Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Combining first-chair trial skills, alongside deep subject knowledge and procedural expertise, Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a popular choice among many leading life sciences companies to defend them against high-stakes product liability disputes throughout the country. Many of these take the form of MDLs/class actions, with the firm excelling in taking on leadership roles as national co-ordinating counsel, as well as handling key hearings – where it shines at explaining complex scientific issues to juries. The firm’s longstanding relationship with Abbott Laboratories recently saw it representing the Chicago-based medical device company in an MDL stemming from allegations regarding its recalled baby formula sickened infants. The firm has also had a key role in the sprawling opiate litigation on behalf of Allergan and continues to defend it against ongoing claims by hundreds of private and public entities that opted out of the recent global settlement. Washington DC-based Mike Brock is ‘a superb trial lawyer across product lines’ and remains particularly active in the life sciences space. Brock is a key member of the team along with Washington DC-based Jennifer Levy  and Donna Welch in Chicago, with all three having a key role in the aforementioned Allergan matter.