Husch Blackwell this week unveiled its new AI-focused platform, CXT (Complex Torts), specifically designed to handle complex litigation such as mass torts, a significant move for the law firm as it adapts to the increasing demands of efficient legal processes. This development aligns with the industry’s growing interest in leveraging technology to streamline and enhance…
Linklaters has successfully secured the expertise of Erik Haas, formerly the Vice President of litigation at Johnson & Johnson, where he was instrumental in handling mass tort litigation. This strategic move is expected to enhance Linklaters’ presence in the United States as Haas brings his wealth of experience in large-scale legal matters, including complex pharmaceutical…
The landscape of legal services is evolving, and BigLaw firms are increasingly exploring opportunities in plaintiff-side work. This shift comes as large firms seek to diversify their portfolios and respond to a growing demand for plaintiff representation in complex cases, such as mass torts and class actions. The challenge lies in building the infrastructure necessary…
As Pennsylvania navigates a series of pivotal legal proceedings, two prominent cases are drawing significant attention. The first involves the much-anticipated paraquat trial in Philadelphia, where the herbicide’s potential health risks have sparked a large-scale tort action. Attorneys across the state are closely monitoring developments in this case, which could set a precedent for future…
Kirkland & Ellis LLP, a powerhouse in the legal industry, has strategically bolstered its capabilities by recruiting two seasoned attorneys from Jones Day. The mass torts and restructuring duo, J. Eric Smith and Glen D. Wilkins, will be joining Kirkland’s Dallas office, enhancing its expertise in complex litigation and corporate restructuring. This move is part…
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has announced the expansion of its mass torts litigation team in Chicago with the appointment of a new partner from Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP. This strategic move aligns with Skadden’s ongoing efforts to bolster its presence in high-stakes litigation across diverse legal terrains. The addition…
Paul J. Napoli, a prominent figure in the legal world known for his pivotal role in mass tort litigation, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 58. Renowned for his work on some of the most high-profile mass tort cases, Napoli’s legacy is indelibly etched in the annals of legal history. His career spanned…
Paul Napoli, a prominent figure in mass tort litigation and founder of the New York-based plaintiffs’ firm Napoli Shkolnik, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 58. Napoli had recently been serving as a co-lead plaintiffs’ counsel in the significant PFAS litigation concerning firefighting foam, which has been linked to widespread environmental and health…
Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC is set to expand its presence in the Northeast through a combination with Boston-based firm Peabody & Arnold LLP. The integration, approved by partners on June 23, is scheduled for full implementation by September 1, 2026. This move will add nearly 40 attorneys to Harris Beach Murtha’s roster, including 22…
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP has raised objections to a special master’s recommendation concerning the distribution of common benefit fees in the $6 billion settlement that concluded multidistrict litigation involving 3M’s allegedly defective combat earplugs. The firm argues that the suggested allocation undervalues the comprehensive scope and significant impact of their contributions. The firm’s…
The ongoing litigation involving Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer has brought to the forefront the complex interplay between state and federal courts, as well as the intricate nature of mass public harms litigation. At the heart of the dispute is whether federal pesticide regulation preempts state law, a question currently under consideration by the Supreme Court…
The opposition to the $7.25 billion Roundup class action settlement has intensified as two co-lead plaintiffs’ counsel in the multidistrict litigation have sought judicial intervention. Earlier this month, these legal representatives filed an injunction motion urging U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria to halt the agreement that was preliminarily approved by Judge Timothy Boyer in St….
Recent developments in the Zantac mass tort litigation have gained significant attention as a Philadelphia judge, tasked with overseeing these cases against GlaxoSmithKline, has once again denied a motion to recuse himself. The request for recusal stemmed from the judge’s wife’s professional connection to a firm representing a defendant in the ongoing litigation. Despite concerns…
The New Jersey Supreme Court has decided not to reconsider a decision that disqualified the Beasley Allen Law Firm from representing clients in a high-profile litigation case concerning Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder. This decision effectively upholds a previous ruling by a lower court, which had removed the firm from the multi-county litigation, a move…
“`html The New Jersey Supreme Court has turned down a request from Beasley Allen, a prominent plaintiff’s law firm, to reenter the ongoing talc litigation against Johnson & Johnson. This decision effectively bars the firm from rejoining the legal battle over claims that the company’s talc products, including baby powder, caused cancer. Beasley Allen’s involvement…
The long-running legal saga surrounding Winter Storm Uri has reached a pivotal moment as the Texas Supreme Court denied mandamus petitions in five bellwether cases. This decision effectively seals a defense verdict in one of Texas’ largest mass torts cases, impacting over 200 lawsuits and approximately 30,000 plaintiffs who sought more than $1 billion in…
JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s asset management division is venturing into new territory by advancing fees for law firms involved in mass tort litigation. This move marks a significant foray into the intricate world of mass tort financing, a practice that helps law firms cover upfront costs associated with large-scale lawsuits, such as those involving defective…
In a significant decision, a New Jersey state appeals court has declined to halt its ruling disqualifying the Beasley Allen Law Firm from representing plaintiffs in the ongoing multicounty litigation involving Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder. This development comes as Beasley Allen sought a stay on the disqualification order, which affects numerous cases alleging…
In the ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder, Beasley Allen, a leading plaintiffs’ firm, faces a significant challenge. The firm, instrumental in representing plaintiffs who allege that the company’s talc-based products caused cancer, is embroiled in a potential disqualification hearing scheduled for February 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah Singh. This…
The introduction of artificial intelligence in the legal sphere is reshaping the handling of mass torts, with the potential to significantly lower costs and enhance efficiency. Traditionally, mass tort litigation has been an arena marked by high complexity and substantial financial burdens. However, AI promises to transform these dynamics by streamlining document review, case management,…
The growing deluge of mass tort cases in bankruptcy courts is prompting calls for the appointment of special masters to streamline proceedings and ensure efficiency. This demand comes as courts grapple with complex cases involving large numbers of claims and intricate legal issues. Mass tort cases, which often involve thousands of claimants affected by defective…
A Delaware Chancery Court judge has permitted a lawsuit involving Janus Henderson Group, a notable entity in the asset management industry, to proceed. This legal action arises from allegations made by a mass torts litigation funder, who asserts that a subsidiary of Janus Henderson schemed to take control over its operations. The judge found the…
In California’s Northern District, a new multidistrict litigation (MDL) concerning child exploitation allegations against Roblox Corporation is taking shape. Five esteemed attorneys—W. Mark Lanier, Bryan Aylstock, Sarah London, Alexandra Walsh, and Bob Hilliard—are currently contending for leadership roles in the proceedings. With 85 lawsuits consolidated by Chief Judge Richard Seeborg, the stakes of the litigation…
Elizabeth Burch, a respected professor at the University of Georgia School of Law and an authority on mass torts, has recently brought attention to a controversial issue within the legal system with her book, The Pain Brokers. This insightful work delves into an unsettling scheme that took place during the pelvic mesh litigation, an event…
The legal landscape of 2026 is poised for transformation with several pivotal mass tort trials that could reshape how cases are approached and adjudicated. A key development in this arena is the recent decision by a federal judge to advance Uber’s bellwether sexual assault trial. This decision could have a significant impact on how ridesharing…