Dechert LLP

Product Liability and Mass Torts

Partner

Paul A. LaFata is an accomplished attorney who focuses his practice on complex product liability and mass tort litigation. Mr. LaFata has served as national counsel in high-profile MDL and class-action proceedings, requiring the development and implementation of national defense strategies and coordination of cross-firm and inter-disciplinary teams in the United States and in Canada, Australia, and other foreign jurisdictions. Mr. LaFata has litigated cases from inception through trial and appeals in state and federal courts nationwide, including on trial teams for bellwether pharmaceutical trials, arguing motions, taking and defending depositions, managing discovery and experts, and drafting extensive briefing. In addition to receiving client award recognition for outstanding service, Mr. LaFata has also advised clients and their legal departments in federal and state regulatory matters and negotiations, policy, compliance, litigation defense planning and commercial contract disputes. Representative industries include pharmaceuticals, healthcare, consumer products, chemicals, plastics, energy, heavy machinery, oil and gas, insurance, nonprofit, and municipal government.

University of California, Berkeley, B.A., 2004, highest honors William & Mary Law School, J.D., 2007, Top 10% of class, Order of the Barristers, Executive Articles Editor for William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal