/medical monitoring.
- National counsel for worldwide medical device manufacturer related to a variety of medical devices, including defibrillators, pacemakers, infusion pumps, insulin pumps, neurological stimulation products and orthopedic implants.
- National counsel for global manufacturer of orthopedic medical devices in various products liability cases involving spinal implant devices.
- National and local counsel in products liability action involving a prescription antibiotic that allegedly resulted in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and associated complications.
- National trial counsel for medical device manufacturer defending products liability claims across the country related to continuous infusion pain pump medical devices.
- National counsel for a medical device manufacturer defending products liability claims across the country related to the company’s medical devices, including endometrial ablation systems and bone densitometers.
- National counsel for a medical device manufacturer handling product liability claims in jurisdictions throughout the country related to medical products, including endovascular stents, surgical mesh devices and sutures.
- National counsel for a pharmaceutical company in more than 25 cases nationwide involving alleged Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis injuries associated with a prescription anti-convulsant medication.
- Preferred provider for two Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies.
- National counsel for a Fortune 100 multinational pharmaceutical company in products liability, regulatory, and government investigations matters related to a major prescription pharmaceutical product. This representation includes selection as trial counsel in multiple existing products liability actions involving this product and advising on regulatory and pre-litigation matters regarding the products.
Professional Certification
- Board Certified, National Board of Trial Advocacy, “Complex Litigation,” 2021
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
- Listed, Corporate Counsel Magazine, Women, Influence & Power in Law, 2020
- Recipient, Emory Law School’s “Eléonore Raoul Trailblazer Award,” 2019
- Honoree, The Association of Corporate Counsel Foundation, Global Women in Law and Leadership Symposium, 2024
- Listed, Daily Report’s Georgia Legal Awards
- “Best Mentor,” 2019
- “Distinguished Leader,” 2020
- Finalist, The American Lawyer’s “Attorney of the Year,” 2024
- Team Leader, The American Lawyer’s “Regional Litigation Department of the Year - Georgia,” 2018 and 2021
- Team Leader, The American Lawyer’s “Products Liability Litigation Department of the Year,” 2018
- Listed, Chambers Global, Litigation: Trial Lawyers - USA, 2018-2024
- “Star Individuals,” 2023-2024
- “Band 1,” 2020-2022
- Listed, Chambers USA, 2007-2024
- Nationwide, Litigation: Trial Lawyers, 2015, 2017-2024
- “Star Individuals,” 2022-2024
- “Band 1,” 2019-2021
- Nationwide, Product Liability & Mass Torts, 2007-2024
- “Star Individuals,” 2019-2024
- Nationwide, Product Liability: Pharmaceutical, 2010-2024
- “Band 1,” 2023-2024
- “Spotlight Table,” 2010-2022
- Georgia, Litigation: General Commercial, 2009-2024
- “Band 1,” 2021-2024
- Listed, Law360
- Team Member, “Product Liability Practice Group of the Year,” 2011 and 2021-2022
- “Life Sciences MVP,” 2018
- “Trial MVP,” 2016
- “Trial Ace,” 2015
- “Top Female Trial Attorney,” 2012
- Listed, The Legal 500 United States
- “Leading Trial Lawyers,” 2018-2019, 2021-2024
- “Hall of Fame,” 2018, 2020-2022
- “Litigation - Products Liability and Mass Tort Defense - Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices,” 2010-2024
- “Hall of Fame,” 2018-2024
- “Leading Lawyer,” 2014-2020
- Dispute Resolution - General Commercial Disputes, 2019-2020, 2022-2024
- Dispute Resolution - International Litigation, 2019- 2021
- “Hall of Fame,” 2021
- Dispute Resolution - Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Actions - Consumer Products (Including Tobacco) - Defense, 2019-2022
- “Hall of Fame,” 2021-2022
- “Leading Lawyers,” 2020
- Industry Focus > Healthcare: Life Sciences, 2023
- “Leading Trial Lawyers,” 2018-2019, 2021-2024
- Listed, Benchmark Litigation
- “National Practice Area Star (General Commercial, Health Care, Product Liability),” 2020-2024
- "Litigation Star,” 2019-2024
- “Top 100 Trial Lawyers,” 2018-2024
- “Top 10 Women in Litigation,” 2018-2024
- “Top 250 Women in Litigation,” 2015-2024
- “Product Liability Attorney of the Year,” 2019 and 2022
- Shortlisted, “Product Liability Attorney of the Year,” 2020-2021
- “National Litigation Star” 2019
- Listed, Thomson Reuters, “Stand-Out Lawyers,” 2022-2024
- Listed, Acritas Stars™ Independently Rated Lawyers, “Star Lawyers,” 2019-2021
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, 2005-2025
- Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, 2008-2025
- Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2005-2025
- Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2009-2025
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, 2009-2025
- Health Care Law, 2018-2025
- Commercial Litigation, 2023-2025
- “Lawyer of the Year,” Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, Atlanta, 2018
- “Lawyer of the Year,” Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Litigation, Atlanta, 2014
- “Lawyer of the Year,” Medical Malpractice Law, Atlanta, 2012
- Named, Client Service All-Star,BTI Client Service All-Stars Report, 2023
- Listed, Super Lawyersmagazine, Georgia Super Lawyers, 2003-2024
- “Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia,” 2007, 2009-2024
- “Top 50 Female Lawyers in Georgia,” 2006-2024
- “Top 10 Lawyers in Georgia,” 2013-2023
- Listed, Who’s Who Legal
- International Who’s Who of Life Sciences Lawyers - Product Liability, 2008-2023
- Product Liability Defence, 2003-2024
- Inducted, LMG Life Sciences, “Life Sciences Hall of Fame,” 2018
- Winner, “Product Liability Attorney of the Year,” 2018
- Listed, “Life Science Star,” 2012-2023
- Shortlisted, “Product Liability Attorney of the Year,” 2019, 2022
- Shortlisted, “Trial Lawyer of the Year,” 2019
- Winner, Euromoney Legal Media Group’s Americas Women in Business Law Awards, “Best in Life Sciences,” 2016 and 2020
- Shortlisted, “Best in Life Sciences,” 2013-2015, 2017-2018 and 2022
- Listed, Euromoney Legal Media Group’s Expert Guides: Women in Business Law, “Guide to the World’s Leading Women in Business Law,” 2014, 2017, 2021, and 2022
- Listed, Euromoney Legal Media Group’s Expert Guides, “Guide to the World’s Leading Women in Business Law,” Euromoney Institutional Investor, 2012
- Selected, Atlanta Business Chronicle, “Women of Influence,” 2021
- Team Member, The Daily Report’s “Georgia Products Liability & Mass Torts Litigation Department of the Year,” 2013 and 2015-2017
- Recognized, JAMES Magazine, “Georgia’s Most Influential Politically-Connected Attorneys,” 2019
- Team Member, Courtroom View Network’s “Top Defense Verdict of 2016”
- Team Member, Missouri Lawyer’s Weekly, “Top Defense Wins in 2016”
- Listed, Lawdragon
- “500 Leading Lawyers in America,” 2013-2024
- “Leading Litigators in America,” 2022-2023
- Listed, Georgia Trend magazine “Legal Elite,” 2008-2013 and 2015
- Recipient, The AmLaw Litigation Daily, “Litigator of the Week,” March 8, 2012
- Featured, The National Law Journal, “Winning - Successful Strategies from Some of the Nation’s Top Litigators,” a special report recognizing ten attorneys across the nation, 2008
- Listed, Guide to the World’s Leading Product Liability Lawyers, 2007-2008
- Selected, The National Law Journal, “50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America,” 2007
- Listed, The Outstanding Lawyers of America, 2003-2007
- Listed, The National Law Journal, “Top 40 Under 40,” 2003
- Recognized, The National Law Journal, “Top Defense Wins,” for two defense trial victories, 1999-2000
- Rated, AV Preeminent® out of 5.0
- Nationwide, Litigation: Trial Lawyers, 2015, 2017-2024
Professional & Community Involvement
- Member, Personal Care Products Council (PCPC)
- Board Member, Institute for Complex Litigation and Mass Claims at Emory Law School, Advisory Board, 2018-Present
- Steering Committee Member, AdvaMed Legal Defense Academy, 2018-Present
- Board Member, National Board of Trial Advocacy, National Board of Complex Litigation, 2018-Present
- Advisory Board Member, Emory University School of Law, 2018-Present
- Member, Baylor MDL Judicial Summit Executive Committee
- Chair, DRI Drug and Medical Device Annual Meeting, 2014
- Member, American Bar Association, Litigation Section, Products Liability Committee
- Co-Chair, Class Action Committee, Pharmaceutical and Health Law Subcommittee, 2008-2010
- Editor for three national publications, Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy, Product Liability Law & Strategy and Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law Bulletin
- Board Member, Georgia Super Lawyers, Advisory Board, 2012
- Member, Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
- Member, Litigation Counsel of America
- Member, International Association of Defense Counsel
- Former Vice Chair, Products Liability Committee
- Member, Product Liability Advisory Council
- Member, Defense Research Institute
- Chair, Drug and Device Annual Meeting, 2014
- Member, Drug and Device Steering Committee
- Member, Industry-Wide Liability Committee
- Member, Medical Liability Committee
- Member, Products Liability Committee
- Member, Atlanta Bar Association
- Participant and Lecturer, Food & Drug Law Institute (FDLI)
- Instructor, National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA)
- Instructor, Emory University, Trial Techniques Program
- Faculty Member, IADC’s elite Trial Academy, 2000
Credentials
Education
· J.D., with distinction, Emory University School of Law, 1990
· B.A., cum laude, Duke University, 1987
Admissions
· Georgia
· Supreme Court of Georgia
· Supreme Court of the United States
· U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
· U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
· U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
· U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
· U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
· U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
· U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
· U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
· U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
· U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
· U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
· U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
· U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
· U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
· U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma
· U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
· U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
· U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
Languages
· Spanish, Conversational