Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP has an ‘extensive depth of experts with whom a client can rely to build either a formative defense or winning offense’, irrespective of geographical location. Toxic tort work runs the gamut from allegations of lead paint poisoning, harm caused by weedkiller through to issues of forever chemicals in the groundwater. The firm’s work relating to asbestos contamination in talc products has gained acclaim - here, Baltimore-based Mike Brown, who is ’one of the absolute top trial lawyer talents in the country’, has had successes in trials throughout the country and is ‘one of the rare people who strike fear in the hearts of plaintiff’s counsel, even when the trial is held in plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions’. Located in South Carolina, David Dukes has experience acting as national trial counsel in MDLs in many locations, and as well as his strength at handling pharmaceutical-related product liability cases, is also regularly engaged in toxic tort matters, including alleged PFAS groundwater contamination. The arrival in May 2023 of the ’extremely smart, creative and hardworking’ Barbara Harding from Jones Day bolsters the firm’s presence in Washington DC where she is appreciated for her ‘desire to acquire a deep understanding of her clients’ businesses and objectives in order to tailor a litigation approach that works best for them’. South Carolina-based Mark Jones and Minneapolis office head Alana Bassin co-head the team.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'We were reassured by the experience, dedication, and meticulous attention to and preparation of the rule of law that this firm demonstrated.'
- 'Every interaction we had with members of the team was characterized by professionalism, compassion, and clarity.'
- 'The team are not only exceptionally experienced counsel but have an extensive depth of experts with whom a client can rely to build either a formative defense or winning offense.'
- 'The structure, content, and arguments provided by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough were exceptionally well constructed thereby providing the Court with a rational, truthful, and comprehensive argument against the case presented by opposing counsel.'
- 'Mike Brown is one of the absolute top trial lawyer talents in the country. He is one of the rare people who strike fear in the hearts of plaintiff's counsel even when the trial is held in plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions.'
- 'The outstanding Barbara Harding is extremely smart, creative and hardworking. But what sets her apart is her desire to acquire a deep understanding of her clients' businesses and objectives in order to tailor a litigation approach that works best for them.'
Key clients
- American Optical
- Colgate-Palmolive Company
- Johnson & Johnson
- The Estée Lauder Companies
Work highlights
- Securing a Motion to Dismiss in several hundred neo-natal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases filed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson. Over 600 cases are dismissed under the order.
- Achieving multiple favorable results in talc cases for clients such as Colgate-Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson and Estée Lauder.
- Acting as national trial counsel for product liability matters involving underground mine respirators for American Optical, which faces hundreds of matters pending in West Virginia and Kentucky where miners allege lung injuries from coal dust exposure.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mark Jones, Alana Bassin