Chicago, IL – Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has recently welcomed two distinguished litigators, Joshua Lee and Edward Casmere, as partners in its Chicago office. In their new roles, Lee and Casmere will serve as Co-Heads of Litigation and Disputes, with a focus on product liability and consumer disputes, as well as environmental and mass tort litigation.
Prior to joining Norton Rose Fulbright, Lee and Casmere were instrumental in the establishment of Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila, a prominent litigation firm based in Chicago. With their expertise in high-stakes bet-the-company issues, the duo has successfully advised clients on strategic matters, regulatory affairs, and complex negotiations. Over the course of their careers, Lee and Casmere have gained extensive experience in defending clients across a broad range of areas, including pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, and chemical exposure.
Having worked together for more than two decades, Lee and Casmere have litigated various complex disputes, including environmental affairs, intellectual property, collective bargaining, consumer fraud and class action cases, constitutional law, employment and labor, cryptocurrency, catastrophic injury and wrongful death, toxic tort, and general commercial claims. Their outstanding legal prowess has earned them recognition as Notable Gen X Leaders in Law by Crains Chicago Business.
Norton Rose Fulbright’s US Managing Partner, Jeff Cody, expressed enthusiasm about expanding the firm’s presence in the thriving Chicago legal market. He stated that the addition of Lee and Casmere aligns with Norton Rose Fulbright’s ongoing growth strategies in the Midwest and beyond.
Steve Jansma, Norton Rose Fulbright’s US Head of Litigation and Disputes, commended Lee and Casmere for their exceptional litigation skills and track record in handling complex cases. He expressed confidence in their leadership abilities and highlighted the significant growth of the firm in Chicago over the past two years.
Lee, who was recognized as a leading lawyer for mass tort litigation and class action defense by The Best Lawyers in America, explained that clients are seeking outside counsel to navigate the increasing regulatory scrutiny, resulting in a rise in product liability lawsuits. Lee emphasized that Norton Rose Fulbright’s reputation as a global leader in this field made joining the firm an obvious choice. He also highlighted the firm’s expansive reach and its talented team of lawyers across industries, which he believes will benefit his clients.
Casmere, who has also received recognition from The Best Lawyers in America for his work in mass tort and product liability litigation, expressed his excitement about joining Norton Rose Fulbright. With the firm’s global expertise in litigation and dispute resolution, he sees it as an ideal fit to support his evolving legal practice. Casmere looks forward to collaborating with his colleagues in Chicago and around the world to assist clients with their most challenging legal issues.
Lee is licensed in multiple states, including California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin. He obtained his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and his bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University. On the other hand, Casmere is licensed in Illinois, Missouri, and New York. He earned his law degree magna cum laude from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. Casmere has also completed the prestigious Harvard Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.
The addition of Lee and Casmere brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Norton Rose Fulbright’s Chicago office. With their expertise in litigation and their outstanding reputations, they are well-positioned to meet the needs of the firm’s diverse range of clients.