Litigation

Johnson & Johnson Strikes $8 Billion Deal with Mass-Tort Experts to Resolve Talc Litigation

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Johnson & Johnson has reached a significant agreement to settle ongoing legal battles over its talc-based products, pledging $8 billion to resolve thousands of claims. This latest move comes after years of litigation concerning allegations linking its talc to cancer, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The settlement, finalized in collaboration with mass-tort specialists, aims to address a multitude of lawsuits filed by individuals claiming that the company’s talc products contributed to their health issues. Johnson & Johnson’s strategy includes the creation of a trust that will facilitate compensation for affected users, streamlining the process for … Read more

Trailblazing Attorney Sheila L. Birnbaum: A Vanguard in Product Liability and Complex Litigation

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New York, N.Y. – Sheila L. Birnbaum is a distinguished partner at Dechert, where she co-chairs the firm’s product liability and mass torts practice, specializing in intricate product liability issues, mass torts, and insurance litigation. Before her tenure at Dechert, Birnbaum held notable positions at prominent firms, including co-chair of the global product liability and mass torts practice at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and leading the product liability group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. She also served as counsel while teaching law and acting as associate dean at New York University School … Read more

Hedge Fund Davidson Kempner Illuminates the Shadows of Litigation Finance with Patent Stakes Against Amazon’s Audible

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New York, N.Y. — Davidson Kempner Capital Management has emerged as a prominent financier in ongoing patent litigation against Amazon’s Audible Inc., marking the hedge fund’s first public acknowledgment in the burgeoning realm of litigation finance. This $16.1 billion industry is captured by the investment community’s increasing interest, as hedge funds and private equity firms explore opportunities to back lawsuits. Traditionally, funders in litigation finance are vocal about their services and actively engage with law firms seeking support. However, many investment managers, including Davidson Kempner, often prefer to operate discreetly, revealing their involvement only through … Read more

Kirkland & Ellis Strengthens Litigation Arsenal by Attracting 23 Lawyers from King & Spalding

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Kirkland, Washington — Kirkland & Ellis has significantly expanded its litigation capabilities by recruiting over 20 attorneys, including 12 partners, from rival firm King & Spalding. This strategic move aims to enhance the firm’s expertise in mass tort and product liability defense. The new arrivals, which include prominent attorneys like Kristen Fournier, Kim Bueno, Morty Dubin, and John Ewald, began their tenure last week, according to sources familiar with the situation. In total, 23 litigators from King & Spalding are set to join Kirkland, with plans to further increase the group to nearly 30 professionals … Read more