CHICAGO — Jenner & Block has strengthened its mass torts and products liability practice by recruiting a five-lawyer team from Mayer Brown, led by partners Richard Bulger and Daniel Ring. Both attorneys bring extensive experience in handling cases involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” particularly in cases involving 3M Co.
Bulger and Ring will serve as co-chairs of the practice alongside existing partners Dean Panos and Joanna Wright. Their former firm, Mayer Brown, has seen them advocate for 3M in various cases across the United States. Recently, Ring appeared in a California case representing 3M, where allegations were made regarding PFAS contamination of drinking water supplies in San Francisco.
The new hires reflect a trend among large law firms expanding their capabilities in mass tort litigation. The decision to join Jenner was influenced by the opportunity to collaborate with lawyers they had previously partnered with, as well as the firm’s stance against an executive order from former President Donald Trump, which restricted the ability of firms to represent clients before the government. Bulger emphasized the importance of allowing lawyers to represent clients without governmental interference.
As part of the expansion, Priya Desai joins Jenner as a partner, while Tyler Alfermann and Daniel Rottenberg come on board as special counsel. Wright noted that law firms are increasingly investing in multi-district litigation, which creates significant “enterprise risk” for companies involved in such complex legal challenges.
Ring pointed out that the influx of investment by the plaintiffs’ bar into contamination-related claims, including those involving groundwater, has prompted major law firms to enhance their defense capabilities. He stated that Jenner’s leadership recognizes the need to serve clients across all areas of litigation effectively.
Previously, Jenner has collaborated with the Mayer Brown team on PFAS-related cases, with Bulger noting their complementary skill sets have formed a solid foundation for providing comprehensive legal services to clients facing these challenges. Ring’s notable involvement in a massive multi-district litigation case against 3M concerning a specialized fire suppressant has drawn significant attention, with an influx of over 10,000 personal injury claims related to this issue.
In another highlight, Jenner recently succeeded in challenging Trump’s executive order that aimed to limit the firm’s representation before federal agencies. Ring expressed pride in being part of a firm that diligently addresses these significant legal hurdles.
This expansion at Jenner & Block emphasizes the growing importance and complexity of mass tort litigation and showcases the firm’s commitment to effectively representing clients facing intricate legal disputes.
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