PENSACOLA, Florida – Levin Papantonio Rafferty (LPR) and Beasley Allen Law Firm are collaborating to train 60 experienced trial attorneys from across the United States in a Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Trial Package Bootcamp. The intensive program aims to equip lawyers with the knowledge and skills needed to handle the upcoming J&J talcum powder trials taking place across multiple jurisdictions in 2024 and beyond. As at least 18 talc-ovarian cancer trials are scheduled for next year, the training will produce a formidable force of legal professionals to represent plaintiffs.
The bootcamp comes in response to J&J’s LTL Management subsidiary’s expected third bankruptcy filing. This move by the pharmaceutical giant seeks to further delay ongoing and future talc trials in the talcum powder products liability litigation. The multidistrict litigation (MDL) currently has over 50,000 plaintiffs claiming that J&J’s talc products caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
Mike Papantonio, an attorney from LPR, and Attorney Andy Birchfield from Beasley Allen Law Firm, view J&J’s bankruptcy strategy as nothing more than a tactic to halt justice in these talc-cancer lawsuits and potentially underpay the affected plaintiffs. Papantonio outlined their counterstrategy, stating, “We’re building a massive law firm. A machine that will put 60 seasoned, trained trial lawyers, schooled on J&J’s disastrous history, in courtrooms on the same day anywhere in America.”
Birchfield emphasized the importance of learning from J&J’s past bankruptcy attempts and the responsibility of standing up against corporate giants like J&J. The aim is to equip plaintiffs’ lawyers to fight against such tactics and secure fair compensation for their clients.
The attorneys highlighted the efforts of Leigh O’Dell, Michelle Parfitt, and the MDL leadership team for their hard work in keeping the talc case moving forward despite significant delays. Their commitment and determination have paved the way for this return to the tort system.
The talc litigation bootcamp, taking place in Pensacola, Florida, from November 6 to November 8, is being facilitated by leading litigators who possess a comprehensive understanding of talc-ovarian cancer claims and the J&J MDL.
In conclusion, Levin Papantonio Rafferty and Beasley Allen Law Firm are training 60 trial attorneys to tackle the upcoming Johnson & Johnson talcum powder trials. The program seeks to empower these lawyers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively represent plaintiffs in the multidistrict litigation. While J&J’s bankruptcy tactics aim to delay justice and potentially underpay the claimants, this collaboration aims to counteract these strategies and ensure fair compensation for those affected by ovarian cancer caused by J&J’s talc products.