Indianapolis, IN – Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP recently announced the return of Peter Meyer to its Indianapolis office as a partner in the product liability and mass torts group, marking a significant enhancement to the firm’s legal expertise in high-stakes litigation.
Meyer, who previously served as Associate General Counsel at Exactech, a company specializing in surgical support, is well-acclaimed for his defense strategies in medical product litigation across the United States. His return to Faegre Drinker is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the firm’s capabilities in handling complex legal challenges particularly in the sector of medical devices.
Amy Fiterman, leader of the product liability and mass torts group at Faegre Drinker, highlighted Meyer’s exceptional experience. She noted, “Having Peter back, with his expanded perspective from his in-house role, really bolsters our ability to manage and defend large-scale torts effectively. His firsthand experience in the medical device industry provides him a unique vantage to address our client’s needs.”
During his tenure at Exactech, Meyer played a key role in national and co-lead defense counsel within multi-district litigation (MDL), often achieving notable successes for major global medical device makers. He has been instrumental in formulating and leading strategic settlement plans aimed at mitigating mass torts claims while reducing client expenses and exposure.
Brian Garrison, leader of Faegre Drinker’s Indianapolis office, expressed enthusiasm about Meyer’s return. “Bringing Peter back into the fold enhances our defense team significantly, particularly with his deep understanding of the manufacturing landscape in Indiana. His expertise perfectly aligns with the needs of our product liability team here.”
In discussing his return to the firm, Meyer shared that his in-house role had enriched his industry-specific skills and overall business acumen. “The insights gained from being at the heart of corporate operations have refined my approach to legal strategy, making it more comprehensive and proactive,” Meyer stated. He further emphasized his readiness to integrate this enhanced perspective into the firm’s operations to foster growth within its product liability practice.
Besides Meyer, Faegre Drinker has strengthened its team further by hiring Lacey Berkshire and Maddie Augustus, who have joined the firm’s state government relations and advocacy team. Berkshire brings substantial experience in lobbying and advising on public sector strategies, while Augustus, a registered lobbyist, has expertise in both legislative and executive branch consulting.
Berkshire shared her enthusiasm about the upcoming legislative sessions and her role: “It’s a dynamic period to engage with the legislative processes, and I’m committed to leveraging our team’s expertise to advocate effectively for our clients’ interests.”
Augustus echoed similar sentiments, expressing her excitement to contribute to a firm that has consistently led in shaping actionable policies from complex proposals.
The strategic inclusion of these new team members not only underscores Faegre Drinker’s commitment to legal excellence but also positions the firm favorably to navigate the intricate landscape of government relations and product liability law.