Mass Torts

Sidley Austin LLP Bolsters Litigation Team with Veteran Partner Paul Boehm in Washington, D.C.

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Sidley Austin LLP has announced the addition of Paul Boehm as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office, where he will serve as a global co-leader of the firm’s Product Liability and Mass Torts practice. Boehm joins Sidley after more than two decades at Williams & Connolly LLP, where he was a litigation partner. ([sidley.com](https://www.sidley.com/en/newslanding/newpressreleases/2025/12/first-chair-trial-and-leading-product-liability-lawyer-paul-boehm-joins-sidley-as-partner?utm_source=openai))…

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Certum Launches Management Services Organization to Support Mass Tort Law Firms

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Litigation funder Certum has announced the launch of a management services organization (MSO) designed specifically for mass tort law firms. This strategic move aims to cater to the operational needs of firms dealing with mass tort cases, enabling them to handle large volumes of complex legal claims more efficiently. The fungibility of litigation resources and…

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California’s New Fee-Sharing Law Faces Legal Challenge from Leading Mass Tort Attorney

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant legal development, mass tort attorney R. Brent Wisner has initiated a lawsuit aimed at obstructing California’s AB 931, a law poised to effectuate changes in attorney fee-sharing practices starting January 1. Wisner, representing the firm Wisner Baum, has expressed concerns that the legislation will disrupt his legal operations not only in California…

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Federal Appeals Court Overturns Key Opioid Ruling Amidst Rising Legal Challenges in California’s Gig Economy

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant development, a federal appeals court has overturned a pivotal decision related to opioid litigation, marking a new chapter in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the opioid crisis. This decision impacts the liability and financial responsibility of pharmaceutical companies and distributors, which have been at the center of thousands of lawsuits across the…

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Fourth Circuit Court Revives West Virginia Opioid Public Nuisance Case, Setting Legal Precedent

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has revived a critical public nuisance lawsuit, reaffirming that the conditions arising from the over-distribution of opioids can be considered a public nuisance under West Virginia common law. This decision reopens litigation against opioid distributors including those represented by Reed Smith, Williams & Connolly, and Covington…

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“Mass Tort Fundraiser Sues NY Law Firm Over Alleged Investment Mismanagement Amidst 3M and Johnson & Johnson Litigations”

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A recent lawsuit has emerged involving a mass tort funder who has taken legal action against a New York-based law firm over a failed investment tied to high-profile cases against 3M and Johnson & Johnson. The funder alleges that the law firm provided misleading information, impacting their financial participation in mass tort cases linked to…

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Judge Directs Attorney Amidst Paraquat Settlement Concerns as Mass Torts Face Legal Shifts

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a recent development in the legal sphere, a judge handling the Paraquat litigation has issued a directive to attorney Aimee Wagstaff, urging her not to disrupt ongoing settlements. This emphasizes the complexities legal professionals face when navigating the intricacies of high-stakes lawsuits, particularly when settlements are on the line. The directive aims to ensure…

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Johnson & Johnson Challenges Mass Tort Verdict in Landmark Appeal Against “Litigation Trap”

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a move that has drawn significant attention from the legal community, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is pursuing an appeal that could see the company confront what it describes as a “litigation trap.” The case stems from a multi-billion-dollar verdict related to claims that J&J’s talc products caused cancer, a cornerstone issue in mass tort…

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Federal Judges Mandate Filing of Unfiled Claims in High-Profile Multidistrict Litigation Cases

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant development within multidistrict litigation, two federal judges overseeing high-profile cases have taken the unusual step of mandating that plaintiffs’ lawyers file lawsuits that had previously remained unfiled. These directives come amidst concerns over a large backlog of claims associated with multidistrict litigation (MDL) dockets involving the injectable birth control Depo-Provera and toxic…

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Pennsylvania Judge Seeks Accountability from Hagens Berman in Thalidomide Litigation Dispute

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant legal development, a Pennsylvania federal judge has demanded that Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP justify its actions in a set of cases involving the morning sickness drug thalidomide. The law firm faces potential sanctions for allegedly failing to conduct thorough pre-suit investigations, impeding discovery, and manipulating evidence, according to a recent report….

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Federal Judge Criticizes Plaintiffs’ Firms for Noncompliance in Monsanto Roundup Litigation

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a recent development in the ongoing multidistrict litigation against Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer, a federal judge in California has expressed strong dissatisfaction with 37 plaintiffs’ firms. These firms have reportedly failed to allocate a portion of their recovery fees to a common benefit fund, as mandated in such consolidated cases. This fund is critical…

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Meta Faces Monumental Class Trial With Billions at Stake Amid AI Legal Complications

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The ongoing class trial against Meta is drawing significant attention due to the potential financial stakes involved. Law.com reports that the case revolves around allegations implicating Meta in privacy violations. These violations allegedly occurred through the unauthorized use of user data, a matter that could cost the company billions if the verdict doesn’t swing in…

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Bloomberg Law’s 2025 Unrivaled Lists Top Trial Lawyers in Key Litigation Battles

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a distinguished unveiling, Bloomberg Law has introduced its 2025 Unrivaled, showcasing 32 exemplary trial lawyers who have demonstrated outstanding performance in high-stakes litigation. These distinguished professionals, drawn from both prestigious large firms and specialized boutique practices, have secured significant victories in jury and bench trials, post-trial proceedings, and settlements. The honorees include skilled litigators…

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Faegre Drinker Expands Product Liability Expertise with New Partner in New York Office

Pieter Gunst01 mins

In a strategic move to bolster its product liability and mass torts practice, Faegre Drinker has appointed Daniel Smulian as a partner in its New York office. This announcement, made on Thursday, underscores the firm’s commitment to expanding its capabilities in complex product liability litigation. Smulian brings a wealth of experience in defending major global…

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Regulatory Reform in Legal Services: A Five-Year Retrospective on Arizona and Utah’s Divergent Paths

Pieter Gunst06 mins

Five years have passed since Arizona and Utah initiated significant reforms to liberalize legal services regulation. A comprehensive study produced by Stanford Law School’s Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession provides a detailed analysis of these changes, elucidating both successes and challenges in regulatory innovation. This study updates a previous report from 2022…

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Kirkland & Ellis Strengthens Litigation Practice with 13-Partner Acquisition from King & Spalding

Pieter Gunst01 mins

“`html Kirkland & Ellis has recently welcomed a 13-partner team from King & Spalding, enhancing its mass torts and products liability practice. This strategic move follows a notable group hire earlier this year and aligns with the firm’s ongoing expansion efforts to bolster its litigation capabilities to meet growing demand. In total, nearly 30 lawyers,…

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Barnes & Thornburg Strengthens Litigation Team with Addition of Kelly Brilleaux as Partner in Dallas

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Kelly Brilleaux has joined Barnes & Thornburg as a partner in its litigation department in Dallas, announced by the firm last Thursday. This strategic addition is aimed at bolstering the firm’s capabilities in handling complex product liability cases. Brilleaux’s expertise in individual and complex mass tort litigation is expected to enhance the firm’s portfolio, particularly…

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Jones Day Strengthens London Practice with Key Appointments in Life Sciences Legal Sector

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a strategic move, Jones Day has reinforced its global disputes practice in London by appointing Samantha Silver and Nathalie Smyth as partners. This announcement comes as the firm aims to bolster its capabilities in navigating complex legal challenges in the life sciences and consumer products sectors. Samantha Silver brings a wealth of experience in…

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Nelson Mullins Expands Litigation Prowess with Partner William Purnell in Charlotte Office

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP has welcomed William Purnell as a partner in its Charlotte, North Carolina office, enhancing its litigation capabilities. The firm announced Purnell’s onboarding, highlighting his expertise in a variety of sectors, including consumer products, industrial equipment, and environmental services. Purnell is set to bring significant experience in handling complex legal…

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Faegre Drinker Strengthens Life Sciences Litigation Team with Strategic Hire of Tom Pack

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP has announced a significant addition to its product liability and mass torts practice with the recruitment of Tom Pack as a partner based in San Francisco. This strategic move reflects the firm’s continued focus on bolstering its capabilities in complex litigation, especially within the life sciences sector. Tom Pack…

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