Elite Defense Network
If you are an insured with an active, in force policy, you are eligible to receive up to two hours of free legal consultation from one of our life science specialized network attorneys.
Mr. Barnes is a founding partner of the firm Goodell DeVries and a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center. He represents clients in complex tort, commercial, and product liability litigation. During his career, he has represented a variety of clients in disputes involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, patents, trademarks and the Lanham Act, antitrust, breach of contract, unfair trade practices, aviation, commercial torts, covenants not to compete, and state procurement laws. He has defended companies in federal and state court class actions in Maryland, West Virginia, Alabama, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California.
In 2015 he and his colleagues defeated a multi-million dollar claim for patent royalties based on various endodontic patents and inventions. His client was also relieved of its obligation to pay future royalties on several of the disputed patents and inventions. In December of 2013, Mr. Barnes and his colleague Ms. Woolf successfully defended Dentsply International in a three-week California UCL class action trial in San Francisco Superior Court. In 2013, he also successfully litigated a complex state procurement dispute before the Maryland Board of Contract Appeals on behalf of an institutional pharmacy. Mr. Barnes has also tried to verdict complicated multi-plaintiff product liability, pharmaceutical and medical device cases. He has briefed or argued cases before the United States Supreme Court and various state and federal appellate courts. He is currently serving as national counsel in two pharmaceutical litigations involving over-the-counter medications.
Mr. Barnes is a member of the Maryland and the District of Columbia bars, and is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, the United States Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth, Sixth, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits.
- The Defense Research Institute
- American Bar Association
- Law Business Research: An International Who's Who of Product Liability Defense Lawyers
- Maryland Defense Counsel, Inc.
- Bar Association of Baltimore City
- District of Columbia Bar Association
United States Supreme Court Case
- Morrison-Knudsen Constr. Co. v. U.S. Dep't of Labor, 461 U.S. 624 (1983)
Federal Appellate Court cases
- Quillin v. C.B. Fleet Holding Co. (4th Cir. May 14, 2009)
- Zinser v. Accufix Research Inst., Inc., 253 F.3d 1180 (9th Cir. 2001); 273 F.3d 1266 (9th Cir. 2001)
- In re Telectronics Pacing Systems, Inc., 221 F.3d 870 (6th Cir. 2000); 148 F. Supp. 2d 936 (S.D. Ohio 2001); 137 F. Supp. 2d 985 (S.D. Ohio 2001); 137 F. Supp. 2d 1029 (S.D. Ohio 2001); 186 F.R.D. 459 (S.D. Ohio 1999); 172 F.R.D. 271 (S.D. Ohio 1997)
- Hagepanos v. Shiley, Inc., 846 F.2d 71 (4th Cir. 1988)
- Bonstingl v. Maryland Bank, N.A., 841 F.2d 1122 (4th Cir. 1988); 662 F. Supp. 882 (D. Md. 1987)
- Kontoulas v. A.H. Robins Co., Inc., 745 F.2d 312 (4th Cir. 1984)
Federal District Court cases
- Moore v. Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, 236 F. Supp. 2d 509 (D. Md. 2002)
- Chertkov v. TPLC, Inc., 916 F. Supp. 608 (N.D. Tex. 1996)
- Pfizer Inc v. FDA, 753 F. Supp. 171 (D.Md. 1990)
- Pottratz v. Davis, 588 F. Supp. 949 (D.Md. 1984)
State Appellate Court cases
- In re: West Virginia Rezulin Litig., 585 S.E.2d 52 (W. Va. 2003)
- Sterry v. Bethlehem Steel Corp., 494 A.2d 748 (Md. App. 1985)
- Furr v. Spring Grove State Hosp., 454 A.2d 414 (Md. App. 1983)
- Best Lawyers in America Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2011 - Present)
- Maryland Super Lawyer, Class Action/Mass Torts, Personal Injury Defense: Products, Business Litigation (2007 - Present)
- International Who’s Who of Product Liability Defense Lawyers, 2011 (nominated for 2012)
- Co-author of book chapter “Impact of Insurance Policies on Product Litigation” in Current Law, Strategies and Best Practices in Product Litigation (Pract. Law Inst. 2009).
- Western Maryland College (B.A., magna cum laude, 1977) Honors: Omicron Delta Kappa, Pi Gamma Mu
- Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., cum laude, 1981) Editor, American Criminal Law Review
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- United States District Court for the District of Columbia
- United States District Court for the District of Maryland
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
Chuck Bavol received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with distinction, from the University of Michigan in 1976 and Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Wayne State University in 1979. He was a litigation partner in the Detroit, Michigan, law firm of Clark, Klein & Beaumont until 1989 when he moved to Florida and joined the international firm Holland & Knight as a litigation partner in its Tampa office. In 1992, he formed Bavol & Associates, P.A., a predecessor firm to Bavol Judge, P.A, and continued in various iterations of that practice until joining firms with Robert Bleakley in March of 2011.
Chuck has extensive national jury trial experience defending major corporations in both personal injury and commercial related fields. He is rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. In the medical area, Chuck has successfully defended lawsuits, both individual and class action, involving a variety of implants, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. A significant portion of Chuck's trial practice has been in defense of medical malpractice claims against doctors and hospitals. In the commercial area, Chuck has handled cases involving UCC sales, insurance contracts, trademark counterfeiting, environmental pollution, construction, fraud proceedings, employment disputes, as well as private and public contract issues.
In the construction litigation area, Chuck has handled the gamut of construction related cases from defending general contractors in litigation involving public projects, wastewater treatment plants, and the like, to defending luxury home builders involved in construction defect/mold claims involving oceanfront property. Chuck also serves as Florida Trial Counsel for Masco Corporation and its subsidiaries in all manner of construction related litigation matters.
Chuck also serves as Florida Trial Counsel to manufacturers supplying parts and products to the automobile industry, including Robert Bosch Corporation and Bendix in air bag and seat belt automotive product liability litigation. Chuck also serves as Florida Trial Counsel for Robert Bosch Corporation's power hand tool division.
Chuck is product liability defense counsel for a number of manufacturers specializing in medical devices, and has been honored to have held a position since 1989 as panel counsel for Medmarc Insurance Group, the largest insurer of medical device manufacturers in the U.S. In 2006, Chuck was named Medmarc's Attorney of the Year in recognition of superior legal representation of Medmarc member companies as evaluated by Medmarc's management, claim staff, and clients.
Chuck was appointed to the 2010 faculty of the esteemed Trial Academy of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), the preeminent trial advocacy training program for defense lawyers seeking to improve trial skills and techniques. The Trial Academy provides a week of faculty demonstrations by lawyers recognized as the best civil defense litigators in the country. Chuck was honored to serve on the IADC Trial Academy faculty for 2010.
Chuck is a member of The Florida Bar, State Bar of Michigan, U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth and Eleventh Circuits. He is also a member of the Defense Research Institute, and the International Association of Defense Counsel. Chuck serves as Past President and Emeritus Director of the Florida Easter Seal Society, and also served on the Executive Committee of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
On a personal note, Chuck and his wife Georgia enjoy being grandparents to their six grandchildren and their summer home in northern Michigan. An avid golfer, Chuck is a member of Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club, Crystal Mountain (Michigan), and Old Head Golf Links in Kinsale, Ireland. Chuck also serves as co-chairman of the Great Lakes Golf Academy, a charitable organization seeking to provide talented young golfers access to professional instruction and necessary exposure in order to receive college opportunities and scholarships.
- Drug and Medical Device Products Liability
- Automotive Products Liability
- General Products Liability
- Professional Malpractice Defense
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Litigation
Geoffrey Coan is a litigator who focuses his practice in products liability, drug and medical device and complex litigation. A significant portion of his practice involves serving as national coordinating counsel to medical device and pharmaceutical companies.
Mr. Coan joined Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in May 2010. Previously he was a partner in the Boston office of Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP.
He began his legal career in 1992 in the United States Navy, Judge Advocate General’s Corp. He left active duty in 1999. He continues to serve in the Navy Reserves.
- Product Liability Committee of the Council on Litigation Management
- Co-Chairs of the Pharmaceutical
- Medical Device Subcommittee
- Defense Research Institute, Member
- New Hampshire Bar Association, Member
- JAGC Reserve Officer Association, Member
- AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethics and legal ability
- MEDMARC Attorney Honor Roll, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007 and 2006
- MEDMARC Attorney of the Year, 2008 and 2012
- Recognized as a "Rising Star" by New England Super Lawyers magazine (2005)
- Biggest Defense Wins of 2004, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, June, 2005
- Navy Achievement Medal, representation of 10 midshipmen during the cheating scandal at the United States Naval Academy, 1994
- Thomas M. Debevoise Moot Court Competition Winner, 1990
- Moot Court Advisory Board, 1990–1991
- Outstanding Student in the Insurance Department, University of Hartford, 1988
- "Seven Best Practice," co-author, Litigation Management, Fall 2011.
- "The Equestian Helmet Standard in the United States," published in the Sports Law Journal, Fall 2001.
- Consumer and Class Action Litigation
- Product Liability
- Toxic Torts
- D., cum laude, Vermont Law School, 1991
- S.B.A., Insurance and Finance, University of Hartford, 1988
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Pennsylvania
- S. Supreme Court
- S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- S. Court of Federal Claims
- S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire
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.
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.
- Board Certified, National Board of Trial Advocacy, “Complex Litigation,” 2021
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 Lawyers magazine, 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
- 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
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
P.J. represents medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers in pattern litigation or mass torts (particularly “multidistrict litigation”), and in “one-off” product liability suits, serving as national coordinating and trial counsel in both large, complex matters, and individual cases. He has defended toxic and environmental exposure suits, and also defends individuals and companies in alleged class actions and complex business litigation, particularly with regard to claims of fiduciary breaches, consumer fraud, deceptive practices, and professional negligence.
P.J. has been a key member of trial teams in high-profile litigation, and actively manages all stages of pretrial proceedings. He has significant experience defending and examining corporate and expert witnesses in various fields, including industry specific standards of care, regulatory affairs, medical causation, surgical technique, materials science, toxicology, internal medicine, and economic losses. This experience extends beyond the deposition stage, where he designs and implements strategies to exclude (or limit) expert testimony through motions practice or evidentiary hearings pursuant to Daubert, Kemp, Havner/Robinson, and similar admissibility standards. P.J. has briefed and argued dispositive motions and appeals in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout the country. In addition, he has conducted arbitrations and mediations dealing with a host of disputes.
P.J. is active in local and state bar associations, and frequently presents publicly and privately on product liability issues, recently covering such issues as the Biomaterials Access Assurance Act, supply chain liability, and other matters pertinent to defense of medical device and pharmaceutical firms (such as federal preemption). In March 2013, he spoke at HarrisMartin’s Mass Tort Litigation Conference on the topic of recent changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure concerning disclosure requirements for non-retained treating physicians. He is currently participating in the The Sedona Conference® Working Group on Mass Torts and Punitive Damages. To further his understanding of the issues facing his clients in the life sciences industry, P.J. has been a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society since 2011, and he is active in BioOhio, a non-profit intended to build and accelerate the bioscience industry. P.J. was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® in the Product Liability Litigation field and has been recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Star.
- Defense of medical device (Class I-III, 510(k) and PMA) and pharmaceutical manufacturers (ANDA, NDA, and OTCs) in all phases of product liability litigation, including multidistrict litigation and state-coordinated proceedings.
- Defense of manufacturers and distributors in catastrophic and high severity claims, including natural gas pipeline explosions, substantial fire losses, and benzene exposure cases.
- Defense of miscellaneous professionals from a wide variety of claims, including third party administrators, accountants, graphic designers, third party debt collectors, title agents, realtors, attorneys, property preservation vendors, public adjusters, and financial services and other professional consultants.
- Extensive experience in commercial litigation, including D&O litigation, employment disputes, and other complex contractual disputes.
- Former Law Clerk to the Honorable Marina Corodemus, J.S.C., Law Division - Mass Tort and Environmental Section, New Jersey Superior Court, 1999-2000 Term.
- Former Law Clerk for Office of Regional Counsel, U.S. EPA, Region 3, Philadelphia.
- “Strategies for Responding to Multi-Plaintiff Pattern Cases, ‘Mini-Mass Torts,’ and ‘Mass Actions,’” Medmarc Medical Device Seminar (June 2015)
- “Life Sciences Product Recalls: Legal and Regulatory Implications,” Medmarc Webinar Series (August 2014)
- “Cyber Security Risks for Medical Device Manufacturers Preparing for Possible FDA Regulations and the Changing Threat Landscape,” The Oswald Companies Focus Forward Webinar Series (July 2014)
- “Hot Topics Update: the Biomaterials Access Assurance Act and Federal Preemption,” Medmarc Medical Device Seminar (June 2013)
- “Problematic Federal Issues: FRCP 26(a)(2)(C) Requiring Additional Disclosures for Unretained Testifying Experts,” Harris Martin’s Mass Tort Litigation Conference (March 2013)
- “Quality Agreements Deep Dive Session,” Moderator, Xavier University Global Outsourcing Conference (September 2012)
- “Practical Risk Management and Case Studies of Litigation,” Xavier University Global Outsourcing Conference (October 2011)
- "Litigation 103: Discovery Practice," Counsel on Litigation Management, Celina Insurance Group (October 2009)
- "BioOhio Workshop: Emerging Issues for Emerging Companies," BioOhio (July 2008)
- "Shhh, That's More Than I Needed to Know: Attorney Contacts with Treating Physicians," Young Lawyers' Breakout, Defense Research Institute Products Liability Seminar (February 2005)
- "Tort Reform: Ohio, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island 2001-2004," DRI Annual Meeting (October 2004)
- "A Legislative Response to Shotgun Litigation," For The Defense (February 2014)
- "Tips from the Trenches: How to Avoid Getting Stuck with the Expert's Bill," News from the DRI Young Lawyers' Committee, January 2005, Vol. 2, Issue 1
- American Bar Association
- Ohio State Bar Association
- New Jersey Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute
- International Association of Defense Counsel
- Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys
- The Sedona Conference – Working Group on Mass Tort Punitive Damages
- Counsel on Litigation Management (Member)
- Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (Member)
- Defense Attorney of the Year, Medmarc Insurance Group (2015)
- Named to Best Lawyers in America®, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2015)
- Named to the Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Starslist (2007, 2009-2013)
- Cincinnati Academy of Leadership for Lawyers, CALL Class XIV (2009 - 2010)
- Best Oralist – First Preliminary Round, 1999 National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition
- Certified by the State of New Jersey Judiciary as a Small Claims Mediator
- State of New Jersey
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- State of Ohio
- S. Supreme Court
- S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
- S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- S. District Court, New Jersey
- S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
- Numerous others on a Pro hac vice basis
- Pharmaceutical, Medical Device & Mass Tort Litigation
- Complex Business Litigation
- Product Liability
- Class Actions
- The Ohio State University (B.A., 1995)
- Rutgers School of Law (J.D., 1999)
- Temple University Beasley School of Law (LL.M., Trial Advocacy, 2003)
Judi Abbott Curry is a partner of Harris Beach PLLC in the firm’s New York City office and serves as co-leader of the Medical and Life Sciences Industry Team. She represents manufacturers, distributors, contract manufacturing organizations (CMO), retailers, chemical, component and raw ingredient suppliers and company or independent sales representatives in the life science industry. Judi concentrates in areas of mass tort and complex product liability litigation involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, implants, compounded medicines, biologics, over-the-counter drugs, solvents and other chemicals, mold, pesticides, cosmetics, food, commercial and consumer household goods. She is recognized in New York Super Lawyers in the category of class action/mass torts.
Judi has a broad range of experience in representing the industry throughout a product’s life cycle, from clinical trials, pre market and launch risk assessment and batch manufacturing, through product liability matters involving labeling, packaging and distribution, including black box warnings, off-label use and state of the art label changes, post-recall events and commercial disputes where manufacturing, packaging or servicing results in financial loss, including expenses associated with a recall.
Judi has particular experience in the defense of pharmaceutical and medical device products impacting women’s health, including oral, patch and implantable contraceptives, breast implants, prenatal nutritional supplements and medical foods, hair dyes and bleaches, cosmetics, hand-held laser hair removal devices and other products. Judi is a member of the litigation team currently serving as national coordinating counsel for New England Compounding Pharmacy in the compounding pharmacy fungal contamination mass tort and the national counsel team for several medical device companies involved in mass tort litigation arising out of the use of a pain pump to deliver medication to the shoulder following arthroscopic surgery. She was national coordinating counsel to four chemical suppliers in semi-conductor manufacturing chemical exposure litigation and served as regional counsel for Dow Corning in the silicone breast implant litigation responsible for managing the personal injury claims of over 1,000 plaintiffs and coordinating counsel for injectable silicone litigation pending nationwide. In her representation of leading hair dye and cosmetics manufacturers, Judi has successfully defended flagship products against claims of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), cancer, respiratory and musculoskeletal diseases.
Additionally, Judi defends over-the-counter and prescription drug, medical device, biologic and implant products. She provides counseling advice to pharmaceutical, device and cosmetic companies concerning pre-litigation risk assessments; recalls and market withdrawals of FDA regulated products; company submissions to FDA including package inserts, patient package inserts, and other labeling, warnings and NDA filings; product brochures; direct-to-consumer advertising; website content; press materials and media kits; sales and training materials and programs; pharmacovigilance and the development and use of Risk Minimization Action Plans and Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies.
Judi defends claims of birth defects, autoimmune disease, fibromyalgia, orthopedic and neurologic injuries, learning disabilities, cancer, severe burns and disfigurement, and multiple chemical sensitivities using epidemiology and expert disciplines of dysmorphology, teratology, toxicology, industrial hygiene, oncology, rheumatology, neurology and others. She utilizes cutting-edge litigation management technologies such as proprietary databases, document processing, imaging and predictive coding software to manage complex litigation in an electronic environment.
Judi is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance and is an Officer and Secretary of the New York State Bar Association’s Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Section. She is also certified in Legal Project Management, and frequently lectures, chairs professional seminars and publishes articles on topics including pre-litigation risk assessment, federal preemption of pharmaceutical labeling claims, defense of 501(k) medical devices, Daubert issues, strategy in document-intensive mass tort litigation, and other issues where law and science intersect.
Class Action/Mass Torts, Complex Product Liability, Defense of:
FDA Regulated Products:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Devices
- Cosmetics
- Pharmaceuticals and Devices Impacting Women
- Implants
- Compounded Medicines
- Biologics
- Dietary Supplements
- Medical Foods
Non FDA Regulated Products:
- Over the Counter
- Consumer and Commercial Products
- Drug and Device Litigation
- Product Liability Law
- Professional Liability
- Premises Liability
- Insurance
- AV-rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
- Mid-South Super Lawyers®, Personal Injury Defense: Medical Malpractice
- Graduate, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy,
- Leadership Mississippi, Class of 2005
- Certified Public Accountant
- American Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute
- Medical and Health Care Law Committee
- Steering Committee
- Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association
- Mississippi Bar Association
- Young Lawyers Division
- Mock Trial Committee
- Capital Area Bar Association
- International Association of Defense Counsel
- Mississippi College, J.D., cum laude, 2001
- Managing Editor, Mississippi College Law Review
- University of Mississippi, M.A., Taxation, cum laude, 1996
- University of Mississippi, B.A., Accountancy, cum laude, 1995
- Mississippi, 2001
- S. District Courts
- Mississippi: Northern and Southern Districts
- S. Court of Appeals
- 5th Circuit
- Admitted pro hac vice in seven states
- Certified by the State of New Jersey Judiciary as a Small Claims Mediator
- James Orams v. Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, Circuit Court of Hinds County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 251-09-6909; August 16, 2013; summary judgment.
- Suzanna Davis v. The Young Men’s Christian Association, Circuit Court of Rankin County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 2012-653; April 23, 2013; summary judgment.
- Lyles v. Maselle & Associates et al.; Mississippi Arbitration Association; April 2, 2013; Lead Trial Counsel; defense verdict.
- Savage v. Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; Civil Action No. 11-60406; March 9, 2012; summary judgment affirmed.
- Magee v. Covington County School Dist., --- So.3d ----, 2012 WL 48026 (Miss. App. Ct. 2012).
- Mayers v. Burke Handling Systems, Inc,; Circuit Court of Scott County, Mississippi; May 31, 2011; Lead Trial Counsel; directed verdict.
- McIntosh v. Dillards Department Stores; S.D. Miss.; February 12, 2008; Lead Trial Counsel; defense verdict.
- Derse, Inc. v. Haas Outdoors, Inc. dba Mossy Oak; August 17, 2010; American Arbitration Association; No. 69 152 00513; represented Claimant in a contractual dispute; judgment for Claimant for full amount requested.
- Backwell v. Tiffin Motor Homes, Inc.; Circuit Court of Smith County, Miss.; Trial Counsel; defense verdict.
- McKenzie v. Highland Home Nursing Center, obtained first order from a trial court compelling arbitration in a nursing home case.
- Marie Ellison et al. v. CareGivers, LLC d/b/a Clarksdale Nursing Home, Circuit Court of Coahoma County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 14-CI-02-0141; August 30, 2010; summary judgment.
- Thelma Mitchell, et al. v. Nutrition & Management Services, Inc., et al., Circuit Court of Coahoma County, Mississippi; Civil Action No. 14-CI-03-0063; February 17, 2009; summary judgment.
- Veal v. J.P. Morgan Trust Co., N.A., 955 So.2d 843 (Miss. 2007).
- Eaton Vance Municipals Trust v. Conegie, 2007 WL 1484539 (N.D. Miss. 2007).
- Smith v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 286 F.Supp.2d 777 (S.D. Miss. 2003).
- Assisted Trial Teams in following cases:
- Beare/Gaffney v. Ortho-McNeil-Jannssen, No. 196-10MT Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division; Atlantic County; 2011 – defense verdict.
- Thomas Gaines v. McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; No. CGC-06-457600 –Superior Court of California; County of San Francisco; 2010 – defense verdict.
- Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc. v. Armond, 866 So.2d 1092 (Miss. 2004) Mississippi Supreme Court decision in favor of client.
- Janessen Pharmaceutica Inc. v. Bailey, 878 So.2d 31 (Miss. 2004), a Mississippi Supreme Court ruling in favor of client.
- Beare/Gaffney v. Ortho-McNeil-Jannssen, No. 196-10MT Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division; Atlantic County; 2011 – defense verdict.
- "Drug and Medical Device Litigation: Recent Trends in Products Liability Litigation," Panel Counsel Seminar Presentation, Sea Island, Georgia, June 2015.
- “Recent Developments in the Pharmaceutical/Product Liability Industry,” In-house Client Presentation, New Brunswick, New Jersey, May 2013.
- “Epidemiology Concepts and Applications,” In-house Seminar Presentation, August 2012.
- “Drug and Medical Device Litigation: Navigating the Social Media Maze,” Panel Counsel Seminar Presentation, Lake George, New York, June 2012.
- “The Final Rule: FDA's Security Reporting Requirements for Investigational New Drug Applications", Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 5 No. 1, 8-11 (February 2012).
- “The Path to Aggregate Settlements,” American Bar Association Mass Torts Litigation, Spring 2012, Vol. 10 No. 3.
- “Tips for Impeaching and Discrediting Plaintiffs’ Expert Witnesses,” ACI Long Term Care Conference, April 2011.
- “Sanctions for Failure to Properly Preserve Electronic Evidence,” In-house Client Presentation, Whitehouse Station, Pennsylvania, June 2010.
- “ABA’s Ethics Opinion on Aggregate Settlements,” Harmonie Professional Liability Seminar, New York, New York, May 2010.
- “Caves: Clarity or Confusion?” Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association Quarterly, April 2009.
- “Advanced Deposition and Trial Techniques for Cross-Examining the Combative Plaintiff’s Expert Witness,” DRI’s Nursing Home/ALF Litigation Seminar, September 2008.
- “Advanced Expert Witness Deposition Tactics,” National Business Institute Seminar, October 2008.
- “Cross-Examinations of Lay Witness,” In-house Defense Quarterly, Winter 2006.
Jordan Lipp is a litigator who has enjoyed wide-ranging success, both in the courtroom and through motion practice. He wrote the book on product liability law in Colorado – Product Liability Law & Procedure in Colorado, First Edition (CBA-CLE Books 2015) – and he is an adjunct law professor at University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law, where he teaches outdoor recreation and ski law. He was previously a partner at Davis Graham & Stubbs, LLP. Mr. Lipp has received numerous recognitions for his work, including being previously named by the Colorado Civil Justice League, Colorado’s tort reform coalition, as the Colorado Lawyer of the Year. Mr. Lipp’s extensive experience and practice includes:
Mr. Lipp wrote the book on Colorado product liability law, and is one of the leading product liability defense attorneys in the Rocky Mountain region. He has successfully defended some of the largest recent jury trial product liability cases in Colorado. He has had broad experience defending product manufacturers in lawsuits in Colorado and throughout the nation. Mr. Lipp represents virtually all types of companies regulated by the FDA, including pharmaceutical, medical device, dietary supplement, and food companies. Mr. Lipp likewise represents various manufacturers, including car, truck, restraint system, machinery, farming, oil and gas and consumer products manufacturers. He has defended hundreds of individual personal injury actions as well as coordinating mass tort actions, and his experience ranges from such areas as traumatic brain injury litigation to asbestos claims. Whether at the summary judgment stage, through Daubert motions, or at trial, Mr. Lipp knows how to succeed in product liability cases. He also understands that his clients’ reputation and the integrity of their products are their most valuable asset, and works vigorously to defend that reputation and integrity.
A significant portion of Mr. Lipp’s practice is devoted to defending ski areas, amusement parks, and other companies in the outdoor recreation industry. He has had numerous important successes defending these cases – winning multiple lawsuits at the motions stage on issues ranging from waivers to the equine statute. He teaches the course on outdoor recreation and ski law at University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law. Mr. Lipp also provides a unique understanding of the issues facing his clients in the outdoor industry – he has been a ski patroller for over 25 years and an avalanche safety instructor for over 20 years, as well as being a guidebook author.
Mr. Lipp has successfully defended numerous other tort/personal injury claims outside of the context of product liability and outdoor industry matters, including cases involving wrongful death, premises liability, construction accidents, aviation accidents, explosions, trespass, energy production accidents, and vehicle accidents.
Whether as local counsel or lead counsel, Mr. Lipp has represented a wide variety of companies in general commercial litigation matters including contract, insurance, environmental, intellectual property, natural resources, employment, securities, and real estate matters.
Avoiding claims and lawsuits – whether through warnings, releases, regulatory compliance, working with regulatory agencies, or other methods – is critical for companies. Based upon his experience defending companies in product liability litigation, Mr. Lipp has gained broad familiarity with the regulatory frameworks that govern manufacturers of various products. In addition to his book on Colorado product liability law, he also authored the seminal article on food, beverage, and dietary supplement law in Colorado. He counsels manufacturers, producers, and distributors on warnings to reduce the risk of litigation. And, He counsels clients on compliance with various regulations (including recalls), such as those promulgated by the FDA, USDA/FSIS, CPSC, OEHHA (Prop 65), and similar governmental entities.
Mr. Lipp also routinely counsels companies in the recreational industry based upon his years of experience defending ski resorts, amusement parks, horseback riding operations, and similar recreation focused companies on risk management and lawsuit avoidance. In this context, he has drafted countless releases and indemnification clauses to help reduce his clients’ exposure to personal injury claims.
Prior to joining Childs McCune, LLC, Jordan Lipp was a partner at Davis Graham & Stubbs, LLP in Denver. Mr. Lipp also served for two years as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Edward W. Nottingham, United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and practiced at Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons, LLP prior to his clerkship.
Mr. Lipp is active in multiple defense organizations and has worked to promote tort reform, including testifying before the state legislature. Mr. Lipp has served as a special prosecutor for the City and County of Denver. In 2008, he served as a prosecutor for the Denver City Attorney’s office’s MCTAP program.
Mr. Lipp lives in Golden with his wife Heather and young daughter and son. When not working or spending time with his family, he is an avid skier, snowboarder, and ski mountaineer. He is also a self-professed wine geek, and he regularly contributes to his wife’s wine blog: www.10kbottles.com.
- Law Week Colorado: Top Litigators, 2017
- The Best Lawyers in America: Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law, 2016-2018
- 5280 Top Lawyers, Personal Injury: Defense, 2015
- Colorado Rising Star- Personal Injury Defense: Products (Supers Lawyers Magazine, Thomson Reuters), 2010-2017
- 50 for Colorado (Class of 2013)
- Colorado Civil Justice League’s Colorado Lawyer of the Year, 2009
- Colorado Civil Justice League Legal Advisory Board
- Law 360 (former) Product Liability Editorial Advisory Board
- Association of Ski Defense Attorneys
- Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
- DRI
- Faculty of Federal Advocates
- Bryan Mountain Nordic Ski Patrol
- National Ski Patrol
- Jordan Lipp and Emily Wasserman, Where to Sue and Defend: An Update on Personal Jurisdiction Law, Vol. 47, No. 2, THE COLORADO LAWYER, February 2018.
- Jordan Lipp, Risk and Kids, ADVENTURE PARK INSIDER, August 2015
- Brenna Finn and Jordan Lipp, Colorado Businesses Face Increasing Threats of California Prop 65 Lawsuits, LAW WEEK COLORADO, May 2015.
- Jordan Lipp, Summer Ops and Tots: Risk management and litigation defense issues with children, SAM (SKI AREA MANAGEMENT) MAGAZINE, January 2015.
- Jordan Lipp and Ed Hafer, What’s in the Package: Food, Beverage, and Dietary Supplement Law and Litigation – Part 1, Vol. 43, No. 7, THE COLORADO LAWYER, July 2014, at 77; What’s in the Package: Food, Beverage, and Dietary Supplement Law and Litigation – Part 2, Vol. 43, No. 8, THE COLORADO LAWYER, August 2014, at 71.
- Jordan Lipp and Ed Hafer, Suit Opens Floodgates for Competitors [POM Wonderful decision], LAW WEEK COLORADO, July 2014.
- Marc Bonora and Jordan Lipp, The In-house Checklist of Steps for New Litigation, Vol. 32, No. 4, ACC DOCKET, May 2014, at 26.
- Jordan Lipp, Preventing or Limiting Repeated Depositions of Company Employees, Vol. 8, No. 2, IN-HOUSE DEFENSE QUARTERLY, June 2013, at 18.
- Jordan Lipp, Horse Law – A Look at the Equine Statute and Liability Law, Vol. 41, No. 7, THE COLORADO LAWYER, July 2012, at 95.
- Jeffrey Pilkington and Jordan Lipp, Plaintiff’s Medical Care and Treatment — Discovery and Evidentiary Issues, ABA 50-STATE SURVEY OF THE LAW (Colorado and Wyoming chapters), January 2011.
- Jordan Lipp, Product Liability Law & Procedure in Colorado, First Edition (CBA-CLE Books 2015)
- Jordan Lipp, Backcountry Skiing Berthoud Pass (Summit Guidebooks 2005)
- J.D., University of Michigan Law, 2002, cum laude
- B.A., University of Colorado Boulder, 2000, summa cum laude
Kelly Lippincott is a Partner in the Alexandria office of GRSM. She focuses her practice on insurance coverage, product liability, and professional liability. Her clients include insurers, manufacturers, distributors, lawyers, title agents, real estate agents, and insurance agents and brokers who rely on her to defend civil lawsuits and develop ways to avoid litigation.
Kelly has first-chaired dozens of jury and bench trials in federal and state courts in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. She has also argued before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In addition, Kelly’s experience as a plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer brings a unique understanding to her defense work.
In the area of insurance coverage, she has advised insurers on an array of matters, including bad faith, and defended insurers in federal and state courts. Kelly has litigated disputes involving property coverage, life insurance coverage, and additional insureds, as well as other areas of coverage.
In product liability suits in federal and state courts, she has represented a wide variety of manufacturers and distributors.
Kelly has successfully tried professional liability cases brought against realtors, insurance agents, and attorneys. She previously served as Chair of the Professional Liability Section of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys.
Before entering private practice, she clerked for the Hon. Patricia A. Broderick of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. During law school, Kelly served as a student-attorney in the Criminal Justice Clinic, both representing criminal defendants and prosecuting criminal matters in the Maryland District Court for Montgomery County.
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- Virginia
- U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
- U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
- U.S. District Courts, Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
- Defense Research Institute, DRI Products Liability Committee, Membership Vice Chair, 2012
- Defense Research Institute’s Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium, Program Co-Vice Chair, 2017
- Defense Research Institute’s Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium, Program Chair, 2018
- Defense Research Institute’s For the Defense, Editor for Insurance Law Committee-dedicated issues
- Defense Research Institute’s Insurance Law Committee, Online Community Vice Chair
Paul Maloney is a trial lawyer who focuses his practice in product liability, professional liability, and commercial litigation. Paul has over 30 years of trial experience and has tried more than 200 cases. He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers.
In a recent case, he successfully defended an attorney through a Daubert challenge, which disqualified Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker as a mold expert. In another matter, Paul successfully defended a manufacturer against claims that the vaccine preservative thimerosal caused autism in 125 plaintiffs. He has many reported decisions in local, federal and state court cases.
Paul filed amicus briefs on behalf of Medmarc in landmark US Supreme Court cases, Medtronic v. Lohr (1996) and Riegel v. Medtronic (2007). These cases establish the scope of federal preemption for medical devices that have received FDA pre-market approval, barring most common law product liability claims.
In 1987, Paul was appointed Associate Independent Counsel to James C. McKay in the investigation of whether former White House aide Lyn Nofziger illegally lobbied his former administration colleagues on behalf of private clients.
Before joining the firm in 1984, Paul served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland. Previously he clerked for the Hon. Joseph M. Hannon, Superior Court Judge for the District of Columbia.
Paul is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an honor extended to less than once percent of the bar. The organization recognizes litigators for mastering the art of advocacy as well as those whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, and collegiality.
Martindale-Hubbell has recognized Paul with the AV Preeminent rating. He is also rated in Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Defenses: Products Liability. Medmarc Insurance Group honored him in 2000 as its Lawyer of the Year.
Paul frequently speaks on many subjects, including professional and product liability risk-management and business practices. He has also given numerous talks for the District of Columbia Bar on topics such as the DC Superior Court Rules and litigation tactics.
Paul is a Board Member for the Washington Jesuit Academy, founded in 2001, which provides a tuition-free, extended-day education to boys from low income communities.
- Professional Malpractice
- Product Liability
- Commercial Litigation
States:
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- US District Courts:
- District of Columbia
- District of Maryland
US Courts of Appeals:
- Fourth Circuit
- District of Columbia Circuit
- US Supreme Court
- Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, JD
- W
- American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow
- Product Liability Advisory Council, Associate Member
- DC Defense Lawyers Association, Former President
- DC Bar, Steering Committee of Section on Injury to Persons and Property, Former Chair
- The Barristers (Washington, DC), Former President
- The Lawyer’s Club (Washington, DC)
- Defense Research Institute
Leslie Packer practices in the areas of civil litigation, focusing on products liability (including medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs), medical malpractice, and commercial litigation. Her litigation practice includes the representation of product manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, health care practitioners and institutions, engineering companies, and other businesses. A sampling of Ms. Packer’s experience includes the defense of medical devices such as silicone gel breast implants, surgical rods, cold therapy units, surgical mesh, sutures, and syringes, among others.
Ms. Packer is listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business®, Benchmark Litigation, The Best Lawyers in America®, The International Who’s Who of Product Liability Defence Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers, and is peer review rated AV ® in Martindale-Hubbell. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, the Board of Special Olympics North Carolina, and as President of the UNC Law Alumni Association.
Ms. Packer obtained her undergraduate degree from Brown University (A.B., magna cum laude, 1982) and her J.D. from the University of North Carolina (with High Honors, 1986) where she was a Morehead Law Fellow.
- Professional Liability
- Drug and Medical Device Litigation
- Products Liability Litigation
- Commercial and Residential Real Estate Litigation
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
- Ohio
- Bucknell University (B.A., 1989)
- University of Pittsburgh (J.D., 1992)
- JonesPassodelis, PLLC, Founding Partner, June 2011-Present
- Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck, P.L.L.C., 1992-2011
Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania in 1992; in West Virginia in 1993; in Ohio in 2002. Also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Southern District of West Virginia and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
- Allegheny County Bar Association (Civil Litigation and Healthcare sections), Member
- Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member
- West Virginia Bar Association, Member
- Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County, Member
- Pennsylvania Defense Institute, Member
- Defense Research Institute, Member
- Bucknell University Alumni Association, Member
- University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, Member
- Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County, Academy 26th Annual Masters of Trial Advocacy Retreat, Induction and Participant, October 2014.
- MEDMARC, 27th Annual Medical Device Seminar, Moderator, Panel Discussion: “Defending Products Liability”, Vail, CO, June 2014
- DRI, Drug and Medical Device Seminar, Participant, Washington, DC, May 2014
- American Heart Association, Member, Executive Leadership Team, Go Red for Women, 2013 – 2014
- MEDMARC, 26TH Annual Medical Device Seminar, Participant, Attorney of the Year Recipient, Del Mar, CA, June 2013
- DRI, Drug and Medical Device Seminar, Participant, New York, NY, May 2013
- DRI, 2012 Annual Meeting, Participant, New Orleans, LA, October 2012
- MEDMARC, 25th Annual Medical Device Seminar, Participant, Lake George – Bolton Landing, NY, June 2012
- DRI, 2011 Annual Meeting, Participant, Washington, DC, October 2011
- MEDMARC, 24th Annual Medical Device Seminar, Participant, Yosemite National Park, June 2011
- Duquesne University, Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law, Forensic Fridays Seminar Series, Panelist, “The Science and Law of Product Liability Cases”; Speaker, “The Federal Preemption Hurdle and the Science of the Medical Device Approval Process”, September 2010
- MEDMARC, 23rd Annual Medical Device Seminar, Panelist, “Defending Life Science Drug and Devices: Rx for Success”, Isle of Palms, SC, June, 2010
- 2013 Defense Lawyer of the Year, Medmarc Casualty Insurance Company
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Edition 2006, 2007.
- ALFA International Product Liability Practice Group, Speaker, “The Cost Control Issues and Expert Witnesses”; Author, Pennsylvania Chapter, “Common Product Liability Claim Mistakes . . . And How to Avoid Them”, Laguna Niguel, CA, November, 2008
- ALFA International Healthcare Practice Group Seminar Compendium, Author, Pennsylvania Chapter, “Medical Spa Law, a 50 State Survey”, 2007
- ALFA International Healthcare Practice Group Seminar: Crisis in Healthcare, Moderator, New Orleans, Louisiana, November, 2004
- ALFA International Healthcare Practice Group Seminar Compendium, Author, Pennsylvania Chapter, "Statute of Limitations and Damage Caps for Liability Claims Against Healthcare Providers, a 50 State Survey," 2003
- ALFA International Healthcare Practice Group Seminar, Speaker, "Good Health for Healthcare: Marching into the New Millennium," Nashville, TN, November, 2000
- 2010 ALFA International Client Seminar, Participant, “Pioneering Through the New Economic Frontier: Product Liability in a Changed World”, Palm Desert, CA, March 11-13, 2010
- MEDMARC, 22nd Annual Medical Device Seminar, Participant, Bend, OR, June 14-16, 2009
- 2009 ALFA International Midwest Regional, Health Care and Medical Device Joint Seminar, Participant, “Legal Landmines Across a Shifting Business Landscape”, Minneapolis, MN, June 4-5, 2009
- DRI, Drug and Medical Device Seminar, Participant, New York, NY, May 2009
- MEDMARC, 21ST Annual Medical Device Seminar, Participant, Hot Springs, VA, June 11-13, 2008
- 2008 ALFA International Client Seminar, Participant, “What Keeps You Up At Night? Strategies for a Good Night’s Sleep”, Key Biscayne, FL, March 6-8, 2008
- MEDMARC, 20TH Annual Medical Device Seminar, Participant, Colorado Springs, CO, June 20-22, 2007
- 2007 ALFA International Client Seminar, Participant, “Shifting Sands of Global Product Liability Issues”, Desert Sands, CA, March 8-10, 2007
- CONTACT Pittsburgh, Board of Directors, (2005 - 2010)
- CONTACT Pittsburgh Annual Fundraiser Event, Event Chair, Fall Festival, October, 2008
- CONTACT Pittsburgh Annual Fundraiser Event, Event Chair, Casino on the Green, November, 2007
- body
Lisa M. Rice is a partner in Walsworth’s Orange office and Chair of the Life Sciences Practice Group in Southern California. Her practice focuses on products liability, life sciences, environmental, toxic tort, general liability law and business litigation. She has successfully represented manufacturers, distributors, premises owners, large national retailers and municipalities in both individual lawsuits as well as multiple-party, complex, mass tort, and class action litigation involving medical devices, pharmaceutical products, herbal and dietary supplements, dental products, animal products, prosthetic and orthotic devices, exposure to chemicals, metals, and other products.
Lisa has acted as national and local counsel for several of her life science clients. She also has been directly retained by her clients to advise on a variety of pre-litigation matters and develop strategies for avoiding litigation.
Additionally, Lisa handles and supervises all aspects of trial and trial preparation, from managing discovery and taking and defending numerous experts and PMKs (Persons Most Knowledgeable) in deposition to resolving cases through trial, dispositive motions, mediation and arbitration. She has participated in many trials on her clients’ behalf and has successfully negotiated dismissals and favorable settlements on behalf of her clients. Lisa prides herself on providing clients with an early case assessment and solid case work up to position each matter for the most cost-effective and beneficial resolution.
Lisa’s extensive experience, background and exceptional track record gives her a unique understanding of her clients’ needs. She strives to litigate with an eye toward protecting her clients’ ongoing business interests.
- “Uppers, Downers and News from Our Courts and the FDA”
- Summary judgment granted in favor of owner of a large commercial retail center. Multi-plaintiff claims were based on alleged toxic exposure and damages in excess of $1.6 million dollars.
- Summary judgment granted in favor of medical device manufacturer on multi-million dollar claim by nurse who claimed he developed occupational asthma from defective device, was permanently disabled and required a lung transplant.
- Dismissal of generic pharmaceutical manufacturer in personal injury product liability claim where plaintiff claimed she developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome from ingestion of drug.
- Dismissal of product distributor in multiple toxic exposure personal injury and wrongful death actions alleging exposure to benzene and other chemicals.
- Life Sciences Law
- Products Liability Law
- Toxic Tort Law
- General Liability Law
- Business Litigation
- California (1995)
- United States District Court, Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California
- American Bar Association
- Los Angeles County Bar
- Orange County Bar Association
- State Bar of California
- Mount St. Mary’s College, cum laude, (B.A., 1991)
- Moot Court Board Member, 1994-1995
- Creighton University, School of Law (J.D., 1995)
Beth S. Rose is a Member of Sills Cummis & Gross, where she is Chair of the Product Liability Practice Group and a Co-Chair of the Litigation Department. She has tried complex product liability cases to verdict in state and federal courts throughout the country. Ms. Rose is the lawyer to whom General Counsel turn when they need an aggressive but practical approach to “bet the company” product liability matters. Clients rely on her expertise to develop successful and cost-effective strategies consistent with their business goals.
Ms. Rose has over 25 years of experience successfully defending complex product liability matters for a variety of regulated products including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer products, foods, chemicals (asbestos, silica and benzene) and construction/industrial machines. She also has experience defending product liability cases which arise from clinical trials and catastrophic workplace accidents. Her practice ranges from single plaintiff cases, to state coordinated proceedings, multi-district litigation and class actions. During her career, Ms. Rose has served as national counsel to several companies, including those in the pharmaceutical, medical device and contract research organization spaces, defending mass tort litigation. She has also served as New Jersey counsel to entities defending complex product liability claims in New Jersey’s Multi-County Litigation system.
Ms. Rose also serves as New Jersey counsel to generic pharmaceutical companies in Hatch-Waxman and related intellectual property litigation. She regularly appears in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey in such matters and is knowledgeable regarding the local patent rules established by the court.
Ms. Rose serves on the Firm’s Management Committee and leads the Sills Women’s Initiative.
Ms. Rose’s experience has earned her recognition in numerous industry publications. She has been highly ranked in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, published by Chambers and Partners, since 2008. She was selected for inclusion in the 2015 NJBIZ “Best 50 Women in Business” list, and in Benchmark Litigation: America’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys and Benchmark Litigation: Top 250 Women in Litigation, both published by Delinian Limited, since 2014.
- New Jersey
- New York
- J.D., Georgetown University Law Center
- B.A., Wesleyan University, with honors
- U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
Selected for inclusion in:
- Benchmark Litigation: America’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys®* "Local Litigation Star" 2014-2025
- Benchmark Litigation: Top 250 Women in Litigation®* 2014-2024
- The Best Lawyers in America®* 2005-2025, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants; Commercial Litigation; Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law; Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
- The Best Lawyers in America®* Newark "Lawyer of Year" 2022, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business®* 2008-2024, New Jersey Litigation: Product Liability
- Martindale-Hubbell®* AV rating
- NJBIZ®* "Leaders in Law" 2022
- NJBIZ®* "Best 50 Women in Business" 2015
- New Jersey Law Journal®* "Mentors" 2021
- New Jersey Law Journal®* "40 Under 40" 2002
- New Jersey Super Lawyers®* 2005-2024, Class Action/Mass Torts: Defense; Personal Injury – Products: Defense
- New Jersey Super Lawyers®* "Top 50 Women Super Lawyers" 2009-2015
- New Jersey Super Lawyers®* "Top 100 Super Lawyers" 2011
- ROI-NJ* "ROI Influencers: Women in Business" 2021-2023
- Lexology Index: Product Liability Defence®* 2012-2024 (formerly Who’s Who Legal)
- Lexology Index: Life Sciences - Product Liability®* 2017-2024 (formerly Who’s Who Legal)
- Lexology Index: Thought Leaders USA®* 2023-2025, Product Liability Defence; Life Sciences - Product Liability (formerly Who’s Who Legal)
- Received Award for Outstanding Advocacy from Medmarc in 2022, 2019 and 2015.
- Ms. Rose has been quoted on the front page of the Business Section of New Jersey’s The Star-Ledger regarding her approach to handling complex cases.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, DRI
- Former Member, Drug and Medical Device Steering Committee
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Litigation Section/Class Action Committee
- Co-Chair, Mass Tort Subcommittee of the Class Action Committee (June 2000 – April 2005)
- Member, New Jersey State Bar Association
- Member, Product Liability Section
- Member, The Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey
- Member, Essex County Bar Association
- Chair, Product Liability Subcommittee (June 2000 – July 2002)
- Chair, ALFA International Product Liability and Complex Torts Practice Group
- Morris Pashman Inn of Court
- Board Member (June 2004 – September 2023)
- Master (September 2004 – September 2023)
- Barrister (September 2002 – September 2004)
- Member, International Association of Defense Counsel
Community Affiliations
- Board Member, Pillar Care Continuum (1997-2022)
- Board Member, Jewish Services for the Developmentally Disabled
Kim Schmid concentrates her national litigation practice on defending high-profile manufacturers of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals against product liability claims in courtrooms across the country. Kim defends her life-sciences clients in individual lawsuits, mass torts, multidistrict litigation and class actions. She recently tried and led the defense team on the first bellwether case in the California infusion pump JCCP to go to trial. Kim is currently serving as national trial counsel in a significant medical device mass tort. She also serves as national coordinating counsel in several medical device mass torts.
In court, Kim has extensive experience defending drug and medical device products, including transvaginal mesh products, latex gloves, breast implants, hip stem implants, oral contraceptives, cold therapy units, nutritional supplements, infusion pumps, orthopaedic devices, implantable cardiac care devices, suction devices, surgical instruments, device monitors, blood warming units and more. She has defended IDE products utilized in clinical trials, as well as Class I, II and III FDA cleared devices. Kim has also defended pharmaceutical cases involving generics, branded, OTC and Rx medications.
A nationally recognized lawyer, Kim has authored key articles published in leading life-sciences journals and presents at national seminars on issues such as preemption, FDA regulatory oversight, clinical trials, product recall management, mass torts, bellwether selections, crisis management, and successful Daubert challenges and other evidence-based motions. She is also a member of the firm's Executive Committee, where she has leadership responsibility for strategic and overall firm management.
- Practices: Product Liability Litigation | Class Action and Multidistrict Litigation
- Industries: Medical Device and Pharmaceutical
Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.
- Jury Returns Defense Verdict in Bellwether MDL Medical Device Case | Feb 06, 2013
- Montana Federal Jury Returns Verdict for Breg in Multi-Million Dollar Pain Pump Case | Aug 16, 2011
- Eleventh Circuit Affirms Daubert and Summary Judgment Rulings for Breg in First Pain Pump Appellate Decision | Aug 12, 2010
- Major Daubert Victory for Medical Device Manufacturer in National Pain Pump Litigation | Jun 25, 2009
- Chlopek v. Breg, Inc. | Apr 25, 2006
- Kim Schmid To Present at ACI's 22nd Annual Drug & Medical Device Conference | September 25, 2017 | Speaking Engagement
- The Legal 500 Names Bowman and Brooke to Top Litigation Rankings | June 12, 2017 | Articles
- Bowman and Brooke Announces New Executive and Management Committee Members | February 15, 2017 | News
- Kim Schmid Comments on 3D Printing Law in Minnesota Lawyer | May 23, 2016 | Articles
- Law and Regulation of 3-D Printed Medical Devices | March 31, 2016 | Articles
- Medmarc Attorney of the Year, 2010
- Attorney of the Year, 2013 - Minnesota Lawyer
- "Local Litigation Star," Product Liability, 2014 - 2015 - Benchmark Litigation
- Listed for Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2014 - 2015 - Best Lawyers in America
- International Who's Who of Product Liability Defence Lawyers, 2013 - 2014 - Who's Who Legal
- Named in Litigation: Product Liability Defense, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, 2012 - 2014 - The Legal 500
- Super Lawyers, 2011 - 2015 - Minnesota Super Lawyers Magazine
- “Shining the Light on Third Party Litigation Funding,” ACI Drug and Medical Device Conference, December 2017
- “Litigation Trends and Claims Forecast for the Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical and Clinical Trial Industries,” Co-Presenter, Client Webinar, December 2017
- “Litigation Trends – Drugs and Devices: Where Plaintiffs’ National Consortium Appears to be Heading and Other Hot Issues,” Client Seminar, October 2017
- “Cyber Security, Medical Devices, and the FDA,” Co-Presenter, Client Presentation, August 2017
- “Cybersecurity, Medical Devices and the FDA,” Co-Presenter, Medmarc Insurance Group 30th Annual Medical Device Seminar, June 2017
- "Life Sciences Industry: 2016 Year in Review and 2017 Horizon,” Co-Presenter, Berkley Life Sciences Client Seminar, February 2017
- "Deep Dive into Women's Health: Preparing for the Second Wave of Products Liability Litigation," ACI Drug and Medical Device Conference, December 2016
- "2016 Legislative Outlook in the Life Sciences Industry," Berkley Life Sciences Client Webinar, January 2016
- "Learned Intermediary Doctrine: Effectively Positioning Your Case for Summary Judgment", Medmarc 27th Annual Medical Device Seminar, June 11, 2015
- "Planning for Litigation in the Midst of a Recall," ABA Section of Litigation, The Women of the Section of Litigation Conference, Chicago, IL, November 2014
- "Medical Device Trends," American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 12, 2014
- "Litigation and Claims Trends for the Life Sciences Industry: The 2013 Year In Review and a Forecast for 2014," Medmarc Loss Control Webinar Series, November 13, 2013
- "Top Ten Medical Device Litigation Trends," North American Spine Society Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, October 10, 2013
- "Drug and Medical Device Shortage: Issues and Challenges," Panelist - Berkley Life Sciences Webinar, July 11, 2012
- "Mass Torts, Recent Judicial Decisions, Crisis Management," Moderator - Bowman and Brooke Medical Devices and Pharmaceutical Hot Topics Seminar, Minneapolis, March 3, 2011
- "Preventing Emotion from Overcoming Reason When There Has Been a Drug or Device Recall: Effective Litigation and Risk Minimization Strategies," Moderator - ACI Drug and Medical Device Litigation Conference, New York, NY, December 7-9, 2010
- "What You Need to Know About Product Recalls," Moderator - ABA, Current Issues in Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Litigation, hosted by Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ, November 11, 2010
- "A New Set of Tools to Defend Product Liability Litigation in the Next Decade," Moderator - InsideCounsel SuperConference, Chicago, IL, May 25-26, 2010
- "Reigel v. Medtronic Decision and Preemption", Sanders Conkright & Warren LLP and Medmarc, 21st Annual Medical Device Seminar, June 11-13, 2008
- "Hot Topics in Medical Device Litigation", MNASQ Biomedical Focus Group, February, 2007
- "Law And Regulation Of 3-D Printed Medical Devices," Law360, Co-Author, April 2016
- "The Keys To Success in the Collection Process," Second Article in Bowman and Brooke Discovery Series, Co-Author, November 2015
- "Effective Litigation Holds," First Article in Bowman and Brooke Discovery Series, Co-Author, October 2015
- "From Plaintiffs' Attorneys to Congress: Using an Interdisciplinary Approach to Recalls," ABA Section of the Litigation, Co-Author, November 2014
- "Mich. Drug Companies Now Less Immune Under Tort Reform," (co-authored with Jeffrey Gorcyca), Law360, February 11, 2014
- "Gray Zone Between FDA and FTC Nutraceutical Regulation," (co-authored with Katie Fillmore and Jenny Young) Law360, August 13, 2013
- "Concerns Heighten Over the Prospect of ‘Responsible Corporate Officer’ Prosecutions Against Drug and Device Manufacturers" (co-authored with Molly J. Given), Westlaw Journal Medical Devices, Vol. 17, Iss. 24, January 18, 2011
- "The Potential Impact of 'Recall Fatigue'" (co-authored with John D. Sear), Product Liability Law360, November 24, Guest Column, 2010
- "Combating Abusive Pleading With Iqbal/Twombly" (co-authored with William N.G. Barron IV), Product Liability Law360, December 8, Guest Column, 2009
- "The Iqbal/Twombly Decisions" (co-authored with William N.G. Barron IV), Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy, Law Journal Newsletters, December, 2009
- "Wyeth v Levine: Forecasting the Future of Preemption in Pharmaceutical Cases," Andrews Medical Devices Litigation Reporter, 15 No. 24 ANMDLR 10, 2009
- "Federal Jurisdiction Based on Removal: A 50-State Survey," ABA Practice Essentials Book (Chapter on Minnesota), 2008
- "Riegel v. Medtronic: Better Off Without It?" (co-authored with Shane Bohnen), Product Liability Law360, August 1, 2008
- "Fast Food in the Gunsights - Class Actions as Political Weapons," The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., Washington, D.C., 2002
- "Minnesota Rejects Alternative Design Test in Products Liability Law," 14 William Mitchell Law Review 198, 1987
- "Dual Capacity Exception Unlikely in Minnesota" 14 William Mitchell Law Review 204, 1987
Michael Shalhoub is a proven trial lawyer who focuses his practice on product liability defense for the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. In his more than 30 years of experience, he has resolved more than 100 cases at the trial stage and achieved numerous defense verdicts. His experience includes cases involving product liability as well as medical malpractice, business and commercial disputes, insurance coverage, construction accidents, and general liability.
Mike is a Co-Chair of Goldberg Segalla’s Life Sciences Practice Group and a nationally recognized authority on product liability defense, medical device litigation, and trial technique. He is the Chair of the international Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel’s Product Liability Section and a former Chair of the FDCC’s Drug, Medical Device, and Biotechnology Section. Mike is also a past member of the Board of Directors of the 22,000-plus-member Defense Research Institute and a past Chair of DRI’s Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee. He has written and lectured for national audiences on emerging trends in drug and medical device litigation, Daubert preclusion of scientific expert testimony, and other topics. He is the co-editor of Life Science Matters, Goldberg Segalla’s blog covering the latest legal developments involving medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Mike brings to each matter exceptional scientific and technical understanding developed through his experience handling dozens of complex, high-exposure product liability cases across the country. He has defended manufacturers that span the full spectrum of health-related and personal care products, ranging from medical laser components, anesthesia machines, CPAP machines, eye care products, and joint implants to denture cream, hair care products, hospital and home care safety devices, and mobility aids. He is integrally involved in the firm’s role as science counsel for a major product manufacturer in the dental adhesive cream federal multi-district litigation. Mike’s recent work also includes defending a golf car manufacturer in personal injury cases involving rollover accidents.
Mike has been selected by his peers and clients for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and New York Super Lawyers for a number of years, and he was named among the Top 25 Attorneys in Westchester County in Super Lawyers several times.
- Best Lawyers in America 2013–2015 (Commercial Litigation)
- Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
- Super Lawyers, Corporate Counsel Edition
- New York Metro Super Lawyers (Personal Injury Defense: Products); Top 25 in Westchester County (2008-2010, 2014)
- Best Lawyers in New York
- Top Attorneys list in the New York Metro Area
- Defense Research Institute: National member of Board of Directors, 2005–2008; Medical Liability Committee (Steering Committee, Past Committee Chair, Public Relations Contact - East); Member, Annual Meeting Steering Committee, 2005–2008; Chair, Blockbusters/CLE Programming; Chair, Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee, 2003–2005; Co-Program Chair, 2002 Seminar Medical Liability and Health Law Committee, New Orleans; Member, Editorial Board, Daubert Compendium
- Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel: Chair, Product Liability Section; Vice-Chair, Management, Economics, and Technology Section; Faculty member, Litigation Management College; Past Chair, Drug, Device, and Biotechnology Section, 2005–2006; Past Vice Chair, Medical Malpractice Section; 2004 Nominating Committee; State Representative
- Litigation Counsel of America: Fellow
- Former member, New York State Medical Defense Bar Association
- Vice President, Eastchester Bar Association
- Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, Westchester Chapter
- Past Chair, Internet Coordinating Committee, New York State Bar Association, Trial Lawyers Section
- Past Chair, Restatement Third Sub-Committee, Products Liability Committee, Association of the Bar of the City of New York
- New York
- S. Supreme Court
- S. District Courts for the Southern, Eastern, Northern and Western Districts of New York
- S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
- Former Board of Directors member, Ardsley Curling Club
- Former Board of Governors member, Leewood Golf Club
- Past Member, Brant Lake Association
- John's Law School, J.D., 1982
- Fordham University, B.A., 1979
- Life Sciences
- Health Care
- Product Liability
- Professional Liability
- Business and Commercial
- Toxic Torts
Mr. Simpson has over twenty-five years of experience in the defense of product liability and medical malpractice litigation. He is a 1975 cum laude graduate of Washington & Lee University, and a 1978 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he was a member of the Kentucky Law Journal. After serving as a law clerk for the Supreme Court of Kentucky and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky at Louisville, Mr. Simpson entered private practice in 1981 with the law firm of Stites & Harbison in Louisville, where he was a partner from 1986 through 2000.
Mr. Simpson has tried lawsuits in twelve states. He has served as national and regional coordinating counsel for a number of product manufacturers, and is a member of the Product Liability Advisory Council, the American Board of Trial Advocates, the International Association of Defense Counsel, and the Defense Research Institute. He has published and lectured extensively on issues relating to product liability and medical malpractice, is a former editor of the American Bar Association's Annual Survey of Products Liability Law, and is the author of the Kentucky section of two national compendiums of product liability law.
Mr. Simpson is active in community affairs, with service on the boards of the Fund for the Arts, African American Heritage Foundation, Olmstead Parks Conservancy, YMCA of Greater Louisville, American Red Cross Louisville Area Chapter, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Triathlon, USA Mideast Region, Kentucky Lacrosse Association, and on the Vestry of St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church. He is a graduate of Focus Louisville, Leadership Louisville, and the Bingham Fellows.
- Washington & Lee University (1975)
- Univsersity of Kentucky College of Law (1978)
Licensed in Kentucky and Virginia
- Product Liability
- Medical Malpractice
- Legal Malpractice
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