Chicago, IL – Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has announced the addition of renowned litigators Joshua Lee and Edward Casmere as partners in its Chicago office. Lee and Casmere will serve as Co-Heads of Litigation and Disputes, with a focus on product liability, consumer disputes, environmental law, and mass tort litigation.
Prior to joining Norton Rose Fulbright, Lee and Casmere played integral roles in establishing 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 strategy, regulatory affairs, and complex deals. With over two decades of experience in product liability and mass tort cases, they have effectively defended clients across a wide range of subject matters, including pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, and chemical exposure.
Beyond their shared litigation experience, Lee and Casmere have collaborated on numerous complex disputes, including environmental affairs, intellectual property, collective bargaining, consumer fraud, constitutional law, employment and labor, cryptocurrency, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and toxic tort, to name a few. Recognized by Crains Chicago Business as Notable Gen X Leaders in Law, both attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
Commenting on the expansion, Norton Rose Fulbright’s US Managing Partner, Jeff Cody, expressed the firm’s commitment to growth in the Chicago legal market and across the Midwest. Steve Jansma, Norton Rose Fulbright’s US Head of Litigation and Disputes, commended Lee and Casmere’s litigation skills and described them as top-tier trial lawyers. Jansma further emphasized the firm’s significant growth in Chicago over the past two years.
Lee, who was acknowledged by The Best Lawyers in America for his work in mass tort litigation and class action defense, cited the increasing regulatory scrutiny leading to an upsurge in product liability lawsuits. He recognized Norton Rose Fulbright’s global reputation and extensive pool of talented lawyers across various industries as key factors in his decision to join the firm.
Casmere, also recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for his work in mass tort and product liability litigation, expressed his excitement to collaborate with his disputes colleagues both in Chicago and around the world. He highlighted Norton Rose Fulbright’s global leadership in litigation and dispute resolution as a perfect fit for his evolving practice.
In terms of their qualifications, Lee is licensed to practice law in California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin. He holds a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University. Casmere, on the other hand, 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 also completed the Harvard Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.
Lee and Casmere’s addition to the Norton Rose Fulbright team further solidifies the firm’s reputation as a leader in litigation and dispute resolution. With their extensive experience and track record of success, they are well-equipped to support clients with their most challenging legal matters. The partnership between Norton Rose Fulbright and these esteemed litigators is expected to bring significant value to their clients in Chicago and beyond.