President Announces Major Shift in Civil Rights Enforcement, Aims to Eliminate Disparate-Impact Liability to Uphold Meritocracy

WASHINGTON — With a new executive order, President Donald Trump has taken a significant step aimed at changing how laws around civil rights are enforced in the United States. Announced on April 23, 2025, the order seeks to eliminate the use of disparate-impact liability, a legal theory used to address hidden biases in systems irrespective of intent, which the Trump administration argues contradicts the Constitution and American values centered on equality of opportunity. The executive directive posits that a fundamental American principle is that all citizens are to be treated equally under the law, promoting … Read more

Veteran Attorney Trent B. Miracle Champions Multimillion-Dollar Settlements in Landmark Mass Tort and Product Liability Cases

Chicago, IL – With a legal career spanning over two decades, Trent B. Miracle has established himself as a distinguished attorney specializing in mass torts and product liability, particularly in cases involving pharmaceuticals and medical devices. As a partner and managing member of Flint Cooper’s mass torts practice, Miracle brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to seeking justice for those affected by corporate negligence. Starting his career in 1996, Miracle initially focused on aviation law, handling complex cases related to both airline and helicopter disasters. Over the years, his practice evolved, leading him into … Read more

Judge Denies Johnson & Johnson Subsidiary’s Bankruptcy Plan, Casting Doubt on Future Talc Liability Strategies

HOUSTON — A pivotal decision by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez has jeopardized Johnson & Johnson’s efforts to mitigate its extensive talc-related liabilities. On March 31, 2025, in the Southern District of Texas, Judge Lopez dismissed the prepackaged Chapter 11 plan of J&J’s subsidiary, Red River Talc LLC, citing multiple legal and procedural flaws, including impermissible nonconsensual non-debtor releases under the recent Supreme Court precedent set by the Purdue Pharma decision. Johnson & Johnson has faced mounting legal challenges as thousands of lawsuits claim its talcum powder products, used by millions, contain asbestos and have … Read more

Faegre Drinker Strengthens Legal Front, Welcomes New Partner from Greenberg Traurig to Boost Product Liability Division

San Francisco, California – The law firm Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP announced the recruitment of a new partner to its San Francisco office, bolstering its capabilities in managing product liability and mass torts cases. The new partner, who previously served at Greenberg Traurig LLP, brings a wealth of experience and expertise that is expected to strengthen Faegre Drinker’s position in complex legal disputes. The move signals Faegre Drinker’s intent to enhance its service offerings in a practice area that involves significant consumer safety and corporate compliance issues. Product liability and mass torts are … Read more