Herbert Smith Freehills LLP handles a range of matters including major product liability disputes, class actions, large scale product recalls, client competitor claims and prosecution of advertising litigation. The firm also advises on regulatory compliance laws, risk management and regulatory insurance challenges. Howard Watson specialises in personal injury-related matters with civil and criminal liabilities arising from dangerous or defective products. He co-heads the team with Philip Pfeffer, who works on product liability regulatory issues. Partner David Bennett has extensive experience of major product liability class actions and product recall cases.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘An excellent team. Significant depth of experience and knowledge of the law. Very flexible in how they get the work done and proactive in making suggestions.’
‘Leaving aside their technical knowledge, which is excellent, it is rare to find lawyers that our business colleagues trust and are happy to work with, but this is the case with Howard and David. In addition, HSE law is not something I am familiar with; Howard and David are able to explain new and complicated concepts to me in a way I understand.’
‘Very experienced and professional team, with a good understanding of clients' needs.’
‘Practical, timely and helpful advice, very dedicated and responsive individuals’
‘In addition to being experts in the area of law and industry, the team provide excellent client service.’
‘Greg Loss has a depth of experience across years of practice, and the team includes knowledgeable partners like Ben Rubinstein and Joseph Falcone as well as up-and-coming associates like Maxwell Herman.’
‘Highly knowledgeable and provide great comfort on a sensitive area of potential litigation.’

Key clients

Diageo
BAT
Associated British Foods
Volvo Trucks
General Mills
Eat Just
Zitsticka

Work highlights

Acted for Diageo in relation to the global coordination of legal and commercial issues arising from its distribution of thalidomide in the late 1950s/early 1960s.