Combining ‘deep experience and knowledge of the law’ with a granular knowledge of the underlying subject matter, Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP regularly handles high-profile product liability matters, particularly in highly-regulated industries. As well as forging a strong national and international reputation for highly technical and scientific pharmaceutical cases, the team has also gained significant exposure to work in the tobacco space. From Kansas City, James Berger serves as national counsel to RJ Reynolds in the defense of cases concerning exposure to asbestos in cigarette filter material. Also in Kansas City, David Woods is well versed in regulatory issues and litigation affecting tobacco and e-cigarette companies, including acting as trial counsel in Engel Progeny cases in Florida. New York-based lawyers Robb Patryk and James C. Fitzpatrick co-head the product liability team, with both excelling at handling scientifically complex domestic and international pharmaceutical and medical devices matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The complex cases that they handle on a daily basis makes the product liability team very well prepared.'
- 'Everyone on their team has deep experience and knowledge of the law and all the technical and medical aspects required for crafting a successful defense.'
- 'They have the unique ability to participate and co-ordinate highly complex cases out of the US with their outstanding experience and knowledge.'
- 'Bill Beausoleil is a subject matter expert on the law and can always find the right answers, no matter how complex the subject matter.'
- 'James Fitzpatrick is very adept at breaking down complex scientific subjects and working with expert witnesses.'
- 'Charlie Cohen is an overall great litigator.'
- 'Charles Cohen is brilliant, well-versed, detail-oriented, and success-driven. No stone goes unturned when he oversees a case, and we won't stop until the client receives the best possible defense.'
Key clients
- Ferro Corporation
- Imerys Talc America/ Imerys S.A.
- R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
- LG Electronics USA, Inc.
Work highlights
- Acting as national co-ordination counsel and trial counsel to R.J.Reynolds in defense of cases concerning exposure to asbestos in cigarette filter material.
- Developed a comprehensive defensive strategy and action plan for global mining company Imerys regarding its talc-related liabilities in the US.
- Defending Ferro Corp. in multiple alleged water contamination cases involving 1,4 dioxane.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
James C. Fitzpatrick, Robb Patryk