In a strategic move to bolster its life sciences offerings, Steptoe & Johnson LLP has announced the addition of life sciences attorney Jonathan Dulkeith to its New York office. Previously a partner at Jones Day, Dulkeith brings a wealth of experience in complex litigation and regulatory matters within the life sciences sector. His expertise aligns…
Litigation surrounding Johnson & Johnson’s talc products reaches a pivotal moment as a California court commences its bellwether trial. This development is a critical part of managing the large-scale litigation faced by the company, which involves claims linking talc products to cancer. In doing so, the bellwether trial is set to serve as a test…
The legal clash between Ford Motor Co. and three law firms—Knight Law Group LLP, the Altman Law Group, and Wirtz Law APC—intensifies as the firms collectively ask a California federal judge to dismiss Ford’s racketeering lawsuit. Ford accuses the firms of engaging in deceptive practices, overbilling, and orchestrating dubious claims in product liability and personal…
The legal community is closely watching the upcoming talc litigation involving Johnson & Johnson, as the first bellwether trial is set to commence on November 3 in California state courts. This pivotal trial will examine allegations that Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products have led to ovarian cancer. The outcome could significantly influence numerous other…
The U.S. Supreme Court is gearing up to address several critical environmental cases this term, touching on issues from jurisdiction disputes in pipeline and pollution matters to significant challenges against state-level climate regulations. These cases carry implications that could shape the landscape of environmental law for years to come. One major case involves jurisdictional disputes…
A recent uptick in tort filings within federal courts highlights a significant shift in the legal landscape. According to Lex Machina’s Tort Litigation Report 2025, there was a nearly 20% increase in tort cases filed in 2023 and 2024 compared to the preceding two years. This surge in filings has caught the attention of legal…
The recent $45 million verdict against Amazon underscores the power of narrative in litigation. This landmark case, involving a burn injury from a hoverboard purchased on Amazon, was fought by attorney Randy Sorrels. His strategy hinged less on technical arguments about platform liability and more on the compelling human story of his client’s injuries. For…
In a recent hearing before the Northern District of Florida, U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers addressed a significant backlog of lawsuits related to Depo-Provera, a widely used contraceptive injection. While 932 lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer, the pharmaceutical giant behind the drug, a staggering 9,571 remain pending without formal filing. Judge Rodgers urged…
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP has enhanced its legal prowess by welcoming seasoned litigator Brian King to its Atlanta office. King, known for his extensive experience across multiple practice areas, adds substantial depth to the firm’s litigation capabilities. His expertise spans several critical areas, including commercial and tort litigation, construction, and product liability. King’s arrival…
Procter & Gamble, the company behind multiple household brands, is now facing a class action lawsuit concerning its Tampax brand products. This legal challenge alleges that the products are defectively designed, causing significant issues for consumers. The class action, filed in a federal court, seeks to uncover whether the products contain any material shortcomings that…
A federal judge has recently delayed a second bellwether trial related to the ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) concerning cow’s milk-based infant formula and its alleged link to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The postponement comes after the first bellwether trial was dismissed on summary judgment. This legal maneuver effectively pauses further trial developments, maintaining the status quo…
In a significant development for the ongoing talc litigation, U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp of the District of New Jersey has ruled that the plaintiffs’ steering committee can include additional defendants in their lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson affiliates. This decision permits the inclusion of Kenvue, Holdco, and Janssen in the master complaint, marking a…
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….
The recent verdict against Tesla, awarding substantial damages related to an Autopilot crash, has sparked significant discussions among legal professionals. The case is seen as a pivotal moment that underscores the increasing scrutiny of driver-assistance technologies and their legal ramifications. One of the remarkable aspects of this case involved an attorney who experienced an Autopilot…
In a notable decision emerging from Massachusetts federal court, U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs has denied a motion for a new trial in a class-action lawsuit concerning alleged defects in Jeep’s active head restraint systems. The lawsuit centered on accusations that certain Jeep vehicles were equipped with headrests prone to random deployment, potentially posing…
Thompson Hine has made a significant move in the competitive legal landscape by recruiting a new partner specializing in product liability for its Los Angeles office. This hire marks an important step for the firm, which continues to expand its presence on the West Coast, reflecting the broader trend of geographic diversification within large law…
The landscape of Zantac litigation has undergone significant shifts following recent legal developments. On July 10, 2025, the Delaware Supreme Court unanimously ruled that nearly 75,000 plaintiffs could not introduce expert testimony alleging that the heartburn medication Zantac caused their cancer. The court found that the trial judge had improperly allowed expert opinions without ensuring…
A new chapter in the ongoing legal battle over Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products has unfolded in Boston, where a trial commenced on Monday. The case is managed by the law firm Dean Omar Branham Shirley, known for its involvement in similar litigation efforts. This trial is part of a series of lawsuits alleging…
In the recent edition of Law.com’s Critical Mass, Amanda Bronstad delves into key legal developments affecting class action and mass tort attorneys. Notably, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has provided clarification on the certification of nationwide class actions. This development could impact the landscape of class action litigation across the United…
Phelps has announced the addition of John Rouse as a partner in their Jackson, Mississippi office, with an emphasis on products liability, financial services, and corrections health-care practices. This strategic recruitment, revealed Tuesday, underscores the firm’s commitment to bolstering its litigation capabilities in the region. Rouse brings a wealth of experience to his new role,…
In a notable restructuring move, Jenner & Block has expanded its legal capacity in mass torts and product liability by hiring a team of five lawyers from Mayer Brown, led by Richard Bulger and Daniel Ring. This team is distinguished by its involvement in significant PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) litigation, particularly for notable client…
In a strategic move to bolster its legal capabilities across environmental and toxic torts cases, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani (GRSM) has announced the hiring of Jarred Conforte as a partner. Conforte will join the firm’s environmental and toxic tort, commercial litigation, and aviation practice groups, with roles in both the St. Louis and Los Angeles…
Johnson & Johnson’s legal battles over its talc-based products continue to unfold as the company returns to court. The litigation surrounding allegations that its products cause cancer has persisted for years, and the implications for the company remain significant. As Johnson & Johnson navigates these legal challenges, prominent law firm Kirkland & Ellis sees a…
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…
In a strategic move reflective of its growing prominence in the field of mass tort and product liability litigation, Carlton Fields has announced the addition of Eden Darrell to its team as a shareholder in its Washington office. Darrell’s expertise focuses on defending against product liability claims, a crucial area for manufacturers like those producing…