Mass

Crossing the Rubicon: Building a Legal Giant in Mass Tort Litigation

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Boston, Massachusetts — A significant transformation is underway in the realm of mass tort litigation, as various legal entities and stakeholders unite to form an extensive coalition aimed at addressing complex claims involving numerous plaintiffs. This newly assembled litigation collective is designed to tackle challenges posed by an increasing wave of mass tort cases that often stimulate both public and legal scrutiny. In the face of a rising number of lawsuits, especially those concerning profound issues such as pharmaceutical liability, environmental disasters, and consumer safety, legal experts are advocating for stronger collaborative efforts among law … Read more

Judge Slams Chevron and Syngenta’s Attempt to Shift Paraquat Cases, Upholding Philadelphia’s Mass Tort System

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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — A Pennsylvania state judge has dismissed a request from Chevron and Syngenta to transfer multiple lawsuits involving paraquat weedkiller out of the city’s mass tort system. In a ruling on July 17, 2025, the judge characterized the companies’ appeal as misguided, affirming that the existing system is tailored specifically to handle such cases. This decision comes as the legality and safety of paraquat, a widely used herbicide, has been under scrutiny due to its alleged connections to serious health risks, including Parkinson’s disease. The pharmaceutical and agricultural companies sought a venue shift … Read more

Jenner & Block Expands Mass Torts Team with Strategic Hire of Five Attorneys from Mayer Brown

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Chicago, Illinois — Jenner & Block LLP has announced the addition of a five-member attorney team to its Chicago office, boosting its mass torts and product liability practice. The new group, which previously worked at Mayer Brown LLP, is expected to enhance the firm’s capabilities in managing complex litigation cases. The team includes two experienced attorneys who have significant backgrounds in mass torts and product liability. Their expertise is anticipated to strengthen Jenner & Block’s position in a highly competitive legal landscape. This strategic move aligns with the firm’s ongoing commitment to expanding its litigation … Read more

Tributes Pour In for Appellate Judge Higbee, Esteemed Former Mass Tort Judge, as He Passes Away at 66

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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Appellate Judge Marie M. Higbee, a prominent figure in New Jersey’s legal landscape, has passed away at the age of 66. Renowned for her significant contributions to mass tort law, Higbee’s career left a lasting impact on the state’s judicial system. Judge Higbee served as a Superior Court judge in Atlantic County before being appointed to the Appellate Division. She became known for her thoughtful rulings in high-profile cases, often navigating complex legal issues that would shape precedents in mass tort litigation. Throughout her distinguished career, Higbee was widely recognized for … Read more