Philadelphia, PA — In the ongoing litigation concerning the herbicide Roundup, two prominent law firms, Kline & Specter and Arnold & Itkin, have dominated the courtroom in Philadelphia, delivering the most substantial verdicts to date. Yet, amid these legal victories, a growing discord suggests a shift is impending as new voices call for a chance to lead.
Thomas Bosworth, a former associate of Kline & Specter who now operates his own legal practice following a strenuous departure from the firm, has been a vocal advocate for a more inclusive approach to attorney representation in these trials. In a recent petition dated November 8, Bosworth urged the local court to allow him to represent his client in an upcoming Roundup trial, citing concerns over the fairness in the selection of trial cases.
According to Bosworth, who looks to challenge the status quo, more than 200 Roundup-related cases are awaiting trial in Philadelphia. Despite this, a select few have monopolized the courtroom, with six cases reaching verdicts and a seventh nearing conclusion. Currently, three cases tried by the duo of Kline & Specter and Arnold & Itkin, while the remaining trials have seen representation from Texas-based firms collaborating with Philadelphia’s Feldman & Pinto.
The selection process for these high-stakes trials has been under scrutiny. Bosworth has expressed frustration with the lack of transparency from the liaison counsel responsible for the trial selections. His attempts to gain clarity were met with unsatisfactory responses, prompting his move to seek judicial intervention through his November petition. He aims not only to secure a trial slot for his client but also to participate in key procedural conferences to ensure equitable treatment.
The method of case allocations has previously been outlined by the court’s case management orders, with the latest trial additions documented in February 2023. However, the specifics of these decisions remain a contentious issue. Judge Joshua Roberts of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas’ Complex Litigation Center, who presides over these matters, plays a pivotal role in determining the trial schedule, yet detailed insights into his criteria for case selection remain elusive.
Amid these legal maneuvers, the primary defendant in the litigation, Monsanto, has opted to withhold comments regarding the unfolding events. This litigation has triggered significant attention due to the implications it holds for Monsanto and those affected by Roundup.
Bosworth’s conflict with Kline & Specter further complicates the scenario. Recent accusations from Kline & Specter claim Bosworth failed to honor a settlement agreement meant to resolve their ongoing disputes, adding layers of tension to an already complex legal battle.
As this legal drama unfolds, the question remains whether the call for inclusivity and fairness in the representation of Roundup cases will reshape the landscape of this high-profile litigation, or if the established players will continue to dominate the courtroom battles.
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