Dechert LLP

Leveraging the expertise of ‘thorough, responsive and hardworking’ product liability and mass torts experts, including many with significant trial experience with regard to cutting-edge and unsettled areas of law, Dechert LLP is ’effectively able to get the job done’ for chemicals, manufacturing and life sciences clients facing down a range of toxic tort and environmental litigation matters. Douglas Fleming has experience throughout the litigation continuum and is a key member of leadership teams for the firm across many of its highest-profile toxic tort mandates, including several in the PFAS space. Team head Sheila L. Birnbaum  has vast experience handling mass torts, including many with a toxic tort and environmental angle; she was part of the team along with Fleming and Mark S. Cheffo  that recently secured a vital victory before a State Supreme Court when it ruled that the defendant in a large water contamination PFAS case would not be held liable for medical monitoring costs of plaintiffs if they are not currently sick. All named practitioners are based in New York. Kimberly Branscome left the firm in February 2024.