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Hambleton is a partner\u0026nbsp;in King \u0026amp; Spalding\u0026rsquo;s Mass Tort and Toxic Tort and Product Liability practices. Stacy\u0026nbsp;focuses her practice in the areas of complex civil litigation and products liability defense. Stacy has experience defending Fortune 500 corporations in multi-district litigation and state-wide coordinated proceedings.\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School where she was a member of the Scott Moot Court Honors Board and served as a staff member on the \u003cem\u003eInternational \u0026amp; Comparative Law Review\u003c/em\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStacy served as a Judicial extern for the Honorable Fred Woods of the California Second District Court of Appeal. Prior to that, Stacy participated in a summer externship for the Honorable Geraldine Mund for the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"stacy-foster","email":"slhambleton@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003eDefense verdict for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eglobal medical device manufacturer\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in the first bellwether trial in a major multi-district litigation following an eight-week jury trial, October 2014.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDefense verdict for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson \u0026amp; Johnson\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in its first talc/mesothelioma case to go to verdict, November 2017. This verdict was ranked No. 1 on CVN\u0026rsquo;s Top 10 Most Impressive Defense Verdicts of 2017 and named one of the Top Verdicts in California in 2017 by the Daily Journal.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull dismissal for $0 for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson \u0026amp; Johnson\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in talc/mesothelioma case on eve of trial, February 2019.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnanimous defense verdict for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson \u0026amp; Johnson\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in talc/mesothelioma case, April 2019.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDefense verdict for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson \u0026amp; Johnson\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in talc/mesothelioma case, October 2019.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMotion for summary judgment granted for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson \u0026amp; Johnson\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in talc/mesothelioma case, January 2020.\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[{"id":3761}]},"expertise":[{"id":102,"guid":"102.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":103,"guid":"103.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":17,"guid":"17.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":16,"guid":"16.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":74,"guid":"74.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":970,"guid":"970.smart_tags","index":5,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":112,"guid":"112.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1256,"guid":"1256.smart_tags","index":7,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Hambleton","nick_name":"Stacy","clerkships":[{"name":"Intern, Hon. 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Read more.","primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStacy L. Hambleton is a partner\u0026nbsp;in King \u0026amp; Spalding\u0026rsquo;s Mass Tort and Toxic Tort and Product Liability practices. Stacy\u0026nbsp;focuses her practice in the areas of complex civil litigation and products liability defense. Stacy has experience defending Fortune 500 corporations in multi-district litigation and state-wide coordinated proceedings.\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School where she was a member of the Scott Moot Court Honors Board and served as a staff member on the \u003cem\u003eInternational \u0026amp; Comparative Law Review\u003c/em\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStacy served as a Judicial extern for the Honorable Fred Woods of the California Second District Court of Appeal. 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This verdict was ranked No. 1 on CVN\u0026rsquo;s Top 10 Most Impressive Defense Verdicts of 2017 and named one of the Top Verdicts in California in 2017 by the Daily Journal.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull dismissal for $0 for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson \u0026amp; Johnson\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in talc/mesothelioma case on eve of trial, February 2019.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnanimous defense verdict for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson \u0026amp; Johnson\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in talc/mesothelioma case, April 2019.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDefense verdict for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson \u0026amp; Johnson\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in talc/mesothelioma case, October 2019.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMotion for summary judgment granted for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson \u0026amp; Johnson\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in talc/mesothelioma case, January 2020.\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"Front Page Article: The Dot Com Boom Ignored Women: The AI Era Can Be Different","detail":"Daily Journal (Nov. 2025)"},{"title":"Front Page Article: Preparing Company Witnesses for Trial: Psychological Insights and Practical Strategies","detail":"Daily Journal (March 2025)"},{"title":"Pro Bono Service Award 2017, 2020-2025","detail":"King \u0026 Spalding"},{"title":"Ones to Watch, Products Liability 2021-2025","detail":"Best Lawyers"},{"title":"Rising Star 2023, 2024, 2025","detail":"Super Lawyers"},{"title":"Litigator of the Week – Shout Out","detail":"The AmLaw Litigation Daily (April 25, 2025)"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":5308}]},"capability_group_id":3},"created_at":"2026-01-06T20:56:52.000Z","updated_at":"2026-01-06T20:56:52.000Z","searchable_text":"Hambleton{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Front Page Article: The Dot Com Boom Ignored Women: The AI Era Can Be Different\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Daily Journal (Nov. 2025)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Front Page Article: Preparing Company Witnesses for Trial: Psychological Insights and Practical Strategies\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Daily Journal (March 2025)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Pro Bono Service Award 2017, 2020-2025\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"King \u0026amp; Spalding\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Ones to Watch, Products Liability 2021-2025\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Best Lawyers\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Rising Star 2023, 2024, 2025\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Super Lawyers\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Litigator of the Week – Shout Out\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"The AmLaw Litigation Daily (April 25, 2025)\"}{{ FIELD }}Defense verdict for global medical device manufacturer in the first bellwether trial in a major multi-district litigation following an eight-week jury trial, October 2014.{{ FIELD }}Defense verdict for Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson in its first talc/mesothelioma case to go to verdict, November 2017. This verdict was ranked No. 1 on CVN’s Top 10 Most Impressive Defense Verdicts of 2017 and named one of the Top Verdicts in California in 2017 by the Daily Journal.{{ FIELD }}Full dismissal for $0 for Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson in talc/mesothelioma case on eve of trial, February 2019.{{ FIELD }}Unanimous defense verdict for Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson in talc/mesothelioma case, April 2019.{{ FIELD }}Defense verdict for Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson in talc/mesothelioma case, October 2019.{{ FIELD }}Motion for summary judgment granted for Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson in talc/mesothelioma case, January 2020.{{ FIELD }} \nStacy L. Hambleton is a partner in King \u0026amp; Spalding’s Mass Tort and Toxic Tort and Product Liability practices. Stacy focuses her practice in the areas of complex civil litigation and products liability defense. Stacy has experience defending Fortune 500 corporations in multi-district litigation and state-wide coordinated proceedings. \nShe earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School where she was a member of the Scott Moot Court Honors Board and served as a staff member on the International \u0026amp; Comparative Law Review.  \nStacy served as a Judicial extern for the Honorable Fred Woods of the California Second District Court of Appeal. Prior to that, Stacy participated in a summer externship for the Honorable Geraldine Mund for the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court.\n  Stacy Hambleton lawyer Partner Front Page Article: The Dot Com Boom Ignored Women: The AI Era Can Be Different Daily Journal (Nov. 2025) Front Page Article: Preparing Company Witnesses for Trial: Psychological Insights and Practical Strategies Daily Journal (March 2025) Pro Bono Service Award 2017, 2020-2025 King \u0026amp; Spalding Ones to Watch, Products Liability 2021-2025 Best Lawyers Rising Star 2023, 2024, 2025 Super Lawyers Litigator of the Week – Shout Out The AmLaw Litigation Daily (April 25, 2025) University of California-Los Angeles UCLA School of Law Loyola Law School Loyola Law School U.S. District Court for the Central District of California U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California California Intern, Hon. Geraldine Mund, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California Intern, Hon. Fred Woods, California Defense verdict for global medical device manufacturer in the first bellwether trial in a major multi-district litigation following an eight-week jury trial, October 2014. Defense verdict for Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson in its first talc/mesothelioma case to go to verdict, November 2017. This verdict was ranked No. 1 on CVN’s Top 10 Most Impressive Defense Verdicts of 2017 and named one of the Top Verdicts in California in 2017 by the Daily Journal. Full dismissal for $0 for Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson in talc/mesothelioma case on eve of trial, February 2019. Unanimous defense verdict for Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson in talc/mesothelioma case, April 2019. Defense verdict for Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson in talc/mesothelioma case, October 2019. Motion for summary judgment granted for Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson in talc/mesothelioma case, January 2020.","searchable_name":"Stacy Hambleton","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":202,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":436449,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":4136,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eTaCara Harris is a partner in the Atlanta office of King \u0026amp; Spalding and serves as Chair of our Pharmaceutical \u0026amp; Medical Device Litigation practice. Her practice\u0026nbsp;concentrates on representing clients in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer products industries in nationwide product liability\u0026nbsp;litigation.\u0026nbsp;TaCara handles all aspects of large-scale, high-stakes mass tort litigation across the country in state court consolidated proceedings and in multidistrict litigation from early case assessment, through discovery, and on to summary judgment, trial, settlement, and appeal. Having obtained favorable results for clients in eight multi-week, product liability jury trials, TaCara handles each matter with a view toward trial, considering how to communicate effectively to a jury a host of complex scientific, technical, and regulatory issues.\u0026nbsp; In addition to her litigation practice, TaCara also conducts internal investigations and legal risk assessments, advising clients on liability avoidance and risk mitigation and management strategy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, TaCara is a zealous advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.\u0026nbsp; She co-chairs King \u0026amp; Spalding's\u0026nbsp;Women\u0026rsquo;s Health Initiative,\u0026nbsp;African American Affinity Group,\u0026nbsp;and Pipeline, Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion Subcommittee of Diversity Committee.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaCara earned her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School with honors in 2013. While attending law school, TaCara was a law clerk at the Office of the General Counsel of Vanderbilt University, where she assisted the university and medical center with defense of claims, compliance research and policy drafting regarding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and other state and federal laws.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior to law school, TaCara worked as an intern for the Office of the General Counsel of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. She\u0026nbsp;is also committed to \u003cem\u003epro bono\u003c/em\u003e work, including assisting military veterans with meritorious claims seeking benefits and healthcare.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReport of the Independent Investigation to the U.S. Soccer Federation Concerning Allegations of Abusive Behavior and Sexual Misconduct in Women\u0026rsquo;s Professional Soccer (co-authored with Sally Q. Yates and an all-female King \u0026amp; Spalding team),\u0026nbsp;October 3, 2022\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTaking a \u0026ldquo;Hard Look\u0026rdquo; at Expert Witness Testimony Under Rule 702 | IADC\u0026rsquo;s Defense Counsel Journal,\u0026nbsp;January 26, 2022\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFDA Warns That Most Hair Smoothing or Straightening Products Release Formaldehyde Gas During the Hair Straightening or Smoothing Process, (March 31, 2021)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council and Its Implications for FDA Initiatives and Priorities, March 15, 2021\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026ldquo;Is Forum Shopping for Equal Rights on the Horizon?\u0026rdquo; Baker Donelson\u0026rsquo;s Labor and Employment News, May 2014\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026ldquo;Defending Against No-Injury Product Liability Litigation,\u0026rdquo; CLE Presentation \u0026ndash; Hot Topics for In-House Counsel, Nashville, November 2013\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 2013\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient \u0026minus; Vanderbilt Scholastic Excellence Award for Highest Grade in Legal Writing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient \u0026minus; Highest Grade in Pre-Trial Litigation\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient \u0026minus; McGuireWoods Diversity Scholarship\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient \u0026minus; Bradley Arant Boult Cummings Diversity Scholarship\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient \u0026minus; Lloyd M. Johnson (Arnold \u0026amp; Porter LLP) Scholarship\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTeaching Assistant \u0026minus; Legal Research and Writing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResearch Assistant \u0026minus; Professor David Williams\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecruiting and Retention Chair \u0026minus; Black Law Students Association\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSemi-Finalist \u0026minus; 1L Mock Trial Competition\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e","slug":"tacara-harris","email":"tharris@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003eCo-Counsel to\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTikTok\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein nationwide litigation in which individual plaintiffs allege personal injuries and school districts and other governmental entities allege economic damages arising from adolescent use of various online communications services, including in the\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Litigation\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eMDL pending in the Northern District of California and the\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re Social Media Cases\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;JCCP pending in Los Angeles County.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eServed as a member of the trial team representing\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGlaxoSmithKline\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in federal court in Chicago in the matter of\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eWendy Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(N.D. Illinois 2017), for the first-ever tried \"innovator liability\" case.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMember of team serving as national coordinating counsel for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003einternational pharmaceutical company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in Proton Pump Inhibitors Product Liability Litigation involving allegations of acute and chronic kidney disease.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMember of team serving as national coordinating and trial counsel for an\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003einternational medical device company\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein female pelvic mesh litigation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting an\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSEC university\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in a putative class action pending in an MDL before the Northern District of Illinois that alleges the university failed to protect football players from concussion-related injuries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting an\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSEC university\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in a putative class action pending in an MDL before the Northern District of Illinois that alleges the university failed to protect football players from concussion-related injuries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMember of the trial team representing\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein numerous\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eEngle\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eprogeny personal injury/wrongful death cases pending in Florida.\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":17,"guid":"17.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":761,"guid":"761.smart_tags","index":1,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":764,"guid":"764.smart_tags","index":2,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":103,"guid":"103.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":74,"guid":"74.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":970,"guid":"970.smart_tags","index":5,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":112,"guid":"112.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1256,"guid":"1256.smart_tags","index":7,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":133,"guid":"133.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Harris","nick_name":"TaCara","clerkships":[],"first_name":"TaCara","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":202,"law_schools":[{"id":2442,"meta":{"degree":"J.D.","honors":"Dean's List","is_law_school":"1","graduation_date":"2013-01-01 00:00:00"},"order":1,"pin_order":null,"pin_expiration":null}],"middle_name":" ","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Selected by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star”","detail":"Super Lawyers"},{"title":"Lawyers of Color Second Annual Hot List – Issue 2014 (recognizing early- to mid-career attorneys who are excelling in the legal profession)","detail":""}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eTaCara Harris is a partner in the Atlanta office of King \u0026amp; Spalding and serves as Chair of our Pharmaceutical \u0026amp; Medical Device Litigation practice. Her practice\u0026nbsp;concentrates on representing clients in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer products industries in nationwide product liability\u0026nbsp;litigation.\u0026nbsp;TaCara handles all aspects of large-scale, high-stakes mass tort litigation across the country in state court consolidated proceedings and in multidistrict litigation from early case assessment, through discovery, and on to summary judgment, trial, settlement, and appeal. Having obtained favorable results for clients in eight multi-week, product liability jury trials, TaCara handles each matter with a view toward trial, considering how to communicate effectively to a jury a host of complex scientific, technical, and regulatory issues.\u0026nbsp; In addition to her litigation practice, TaCara also conducts internal investigations and legal risk assessments, advising clients on liability avoidance and risk mitigation and management strategy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, TaCara is a zealous advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.\u0026nbsp; She co-chairs King \u0026amp; Spalding's\u0026nbsp;Women\u0026rsquo;s Health Initiative,\u0026nbsp;African American Affinity Group,\u0026nbsp;and Pipeline, Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion Subcommittee of Diversity Committee.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaCara earned her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School with honors in 2013. While attending law school, TaCara was a law clerk at the Office of the General Counsel of Vanderbilt University, where she assisted the university and medical center with defense of claims, compliance research and policy drafting regarding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and other state and federal laws.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior to law school, TaCara worked as an intern for the Office of the General Counsel of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. She\u0026nbsp;is also committed to \u003cem\u003epro bono\u003c/em\u003e work, including assisting military veterans with meritorious claims seeking benefits and healthcare.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReport of the Independent Investigation to the U.S. Soccer Federation Concerning Allegations of Abusive Behavior and Sexual Misconduct in Women\u0026rsquo;s Professional Soccer (co-authored with Sally Q. Yates and an all-female King \u0026amp; Spalding team),\u0026nbsp;October 3, 2022\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTaking a \u0026ldquo;Hard Look\u0026rdquo; at Expert Witness Testimony Under Rule 702 | IADC\u0026rsquo;s Defense Counsel Journal,\u0026nbsp;January 26, 2022\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFDA Warns That Most Hair Smoothing or Straightening Products Release Formaldehyde Gas During the Hair Straightening or Smoothing Process, (March 31, 2021)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council and Its Implications for FDA Initiatives and Priorities, March 15, 2021\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026ldquo;Is Forum Shopping for Equal Rights on the Horizon?\u0026rdquo; Baker Donelson\u0026rsquo;s Labor and Employment News, May 2014\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026ldquo;Defending Against No-Injury Product Liability Litigation,\u0026rdquo; CLE Presentation \u0026ndash; Hot Topics for In-House Counsel, Nashville, November 2013\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 2013\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient \u0026minus; Vanderbilt Scholastic Excellence Award for Highest Grade in Legal Writing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient \u0026minus; Highest Grade in Pre-Trial Litigation\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient \u0026minus; McGuireWoods Diversity Scholarship\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient \u0026minus; Bradley Arant Boult Cummings Diversity Scholarship\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient \u0026minus; Lloyd M. Johnson (Arnold \u0026amp; Porter LLP) Scholarship\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTeaching Assistant \u0026minus; Legal Research and Writing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResearch Assistant \u0026minus; Professor David Williams\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecruiting and Retention Chair \u0026minus; Black Law Students Association\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSemi-Finalist \u0026minus; 1L Mock Trial Competition\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eCo-Counsel to\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTikTok\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein nationwide litigation in which individual plaintiffs allege personal injuries and school districts and other governmental entities allege economic damages arising from adolescent use of various online communications services, including in the\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Litigation\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eMDL pending in the Northern District of California and the\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re Social Media Cases\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;JCCP pending in Los Angeles County.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eServed as a member of the trial team representing\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGlaxoSmithKline\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in federal court in Chicago in the matter of\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eWendy Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(N.D. Illinois 2017), for the first-ever tried \"innovator liability\" case.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMember of team serving as national coordinating counsel for\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003einternational pharmaceutical company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in Proton Pump Inhibitors Product Liability Litigation involving allegations of acute and chronic kidney disease.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMember of team serving as national coordinating and trial counsel for an\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003einternational medical device company\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein female pelvic mesh litigation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting an\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSEC university\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in a putative class action pending in an MDL before the Northern District of Illinois that alleges the university failed to protect football players from concussion-related injuries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting an\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSEC university\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in a putative class action pending in an MDL before the Northern District of Illinois that alleges the university failed to protect football players from concussion-related injuries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMember of the trial team representing\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein numerous\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eEngle\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eprogeny personal injury/wrongful death cases pending in Florida.\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"Selected by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star”","detail":"Super Lawyers"},{"title":"Lawyers of Color Second Annual Hot List – Issue 2014 (recognizing early- to mid-career attorneys who are excelling in the legal profession)","detail":""}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":4225}]},"capability_group_id":3},"created_at":"2025-09-02T04:54:41.000Z","updated_at":"2025-09-02T04:54:41.000Z","searchable_text":"Harris{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Selected by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star”\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Super Lawyers\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Lawyers of Color Second Annual Hot List – Issue 2014 (recognizing early- to mid-career attorneys who are excelling in the legal profession)\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"\"}{{ FIELD }}Co-Counsel to TikTok in nationwide litigation in which individual plaintiffs allege personal injuries and school districts and other governmental entities allege economic damages arising from adolescent use of various online communications services, including in the In re Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Litigation MDL pending in the Northern District of California and the In re Social Media Cases JCCP pending in Los Angeles County.{{ FIELD }}Served as a member of the trial team representing GlaxoSmithKline in federal court in Chicago in the matter of Wendy Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline (N.D. Illinois 2017), for the first-ever tried \"innovator liability\" case.{{ FIELD }}Member of team serving as national coordinating counsel for international pharmaceutical company in Proton Pump Inhibitors Product Liability Litigation involving allegations of acute and chronic kidney disease.{{ FIELD }}Member of team serving as national coordinating and trial counsel for an international medical device company in female pelvic mesh litigation.{{ FIELD }}Representing an SEC university in a putative class action pending in an MDL before the Northern District of Illinois that alleges the university failed to protect football players from concussion-related injuries.{{ FIELD }}Representing an SEC university in a putative class action pending in an MDL before the Northern District of Illinois that alleges the university failed to protect football players from concussion-related injuries.{{ FIELD }}Member of the trial team representing R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in numerous Engle progeny personal injury/wrongful death cases pending in Florida.{{ FIELD }}TaCara Harris is a partner in the Atlanta office of King \u0026amp; Spalding and serves as Chair of our Pharmaceutical \u0026amp; Medical Device Litigation practice. Her practice concentrates on representing clients in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer products industries in nationwide product liability litigation. TaCara handles all aspects of large-scale, high-stakes mass tort litigation across the country in state court consolidated proceedings and in multidistrict litigation from early case assessment, through discovery, and on to summary judgment, trial, settlement, and appeal. Having obtained favorable results for clients in eight multi-week, product liability jury trials, TaCara handles each matter with a view toward trial, considering how to communicate effectively to a jury a host of complex scientific, technical, and regulatory issues.  In addition to her litigation practice, TaCara also conducts internal investigations and legal risk assessments, advising clients on liability avoidance and risk mitigation and management strategy.\nAdditionally, TaCara is a zealous advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.  She co-chairs King \u0026amp; Spalding's Women’s Health Initiative, African American Affinity Group, and Pipeline, Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion Subcommittee of Diversity Committee.\nTaCara earned her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School with honors in 2013. While attending law school, TaCara was a law clerk at the Office of the General Counsel of Vanderbilt University, where she assisted the university and medical center with defense of claims, compliance research and policy drafting regarding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and other state and federal laws. \nPrior to law school, TaCara worked as an intern for the Office of the General Counsel of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. She is also committed to pro bono work, including assisting military veterans with meritorious claims seeking benefits and healthcare. \nPublications\n\nReport of the Independent Investigation to the U.S. Soccer Federation Concerning Allegations of Abusive Behavior and Sexual Misconduct in Women’s Professional Soccer (co-authored with Sally Q. Yates and an all-female King \u0026amp; Spalding team), October 3, 2022\nTaking a “Hard Look” at Expert Witness Testimony Under Rule 702 | IADC’s Defense Counsel Journal, January 26, 2022\nFDA Warns That Most Hair Smoothing or Straightening Products Release Formaldehyde Gas During the Hair Straightening or Smoothing Process, (March 31, 2021)\nThe Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council and Its Implications for FDA Initiatives and Priorities, March 15, 2021\n“Is Forum Shopping for Equal Rights on the Horizon?” Baker Donelson’s Labor and Employment News, May 2014\n“Defending Against No-Injury Product Liability Litigation,” CLE Presentation – Hot Topics for In-House Counsel, Nashville, November 2013\n\nEducation\n\nVanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 2013\n\nRecipient − Vanderbilt Scholastic Excellence Award for Highest Grade in Legal Writing\nRecipient − Highest Grade in Pre-Trial Litigation\nRecipient − McGuireWoods Diversity Scholarship\nRecipient − Bradley Arant Boult Cummings Diversity Scholarship\nRecipient − Lloyd M. Johnson (Arnold \u0026amp; Porter LLP) Scholarship\nTeaching Assistant − Legal Research and Writing\nResearch Assistant − Professor David Williams\nRecruiting and Retention Chair − Black Law Students Association\nSemi-Finalist − 1L Mock Trial Competition\n\n\n Partner Selected by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” Super Lawyers Lawyers of Color Second Annual Hot List – Issue 2014 (recognizing early- to mid-career attorneys who are excelling in the legal profession)  Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University School of Law Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University School of Law U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee Georgia Tennessee Georgia Association of Black Women Lawyers Co-Counsel to TikTok in nationwide litigation in which individual plaintiffs allege personal injuries and school districts and other governmental entities allege economic damages arising from adolescent use of various online communications services, including in the In re Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Litigation MDL pending in the Northern District of California and the In re Social Media Cases JCCP pending in Los Angeles County. Served as a member of the trial team representing GlaxoSmithKline in federal court in Chicago in the matter of Wendy Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline (N.D. Illinois 2017), for the first-ever tried \"innovator liability\" case. Member of team serving as national coordinating counsel for international pharmaceutical company in Proton Pump Inhibitors Product Liability Litigation involving allegations of acute and chronic kidney disease. Member of team serving as national coordinating and trial counsel for an international medical device company in female pelvic mesh litigation. Representing an SEC university in a putative class action pending in an MDL before the Northern District of Illinois that alleges the university failed to protect football players from concussion-related injuries. Representing an SEC university in a putative class action pending in an MDL before the Northern District of Illinois that alleges the university failed to protect football players from concussion-related injuries. Member of the trial team representing R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in numerous Engle progeny personal injury/wrongful death cases pending in Florida.","searchable_name":"TaCara Harris","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":202,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":448648,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":2174,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eUrsula Henninger is a first-chair trial lawyer specializing in defending product liability and consumer products claims. She has tried cases in numerous state and federal courts throughout the country, most often in recognized \"judicial hellholes.\" Her trials often involve allegations of corporate misconduct leading to claims for significant punitive damages.\u0026nbsp; A partner in our Trial and Global Disputes practice, Ursula represents companies in consumer products including tobacco,\u0026nbsp;pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other industries.\u0026nbsp; A fellow of the\u0026nbsp;American College of Trial Lawyers, she is recognized by her peers for her courtroom performance as well as her standards.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrsula represents well-known corporations, including pharmaceutical and tobacco companies, in high-profile consumer and\u0026nbsp; product liability matters. She has tried over 45\u0026nbsp;cases in her career\u0026nbsp;and is known for her ability to relate to juries.\u0026nbsp; In addition, she is frequently asked to lead industry groups related to common litigation themes, trial presentation and interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to being a first-chair trial attorney, Ursula coordinates defense team efforts, leading case management from the filing of the complaint to trial and through the appeals process. She often serves as lead case management lawyer for actions filed in multiple jurisdictions, and directs pretrial discovery and motion practice for the defense team in numerous cases. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrsula's trial successes are well-recognized.\u0026nbsp; Ursula received Law 360's MVP Award in 2018 for the category \"Trials\" as well as Law 360's MVP for the category \"Product Liability\" 2019 as well as Courtroom View Network's \"Engle Defense Attorney of the Year\" in 2018.\u0026nbsp; Ursula is Chambers, Band 2 Litigation: Product Liability; named a U.S. Litigation Star by \u003cem\u003eBenchmark Litigation 2017,\u003c/em\u003e and has been ranked by \u003cem\u003eLegal 500 US\u003c/em\u003e for Litigation: Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense \u0026ndash; Consumer Products.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"ursula-henninger","email":"uhenninger@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eReinaldo Ojeda v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (Miami Dade).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eRobert Denton v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (M.D. Fla.).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem\u003eHildegard Brown v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (Escambia).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eCharles G. Wendel v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (Miami Dade).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eHazel Mathis v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (Broward).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eStanley Martin v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (Broward).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eGlaxoSmithKline\u003c/strong\u003e in a trial in federal court in Chicago in the matter \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eWendy Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e (N.D. Illinois 2017).\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":17,"guid":"17.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":764,"guid":"764.smart_tags","index":1,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":761,"guid":"761.smart_tags","index":2,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":103,"guid":"103.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":74,"guid":"74.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":970,"guid":"970.smart_tags","index":5,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":112,"guid":"112.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1270,"guid":"1270.smart_tags","index":7,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Henninger","nick_name":"Ursula","clerkships":[],"first_name":"Ursula","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":174,"law_schools":[],"middle_name":"M.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"U.S. Litigation Star ","detail":"Benchmark Litigation, 2017"},{"title":"Litigation: Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense – Consumer Products","detail":"Legal 500 U.S."},{"title":"","detail":""}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eUrsula Henninger is a first-chair trial lawyer specializing in defending product liability and consumer products claims. She has tried cases in numerous state and federal courts throughout the country, most often in recognized \"judicial hellholes.\" Her trials often involve allegations of corporate misconduct leading to claims for significant punitive damages.\u0026nbsp; A partner in our Trial and Global Disputes practice, Ursula represents companies in consumer products including tobacco,\u0026nbsp;pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other industries.\u0026nbsp; A fellow of the\u0026nbsp;American College of Trial Lawyers, she is recognized by her peers for her courtroom performance as well as her standards.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrsula represents well-known corporations, including pharmaceutical and tobacco companies, in high-profile consumer and\u0026nbsp; product liability matters. She has tried over 45\u0026nbsp;cases in her career\u0026nbsp;and is known for her ability to relate to juries.\u0026nbsp; In addition, she is frequently asked to lead industry groups related to common litigation themes, trial presentation and interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to being a first-chair trial attorney, Ursula coordinates defense team efforts, leading case management from the filing of the complaint to trial and through the appeals process. She often serves as lead case management lawyer for actions filed in multiple jurisdictions, and directs pretrial discovery and motion practice for the defense team in numerous cases. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrsula's trial successes are well-recognized.\u0026nbsp; Ursula received Law 360's MVP Award in 2018 for the category \"Trials\" as well as Law 360's MVP for the category \"Product Liability\" 2019 as well as Courtroom View Network's \"Engle Defense Attorney of the Year\" in 2018.\u0026nbsp; Ursula is Chambers, Band 2 Litigation: Product Liability; named a U.S. Litigation Star by \u003cem\u003eBenchmark Litigation 2017,\u003c/em\u003e and has been ranked by \u003cem\u003eLegal 500 US\u003c/em\u003e for Litigation: Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense \u0026ndash; Consumer Products.\u003c/p\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eReinaldo Ojeda v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (Miami Dade).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eRobert Denton v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (M.D. Fla.).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem\u003eHildegard Brown v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (Escambia).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eCharles G. Wendel v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (Miami Dade).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eHazel Mathis v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (Broward).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eR.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/strong\u003e in \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eEngle\u003c/em\u003e progeny case, \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eStanley Martin v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e (Broward).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eGlaxoSmithKline\u003c/strong\u003e in a trial in federal court in Chicago in the matter \u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eWendy Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e (N.D. Illinois 2017).\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"U.S. Litigation Star ","detail":"Benchmark Litigation, 2017"},{"title":"Litigation: Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense – Consumer Products","detail":"Legal 500 U.S."},{"title":"","detail":""}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":9870}]},"capability_group_id":3},"created_at":"2026-05-28T21:50:29.000Z","updated_at":"2026-05-28T21:50:29.000Z","searchable_text":"Henninger{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"U.S. Litigation Star \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Benchmark Litigation, 2017\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Litigation: Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense – Consumer Products\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Legal 500 U.S.\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"\"}{{ FIELD }}Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Reinaldo Ojeda v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Miami Dade).{{ FIELD }}Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Robert Denton v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (M.D. Fla.).{{ FIELD }}Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Hildegard Brown v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Escambia).{{ FIELD }}Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Charles G. Wendel v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Miami Dade).{{ FIELD }}Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Hazel Mathis v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Broward).{{ FIELD }}Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Stanley Martin v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Broward).{{ FIELD }}Represented GlaxoSmithKline in a trial in federal court in Chicago in the matter Wendy Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline (N.D. Illinois 2017).{{ FIELD }}Ursula Henninger is a first-chair trial lawyer specializing in defending product liability and consumer products claims. She has tried cases in numerous state and federal courts throughout the country, most often in recognized \"judicial hellholes.\" Her trials often involve allegations of corporate misconduct leading to claims for significant punitive damages.  A partner in our Trial and Global Disputes practice, Ursula represents companies in consumer products including tobacco, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other industries.  A fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, she is recognized by her peers for her courtroom performance as well as her standards.\nUrsula represents well-known corporations, including pharmaceutical and tobacco companies, in high-profile consumer and  product liability matters. She has tried over 45 cases in her career and is known for her ability to relate to juries.  In addition, she is frequently asked to lead industry groups related to common litigation themes, trial presentation and interests.\nIn addition to being a first-chair trial attorney, Ursula coordinates defense team efforts, leading case management from the filing of the complaint to trial and through the appeals process. She often serves as lead case management lawyer for actions filed in multiple jurisdictions, and directs pretrial discovery and motion practice for the defense team in numerous cases.  \nUrsula's trial successes are well-recognized.  Ursula received Law 360's MVP Award in 2018 for the category \"Trials\" as well as Law 360's MVP for the category \"Product Liability\" 2019 as well as Courtroom View Network's \"Engle Defense Attorney of the Year\" in 2018.  Ursula is Chambers, Band 2 Litigation: Product Liability; named a U.S. Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation 2017, and has been ranked by Legal 500 US for Litigation: Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense – Consumer Products. Partner U.S. Litigation Star  Benchmark Litigation, 2017 Litigation: Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense – Consumer Products Legal 500 U.S.   Appalachian State University  Wake Forest University Wake Forest University School of Law Supreme Court of the United States U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina Florida North Carolina Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Reinaldo Ojeda v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Miami Dade). Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Robert Denton v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (M.D. Fla.). Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Hildegard Brown v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Escambia). Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Charles G. Wendel v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Miami Dade). Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Hazel Mathis v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Broward). Represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Engle progeny case, Stanley Martin v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Broward). Represented GlaxoSmithKline in a trial in federal court in Chicago in the matter Wendy Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline (N.D. Illinois 2017).","searchable_name":"Ursula M. Henninger","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":174,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":436467,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":5002,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eJohn Hooper defends multinational companies in complex litigations, including a variety of commercial, product liability, financial services, false and misleading advertising and other consumer class actions where he has served as national, regional and/or strategic counsel.\u0026nbsp; He provides clients with all-inclusive strategic litigation management and counseling services to mitigate the reputational and financial risk associated with high exposure, viral and bet-the-company litigations.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn's advises companies to create and execute litigation and strategic resolution options in some of the largest, most complex class actions, commercial litigations and mass torts in federal and state courts. Hooper's experience ranges from trials and arbitrations to mediations and settlements, and all stages of a case, from prelitigation to appeal.\u0026nbsp; John's clients include some of the world's largest manufacturers of automobiles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, building materials, tires, sporting goods and apparel as well as retailers, railroads, hedge funds, life insurance companies, private equity firms, banks and other financial services institutions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChambers noted that John Hooper is \u0026ldquo;24/7 responsive and very strategic\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;he thinks of end-game solutions in a way that other attorneys do not.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp; The Legal 500 United States has noted that, \"John Hooper in New York is 'strongly recommended to anyone seeking a practical approach to managing complex litigation matters, particularly those with national scope.\u0026rdquo; \u0026nbsp;John has just been recognized by the National Law Journal as one of its \u0026ldquo;50 Litigation Trailblazers\u0026rdquo; for his practice of advising multi-national clients on creating and implementing end game strategies in \"Viral Litigations\".\u0026nbsp; The American Lawyer has recognized his skills in the management and resolution of \"bet the company\" litigation and as a \"great master strategist.\"\u0026nbsp; He has been nominated to the BTI \"Client Service All-Star Team\" for multiple years.\u0026nbsp; He is also recognized in the Association of Corporate Counsel's 2014 Value Champion award.\u0026nbsp; The New York Law Journal stated that John Hooper \u0026ldquo;has worked on some of the most high-profile litigation matters in the last decade.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe has also been appointed by the federal and state courts as a Special Master, Special Settlement Master and Special Arbitration Master. He has also been appointed as the Lead Defense Settlement Liaison Counsel in MDL and other federal and state class and mass actions.\u0026nbsp; He is a member of the Academy of Court Appointed Special Masters. John is a frequent speaker in the United States and Canada on topics related to class and mass actions.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"john-hooper","email":"jhooper@kslaw.com","phone":"","matters":["\u003cp\u003eOn June 12 ,2017, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida preliminarily approved a class action settlement with Toyota and the class involving over 9 million class members in \u003cu\u003eIn re: Takata Airbag Products Liability Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, 15-02599-MD-MORENO (S.D. Fla.). The Court also preliminarily approved class action settlements with three other defendant automobile manufacturers.\u0026nbsp; The settlements include a novel outreach program, out-of-pocket claims process, rental car/loaner program and a residual distribution.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObtained dismissals from over 20 putative class actions using a proffer strategy on behalf of herbal supplement manufacturer and retailer.\u0026nbsp; Plaintiffs alleged that certain herbal supplements did not contain the ingredients listed and asserted consumer fraud claims. Eight of the dismissals were obtained before the cases were consolidated.\u0026nbsp; After consolidation, the MDL Court created a separate track for the client to continue its efforts, which resulted in the omission of the client in the consolidated class action complaint in \u003cu\u003eIn re: Herbal Supplements Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, 15-cv-05070 (N.D. Ill.).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWas National Coordinating Counsel to C. R. Bard, Inc., a Fortune 100 medical device manufacturer, in a complex product liability litigation arising out of an FDA recall with the cases filed in an MDL, a consolidated Rhode Island state court action and individual state courts across the country.\u0026nbsp; We successfully designed and implemented a strategy that tried two cases and resolved the great majority of the cases pending in the litigation.\u0026nbsp; We also implemented a Target Budget Fixed Fee arrangement that was narrowly tailored to meet the client\u0026rsquo;s needs and goals, and aimed at controlling costs across the board in this nationwide litigation.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eIn re Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch Products Liability Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, MDL Docket No. 07 1842-ML (D.R.I.), \u003cu\u003eIn re: All Individual Kugel Mesh Cases\u003c/u\u003e, Master Docket No.: PC-2008-9999 (Superior Court, Providence County, State of Rhode Island).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully resolved nationwide economic loss class action involving over 23 million class members and nearly 200 class actions relating to certain Toyota vehicles in In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:10MD2151 (JVS) (FMOx) (C.D. Cal.).\u0026nbsp; The settlement included installation of a Brake Override System, a customer support warranty program, an automobile safety and education program and two cash funds.\u0026nbsp; This was the largest settlement at that time in the automotive industry.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully resolved hundreds of products liability personal injury matters using innovative two-phase Court-ordered settlement conferences and mediations in In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:10MD2151 (JVS) (FMOx) (C.D. Cal.) and Toyota Motor Cases, No. 4621 (Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding, Superior Court, Complex Part, Los Angeles, CA).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved hundreds of cases and claims pending in the United States and the United Kingdom for injuries allegedly caused by taking a prescription medication.\u0026nbsp; After a jury found for plaintiff and while a second trial was underway, we partnered with the client and with the co-defendant to create a very successful end-game strategy that resolved over 95% of the cases in a four month period through negotiating large block settlements with various large plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; firms, which has also had the added benefit of minimizing the potential tail.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eIn re: Mirapex Products Liability Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, 0:07-md-01836- JMR-FLN (D. Minn.) and numerous state cases.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObtained dismissals of numerous putative filed and unfiled class actions on behalf of a multinational consumer goods manufacturer where plaintiffs and claimants alleged consumer fraud and consumer protection claims.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully resolved government complaint in the U.S. and five nationwide class actions in the U.S. and Canada in response to alleged violations of consumer fraud and consumer protection statutes relating to the marketing and advertising of Reebok\u0026rsquo;s EasyTone shoes and apparel.\u0026nbsp; The settlement also resolved the U.S. Federal Trade Commission\u0026rsquo;s (\u0026ldquo;FTC\u0026rdquo;) complaint making similar allegations.\u0026nbsp; The terms of the settlements were unique in that the $25 million paid to the FTC was allowed to be used to fund a consumer redress program for eligible class members.\u0026nbsp; In addition, Reebok agreed to certain conduct changes.\u0026nbsp; The FTC also provided extensive input and guidance in designing a consumer-friendly redress program.\u0026nbsp; Two Canadian class actions making similar allegations were resolved using a similar consumer-friendly process for less than $2 million.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eIn re Reebok EasyTone Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, 4:10-CV-11977-FDS (D. Mass.); \u003cu\u003eFederal Trade Commission v. Reebok International Ltd., d/b/a Reebok\u003c/u\u003e, 1:11-cv-02046-DCN (N.D. Ohio); \u003cu\u003eHeney v. Reebok Canada\u003c/u\u003e, Court File No. 5608/11 (Ontario Sup. Ct. of Justice); \u003cu\u003eMarkus v. Reebok Canada\u003c/u\u003e, Court File No. 500-06-000582-110 (Quebec Sup. Ct. of Justice).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved the third largest nationwide insurance sales practices class action valued at $800 million for MassMutual.\u0026nbsp; The settlement eliminated a potentially large liability in two states where certification of classes were granted and one of which was on the eve of trial in a plaintiff-friendly jurisdiction with possible treble damages. The case was fully resolved after eight appeals were filed.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eVaracallo v. MassMutual\u003c/u\u003e, No. 04-2702 (JLL) (D.N.J.), 226 F.R.D. 207 (D.N.J. 2005).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppointed Special Master in \u003cu\u003eFox v. Cheminova\u003c/u\u003e, 00-CV-5145 (TCP) (ETB) (E.D.N.Y.) to resolve a class action that had been pending for nearly six years and was on the eve of trial.\u0026nbsp; Prior to being appointed by the court, we held a series of mediations between the parties to arrive at the settlement.\u0026nbsp; After the appointment by the court, we reviewed the objections, met and conferred telephonically with objectors, and had a number of follow-up calls with them.\u0026nbsp; We also drafted a 50-page Report and Recommendation regarding final approval, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 23, and the award of attorneys\u0026rsquo; fees and costs that was adopted in almost its entirety by the court in its final approval order.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwice appointed Special Settlement Master to oversee the award of \u0026nbsp;nearly $85 million in plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; attorneys\u0026rsquo; fees arising from subsequent settlements in the Tank Car case.\u0026nbsp; Selected because of the substantial credibility amassed with the plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; attorney from the first settlement, even though he was a defense attorney.\u0026nbsp; We set up an aggressive briefing schedule and hearing schedule and quickly issued a final Report and Recommendation regarding allocating the attorneys\u0026rsquo; fees, which otherwise would have resulted in needless litigation and uncertainty.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eIn re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, No. 87-16374 and all Related Cases on Exhibit \u0026ldquo;A\u0026rdquo;, Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppointed Special Settlement Master to oversee the award of approximately $4.5 million in plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; attorneys fees and costs arising from the third settlement in the Tank Car case.\u0026nbsp; John Hooper was selected because he had amassed additional credibility with the plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; attorney from the first distribution of attorneys\u0026rsquo; fees.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eIn re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, No. 87-16374 and all Related Cases on Exhibit \u0026ldquo;A\u0026rdquo;, Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved numerous class actions pending in Canada, including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved \u003cu\u003eIn re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, No. 87-16374 and All Related Cases on Exhibit \u0026ldquo;A,\u0026rdquo; Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, class action, which had been pending for over 10 years and involved the second largest punitive damages awards of $3.3 billion, prior to our involvement.\u0026nbsp; As the Court-Appointed Defense Settlement Liaison Counsel, we resolved the claims for five of the nine defendants.\u0026nbsp; There was a subsequent settlement of a sixth defendant that used a substantially similar settlement agreement.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":17,"guid":"17.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":106,"guid":"106.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":762,"guid":"762.smart_tags","index":2,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":3,"guid":"3.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":16,"guid":"16.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":761,"guid":"761.smart_tags","index":5,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":2,"guid":"2.smart_tags","index":6,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":103,"guid":"103.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":74,"guid":"74.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":107,"guid":"107.capabilities","index":9,"source":"capabilities"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Hooper","nick_name":"John","clerkships":[],"first_name":"John","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":101,"law_schools":[],"middle_name":"P.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Recognized among “50 Litigation Trailblazers”","detail":"National Law Journal, 2015"},{"title":"Multiple nominations to “Client Services All-Star Team”","detail":"BTI Consulting Group"},{"title":"ACC Value Champion","detail":"Association of Corporate Counsel, 2014"}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eJohn Hooper defends multinational companies in complex litigations, including a variety of commercial, product liability, financial services, false and misleading advertising and other consumer class actions where he has served as national, regional and/or strategic counsel.\u0026nbsp; He provides clients with all-inclusive strategic litigation management and counseling services to mitigate the reputational and financial risk associated with high exposure, viral and bet-the-company litigations.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn's advises companies to create and execute litigation and strategic resolution options in some of the largest, most complex class actions, commercial litigations and mass torts in federal and state courts. Hooper's experience ranges from trials and arbitrations to mediations and settlements, and all stages of a case, from prelitigation to appeal.\u0026nbsp; John's clients include some of the world's largest manufacturers of automobiles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, building materials, tires, sporting goods and apparel as well as retailers, railroads, hedge funds, life insurance companies, private equity firms, banks and other financial services institutions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChambers noted that John Hooper is \u0026ldquo;24/7 responsive and very strategic\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;he thinks of end-game solutions in a way that other attorneys do not.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp; The Legal 500 United States has noted that, \"John Hooper in New York is 'strongly recommended to anyone seeking a practical approach to managing complex litigation matters, particularly those with national scope.\u0026rdquo; \u0026nbsp;John has just been recognized by the National Law Journal as one of its \u0026ldquo;50 Litigation Trailblazers\u0026rdquo; for his practice of advising multi-national clients on creating and implementing end game strategies in \"Viral Litigations\".\u0026nbsp; The American Lawyer has recognized his skills in the management and resolution of \"bet the company\" litigation and as a \"great master strategist.\"\u0026nbsp; He has been nominated to the BTI \"Client Service All-Star Team\" for multiple years.\u0026nbsp; He is also recognized in the Association of Corporate Counsel's 2014 Value Champion award.\u0026nbsp; The New York Law Journal stated that John Hooper \u0026ldquo;has worked on some of the most high-profile litigation matters in the last decade.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe has also been appointed by the federal and state courts as a Special Master, Special Settlement Master and Special Arbitration Master. He has also been appointed as the Lead Defense Settlement Liaison Counsel in MDL and other federal and state class and mass actions.\u0026nbsp; He is a member of the Academy of Court Appointed Special Masters. John is a frequent speaker in the United States and Canada on topics related to class and mass actions.\u003c/p\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eOn June 12 ,2017, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida preliminarily approved a class action settlement with Toyota and the class involving over 9 million class members in \u003cu\u003eIn re: Takata Airbag Products Liability Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, 15-02599-MD-MORENO (S.D. Fla.). The Court also preliminarily approved class action settlements with three other defendant automobile manufacturers.\u0026nbsp; The settlements include a novel outreach program, out-of-pocket claims process, rental car/loaner program and a residual distribution.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObtained dismissals from over 20 putative class actions using a proffer strategy on behalf of herbal supplement manufacturer and retailer.\u0026nbsp; Plaintiffs alleged that certain herbal supplements did not contain the ingredients listed and asserted consumer fraud claims. Eight of the dismissals were obtained before the cases were consolidated.\u0026nbsp; After consolidation, the MDL Court created a separate track for the client to continue its efforts, which resulted in the omission of the client in the consolidated class action complaint in \u003cu\u003eIn re: Herbal Supplements Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, 15-cv-05070 (N.D. Ill.).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWas National Coordinating Counsel to C. R. Bard, Inc., a Fortune 100 medical device manufacturer, in a complex product liability litigation arising out of an FDA recall with the cases filed in an MDL, a consolidated Rhode Island state court action and individual state courts across the country.\u0026nbsp; We successfully designed and implemented a strategy that tried two cases and resolved the great majority of the cases pending in the litigation.\u0026nbsp; We also implemented a Target Budget Fixed Fee arrangement that was narrowly tailored to meet the client\u0026rsquo;s needs and goals, and aimed at controlling costs across the board in this nationwide litigation.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eIn re Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch Products Liability Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, MDL Docket No. 07 1842-ML (D.R.I.), \u003cu\u003eIn re: All Individual Kugel Mesh Cases\u003c/u\u003e, Master Docket No.: PC-2008-9999 (Superior Court, Providence County, State of Rhode Island).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully resolved nationwide economic loss class action involving over 23 million class members and nearly 200 class actions relating to certain Toyota vehicles in In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:10MD2151 (JVS) (FMOx) (C.D. Cal.).\u0026nbsp; The settlement included installation of a Brake Override System, a customer support warranty program, an automobile safety and education program and two cash funds.\u0026nbsp; This was the largest settlement at that time in the automotive industry.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully resolved hundreds of products liability personal injury matters using innovative two-phase Court-ordered settlement conferences and mediations in In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:10MD2151 (JVS) (FMOx) (C.D. Cal.) and Toyota Motor Cases, No. 4621 (Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding, Superior Court, Complex Part, Los Angeles, CA).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved hundreds of cases and claims pending in the United States and the United Kingdom for injuries allegedly caused by taking a prescription medication.\u0026nbsp; After a jury found for plaintiff and while a second trial was underway, we partnered with the client and with the co-defendant to create a very successful end-game strategy that resolved over 95% of the cases in a four month period through negotiating large block settlements with various large plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; firms, which has also had the added benefit of minimizing the potential tail.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eIn re: Mirapex Products Liability Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, 0:07-md-01836- JMR-FLN (D. Minn.) and numerous state cases.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObtained dismissals of numerous putative filed and unfiled class actions on behalf of a multinational consumer goods manufacturer where plaintiffs and claimants alleged consumer fraud and consumer protection claims.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully resolved government complaint in the U.S. and five nationwide class actions in the U.S. and Canada in response to alleged violations of consumer fraud and consumer protection statutes relating to the marketing and advertising of Reebok\u0026rsquo;s EasyTone shoes and apparel.\u0026nbsp; The settlement also resolved the U.S. Federal Trade Commission\u0026rsquo;s (\u0026ldquo;FTC\u0026rdquo;) complaint making similar allegations.\u0026nbsp; The terms of the settlements were unique in that the $25 million paid to the FTC was allowed to be used to fund a consumer redress program for eligible class members.\u0026nbsp; In addition, Reebok agreed to certain conduct changes.\u0026nbsp; The FTC also provided extensive input and guidance in designing a consumer-friendly redress program.\u0026nbsp; Two Canadian class actions making similar allegations were resolved using a similar consumer-friendly process for less than $2 million.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eIn re Reebok EasyTone Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, 4:10-CV-11977-FDS (D. Mass.); \u003cu\u003eFederal Trade Commission v. Reebok International Ltd., d/b/a Reebok\u003c/u\u003e, 1:11-cv-02046-DCN (N.D. Ohio); \u003cu\u003eHeney v. Reebok Canada\u003c/u\u003e, Court File No. 5608/11 (Ontario Sup. Ct. of Justice); \u003cu\u003eMarkus v. Reebok Canada\u003c/u\u003e, Court File No. 500-06-000582-110 (Quebec Sup. Ct. of Justice).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved the third largest nationwide insurance sales practices class action valued at $800 million for MassMutual.\u0026nbsp; The settlement eliminated a potentially large liability in two states where certification of classes were granted and one of which was on the eve of trial in a plaintiff-friendly jurisdiction with possible treble damages. The case was fully resolved after eight appeals were filed.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eVaracallo v. MassMutual\u003c/u\u003e, No. 04-2702 (JLL) (D.N.J.), 226 F.R.D. 207 (D.N.J. 2005).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppointed Special Master in \u003cu\u003eFox v. Cheminova\u003c/u\u003e, 00-CV-5145 (TCP) (ETB) (E.D.N.Y.) to resolve a class action that had been pending for nearly six years and was on the eve of trial.\u0026nbsp; Prior to being appointed by the court, we held a series of mediations between the parties to arrive at the settlement.\u0026nbsp; After the appointment by the court, we reviewed the objections, met and conferred telephonically with objectors, and had a number of follow-up calls with them.\u0026nbsp; We also drafted a 50-page Report and Recommendation regarding final approval, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 23, and the award of attorneys\u0026rsquo; fees and costs that was adopted in almost its entirety by the court in its final approval order.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwice appointed Special Settlement Master to oversee the award of \u0026nbsp;nearly $85 million in plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; attorneys\u0026rsquo; fees arising from subsequent settlements in the Tank Car case.\u0026nbsp; Selected because of the substantial credibility amassed with the plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; attorney from the first settlement, even though he was a defense attorney.\u0026nbsp; We set up an aggressive briefing schedule and hearing schedule and quickly issued a final Report and Recommendation regarding allocating the attorneys\u0026rsquo; fees, which otherwise would have resulted in needless litigation and uncertainty.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eIn re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, No. 87-16374 and all Related Cases on Exhibit \u0026ldquo;A\u0026rdquo;, Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppointed Special Settlement Master to oversee the award of approximately $4.5 million in plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; attorneys fees and costs arising from the third settlement in the Tank Car case.\u0026nbsp; John Hooper was selected because he had amassed additional credibility with the plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; attorney from the first distribution of attorneys\u0026rsquo; fees.\u0026nbsp; \u003cu\u003eIn re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, No. 87-16374 and all Related Cases on Exhibit \u0026ldquo;A\u0026rdquo;, Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved numerous class actions pending in Canada, including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved \u003cu\u003eIn re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation\u003c/u\u003e, No. 87-16374 and All Related Cases on Exhibit \u0026ldquo;A,\u0026rdquo; Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, class action, which had been pending for over 10 years and involved the second largest punitive damages awards of $3.3 billion, prior to our involvement.\u0026nbsp; As the Court-Appointed Defense Settlement Liaison Counsel, we resolved the claims for five of the nine defendants.\u0026nbsp; There was a subsequent settlement of a sixth defendant that used a substantially similar settlement agreement.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"Recognized among “50 Litigation Trailblazers”","detail":"National Law Journal, 2015"},{"title":"Multiple nominations to “Client Services All-Star Team”","detail":"BTI Consulting Group"},{"title":"ACC Value Champion","detail":"Association of Corporate Counsel, 2014"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":5156}]},"capability_group_id":3},"created_at":"2025-09-02T04:55:15.000Z","updated_at":"2025-09-02T04:55:15.000Z","searchable_text":"Hooper{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Recognized among “50 Litigation Trailblazers”\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"National Law Journal, 2015\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Multiple nominations to “Client Services All-Star Team”\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"BTI Consulting Group\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"ACC Value Champion\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Association of Corporate Counsel, 2014\"}{{ FIELD }}On June 12 ,2017, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida preliminarily approved a class action settlement with Toyota and the class involving over 9 million class members in In re: Takata Airbag Products Liability Litigation, 15-02599-MD-MORENO (S.D. Fla.). The Court also preliminarily approved class action settlements with three other defendant automobile manufacturers.  The settlements include a novel outreach program, out-of-pocket claims process, rental car/loaner program and a residual distribution.{{ FIELD }}Obtained dismissals from over 20 putative class actions using a proffer strategy on behalf of herbal supplement manufacturer and retailer.  Plaintiffs alleged that certain herbal supplements did not contain the ingredients listed and asserted consumer fraud claims. Eight of the dismissals were obtained before the cases were consolidated.  After consolidation, the MDL Court created a separate track for the client to continue its efforts, which resulted in the omission of the client in the consolidated class action complaint in In re: Herbal Supplements Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, 15-cv-05070 (N.D. Ill.).{{ FIELD }}Was National Coordinating Counsel to C. R. Bard, Inc., a Fortune 100 medical device manufacturer, in a complex product liability litigation arising out of an FDA recall with the cases filed in an MDL, a consolidated Rhode Island state court action and individual state courts across the country.  We successfully designed and implemented a strategy that tried two cases and resolved the great majority of the cases pending in the litigation.  We also implemented a Target Budget Fixed Fee arrangement that was narrowly tailored to meet the client’s needs and goals, and aimed at controlling costs across the board in this nationwide litigation.  In re Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch Products Liability Litigation, MDL Docket No. 07 1842-ML (D.R.I.), In re: All Individual Kugel Mesh Cases, Master Docket No.: PC-2008-9999 (Superior Court, Providence County, State of Rhode Island).{{ FIELD }}Successfully resolved nationwide economic loss class action involving over 23 million class members and nearly 200 class actions relating to certain Toyota vehicles in In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:10MD2151 (JVS) (FMOx) (C.D. Cal.).  The settlement included installation of a Brake Override System, a customer support warranty program, an automobile safety and education program and two cash funds.  This was the largest settlement at that time in the automotive industry. {{ FIELD }}Successfully resolved hundreds of products liability personal injury matters using innovative two-phase Court-ordered settlement conferences and mediations in In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:10MD2151 (JVS) (FMOx) (C.D. Cal.) and Toyota Motor Cases, No. 4621 (Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding, Superior Court, Complex Part, Los Angeles, CA).{{ FIELD }}Resolved hundreds of cases and claims pending in the United States and the United Kingdom for injuries allegedly caused by taking a prescription medication.  After a jury found for plaintiff and while a second trial was underway, we partnered with the client and with the co-defendant to create a very successful end-game strategy that resolved over 95% of the cases in a four month period through negotiating large block settlements with various large plaintiffs’ firms, which has also had the added benefit of minimizing the potential tail.  In re: Mirapex Products Liability Litigation, 0:07-md-01836- JMR-FLN (D. Minn.) and numerous state cases.{{ FIELD }}Obtained dismissals of numerous putative filed and unfiled class actions on behalf of a multinational consumer goods manufacturer where plaintiffs and claimants alleged consumer fraud and consumer protection claims. {{ FIELD }}Successfully resolved government complaint in the U.S. and five nationwide class actions in the U.S. and Canada in response to alleged violations of consumer fraud and consumer protection statutes relating to the marketing and advertising of Reebok’s EasyTone shoes and apparel.  The settlement also resolved the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) complaint making similar allegations.  The terms of the settlements were unique in that the $25 million paid to the FTC was allowed to be used to fund a consumer redress program for eligible class members.  In addition, Reebok agreed to certain conduct changes.  The FTC also provided extensive input and guidance in designing a consumer-friendly redress program.  Two Canadian class actions making similar allegations were resolved using a similar consumer-friendly process for less than $2 million.  In re Reebok EasyTone Litigation, 4:10-CV-11977-FDS (D. Mass.); Federal Trade Commission v. Reebok International Ltd., d/b/a Reebok, 1:11-cv-02046-DCN (N.D. Ohio); Heney v. Reebok Canada, Court File No. 5608/11 (Ontario Sup. Ct. of Justice); Markus v. Reebok Canada, Court File No. 500-06-000582-110 (Quebec Sup. Ct. of Justice).{{ FIELD }}Resolved the third largest nationwide insurance sales practices class action valued at $800 million for MassMutual.  The settlement eliminated a potentially large liability in two states where certification of classes were granted and one of which was on the eve of trial in a plaintiff-friendly jurisdiction with possible treble damages. The case was fully resolved after eight appeals were filed.  Varacallo v. MassMutual, No. 04-2702 (JLL) (D.N.J.), 226 F.R.D. 207 (D.N.J. 2005).{{ FIELD }}Appointed Special Master in Fox v. Cheminova, 00-CV-5145 (TCP) (ETB) (E.D.N.Y.) to resolve a class action that had been pending for nearly six years and was on the eve of trial.  Prior to being appointed by the court, we held a series of mediations between the parties to arrive at the settlement.  After the appointment by the court, we reviewed the objections, met and conferred telephonically with objectors, and had a number of follow-up calls with them.  We also drafted a 50-page Report and Recommendation regarding final approval, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 23, and the award of attorneys’ fees and costs that was adopted in almost its entirety by the court in its final approval order.{{ FIELD }}Twice appointed Special Settlement Master to oversee the award of  nearly $85 million in plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees arising from subsequent settlements in the Tank Car case.  Selected because of the substantial credibility amassed with the plaintiffs’ attorney from the first settlement, even though he was a defense attorney.  We set up an aggressive briefing schedule and hearing schedule and quickly issued a final Report and Recommendation regarding allocating the attorneys’ fees, which otherwise would have resulted in needless litigation and uncertainty.  In re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation, No. 87-16374 and all Related Cases on Exhibit “A”, Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana. {{ FIELD }}Appointed Special Settlement Master to oversee the award of approximately $4.5 million in plaintiffs’ attorneys fees and costs arising from the third settlement in the Tank Car case.  John Hooper was selected because he had amassed additional credibility with the plaintiffs’ attorney from the first distribution of attorneys’ fees.  In re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation, No. 87-16374 and all Related Cases on Exhibit “A”, Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana.{{ FIELD }}Resolved numerous class actions pending in Canada, including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec.{{ FIELD }}Resolved In re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation, No. 87-16374 and All Related Cases on Exhibit “A,” Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, class action, which had been pending for over 10 years and involved the second largest punitive damages awards of $3.3 billion, prior to our involvement.  As the Court-Appointed Defense Settlement Liaison Counsel, we resolved the claims for five of the nine defendants.  There was a subsequent settlement of a sixth defendant that used a substantially similar settlement agreement. {{ FIELD }}John Hooper defends multinational companies in complex litigations, including a variety of commercial, product liability, financial services, false and misleading advertising and other consumer class actions where he has served as national, regional and/or strategic counsel.  He provides clients with all-inclusive strategic litigation management and counseling services to mitigate the reputational and financial risk associated with high exposure, viral and bet-the-company litigations.\nJohn's advises companies to create and execute litigation and strategic resolution options in some of the largest, most complex class actions, commercial litigations and mass torts in federal and state courts. Hooper's experience ranges from trials and arbitrations to mediations and settlements, and all stages of a case, from prelitigation to appeal.  John's clients include some of the world's largest manufacturers of automobiles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, building materials, tires, sporting goods and apparel as well as retailers, railroads, hedge funds, life insurance companies, private equity firms, banks and other financial services institutions.\nChambers noted that John Hooper is “24/7 responsive and very strategic” and “he thinks of end-game solutions in a way that other attorneys do not.”  The Legal 500 United States has noted that, \"John Hooper in New York is 'strongly recommended to anyone seeking a practical approach to managing complex litigation matters, particularly those with national scope.”  John has just been recognized by the National Law Journal as one of its “50 Litigation Trailblazers” for his practice of advising multi-national clients on creating and implementing end game strategies in \"Viral Litigations\".  The American Lawyer has recognized his skills in the management and resolution of \"bet the company\" litigation and as a \"great master strategist.\"  He has been nominated to the BTI \"Client Service All-Star Team\" for multiple years.  He is also recognized in the Association of Corporate Counsel's 2014 Value Champion award.  The New York Law Journal stated that John Hooper “has worked on some of the most high-profile litigation matters in the last decade.” \nHe has also been appointed by the federal and state courts as a Special Master, Special Settlement Master and Special Arbitration Master. He has also been appointed as the Lead Defense Settlement Liaison Counsel in MDL and other federal and state class and mass actions.  He is a member of the Academy of Court Appointed Special Masters. John is a frequent speaker in the United States and Canada on topics related to class and mass actions. Partner Recognized among “50 Litigation Trailblazers” National Law Journal, 2015 Multiple nominations to “Client Services All-Star Team” BTI Consulting Group ACC Value Champion Association of Corporate Counsel, 2014 U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit New York NY Southern District (#4262) NY Eastern District On June 12 ,2017, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida preliminarily approved a class action settlement with Toyota and the class involving over 9 million class members in In re: Takata Airbag Products Liability Litigation, 15-02599-MD-MORENO (S.D. Fla.). The Court also preliminarily approved class action settlements with three other defendant automobile manufacturers.  The settlements include a novel outreach program, out-of-pocket claims process, rental car/loaner program and a residual distribution. Obtained dismissals from over 20 putative class actions using a proffer strategy on behalf of herbal supplement manufacturer and retailer.  Plaintiffs alleged that certain herbal supplements did not contain the ingredients listed and asserted consumer fraud claims. Eight of the dismissals were obtained before the cases were consolidated.  After consolidation, the MDL Court created a separate track for the client to continue its efforts, which resulted in the omission of the client in the consolidated class action complaint in In re: Herbal Supplements Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, 15-cv-05070 (N.D. Ill.). Was National Coordinating Counsel to C. R. Bard, Inc., a Fortune 100 medical device manufacturer, in a complex product liability litigation arising out of an FDA recall with the cases filed in an MDL, a consolidated Rhode Island state court action and individual state courts across the country.  We successfully designed and implemented a strategy that tried two cases and resolved the great majority of the cases pending in the litigation.  We also implemented a Target Budget Fixed Fee arrangement that was narrowly tailored to meet the client’s needs and goals, and aimed at controlling costs across the board in this nationwide litigation.  In re Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch Products Liability Litigation, MDL Docket No. 07 1842-ML (D.R.I.), In re: All Individual Kugel Mesh Cases, Master Docket No.: PC-2008-9999 (Superior Court, Providence County, State of Rhode Island). Successfully resolved nationwide economic loss class action involving over 23 million class members and nearly 200 class actions relating to certain Toyota vehicles in In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:10MD2151 (JVS) (FMOx) (C.D. Cal.).  The settlement included installation of a Brake Override System, a customer support warranty program, an automobile safety and education program and two cash funds.  This was the largest settlement at that time in the automotive industry.  Successfully resolved hundreds of products liability personal injury matters using innovative two-phase Court-ordered settlement conferences and mediations in In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:10MD2151 (JVS) (FMOx) (C.D. Cal.) and Toyota Motor Cases, No. 4621 (Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding, Superior Court, Complex Part, Los Angeles, CA). Resolved hundreds of cases and claims pending in the United States and the United Kingdom for injuries allegedly caused by taking a prescription medication.  After a jury found for plaintiff and while a second trial was underway, we partnered with the client and with the co-defendant to create a very successful end-game strategy that resolved over 95% of the cases in a four month period through negotiating large block settlements with various large plaintiffs’ firms, which has also had the added benefit of minimizing the potential tail.  In re: Mirapex Products Liability Litigation, 0:07-md-01836- JMR-FLN (D. Minn.) and numerous state cases. Obtained dismissals of numerous putative filed and unfiled class actions on behalf of a multinational consumer goods manufacturer where plaintiffs and claimants alleged consumer fraud and consumer protection claims.  Successfully resolved government complaint in the U.S. and five nationwide class actions in the U.S. and Canada in response to alleged violations of consumer fraud and consumer protection statutes relating to the marketing and advertising of Reebok’s EasyTone shoes and apparel.  The settlement also resolved the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) complaint making similar allegations.  The terms of the settlements were unique in that the $25 million paid to the FTC was allowed to be used to fund a consumer redress program for eligible class members.  In addition, Reebok agreed to certain conduct changes.  The FTC also provided extensive input and guidance in designing a consumer-friendly redress program.  Two Canadian class actions making similar allegations were resolved using a similar consumer-friendly process for less than $2 million.  In re Reebok EasyTone Litigation, 4:10-CV-11977-FDS (D. Mass.); Federal Trade Commission v. Reebok International Ltd., d/b/a Reebok, 1:11-cv-02046-DCN (N.D. Ohio); Heney v. Reebok Canada, Court File No. 5608/11 (Ontario Sup. Ct. of Justice); Markus v. Reebok Canada, Court File No. 500-06-000582-110 (Quebec Sup. Ct. of Justice). Resolved the third largest nationwide insurance sales practices class action valued at $800 million for MassMutual.  The settlement eliminated a potentially large liability in two states where certification of classes were granted and one of which was on the eve of trial in a plaintiff-friendly jurisdiction with possible treble damages. The case was fully resolved after eight appeals were filed.  Varacallo v. MassMutual, No. 04-2702 (JLL) (D.N.J.), 226 F.R.D. 207 (D.N.J. 2005). Appointed Special Master in Fox v. Cheminova, 00-CV-5145 (TCP) (ETB) (E.D.N.Y.) to resolve a class action that had been pending for nearly six years and was on the eve of trial.  Prior to being appointed by the court, we held a series of mediations between the parties to arrive at the settlement.  After the appointment by the court, we reviewed the objections, met and conferred telephonically with objectors, and had a number of follow-up calls with them.  We also drafted a 50-page Report and Recommendation regarding final approval, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 23, and the award of attorneys’ fees and costs that was adopted in almost its entirety by the court in its final approval order. Twice appointed Special Settlement Master to oversee the award of  nearly $85 million in plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees arising from subsequent settlements in the Tank Car case.  Selected because of the substantial credibility amassed with the plaintiffs’ attorney from the first settlement, even though he was a defense attorney.  We set up an aggressive briefing schedule and hearing schedule and quickly issued a final Report and Recommendation regarding allocating the attorneys’ fees, which otherwise would have resulted in needless litigation and uncertainty.  In re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation, No. 87-16374 and all Related Cases on Exhibit “A”, Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana.  Appointed Special Settlement Master to oversee the award of approximately $4.5 million in plaintiffs’ attorneys fees and costs arising from the third settlement in the Tank Car case.  John Hooper was selected because he had amassed additional credibility with the plaintiffs’ attorney from the first distribution of attorneys’ fees.  In re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation, No. 87-16374 and all Related Cases on Exhibit “A”, Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana. Resolved numerous class actions pending in Canada, including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. Resolved In re New Orleans Tank Car Leakage Fire Litigation, No. 87-16374 and All Related Cases on Exhibit “A,” Civil District Court, Ad Hoc Division, Parish of Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, class action, which had been pending for over 10 years and involved the second largest punitive damages awards of $3.3 billion, prior to our involvement.  As the Court-Appointed Defense Settlement Liaison Counsel, we resolved the claims for five of the nine defendants.  There was a subsequent settlement of a sixth defendant that used a substantially similar settlement agreement. ","searchable_name":"John P. Hooper","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":101,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":442764,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":5386,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eAs a partner in the Data, Privacy and Security practice group at King \u0026amp; Spalding LLP, Robert Hudock counsels clients on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from cyber-based attacks on their networks and information. He assesses clients\u0026rsquo; security controls and practices for the protection of data, developing and implementing information security programs, and complying with federal and state regulatory requirements.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert is a leader in advising clients on the responsible and ethical deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. He has deep expertise in AI governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on mitigating legal risks and maximizing opportunities. Robert frequently speaks and writes on AI issues, including presentations at major conferences like DEF CON. He takes a practical, hands-on approach to implementing AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding data lineage, testing for bias, and instituting human oversight. Robert partners closely with clients across industries to ensure their AI systems are legally and technically sound. His innovative work leverages AI for improved legal services while safeguarding ethics and privacy. Robert is shaping the future of AI in law as a thoughtful advocate for progress and responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert has represented companies on a range of cybersecurity and data-security incidents, including dozens of security breach matters involving tens of millions of affected consumers. He has represented clients before federal and state government agencies, national security-related investigations, cybersecurity matters, and Attorney General investigations into security incidents. He routinely advises clients on data, privacy and security matters arising from federal and state laws. He regularly conducts risk assessments and IT audits for healthcare and financial services companies and designs and implements cost-effective strategies for managing electronic documents.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and was awarded this information technology security audit certification by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium. He is certified by the National Security Agency to perform INFOSEC Assessment Methodology audits under FISMA and by the Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) as a Certified CSF Practitioner. HITRUST is an organization that provides training to develop and maintain effective security programs for health care and life sciences companies. He is a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). The CEH credential is a professional certification provided by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert is a two-time winner of DefCon's Capture the Flag Competition.\u0026nbsp;DefCon CTF provides a venue for the true pro hackers to ply their craft and show off their skill. As such, it acts as a weather vane for the hacking community, pointing out the top hackers and the most effective techniques (tools, automation, etc.).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously, Robert served as a member of a nationally recognized law firm where he was a member of their Healthcare and Life Sciences practice group. He also served as the Chief Privacy and Data Security Officer and Senior Vice President of a major intelligence, military, aerospace, engineering, and systems contractor, where he managed all aspects of privacy and cybersecurity compliance across the company.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"robert-hudock","email":"rhudock@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":null,"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":6,"guid":"6.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":81,"guid":"81.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":24,"guid":"24.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":103,"guid":"103.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":80,"guid":"80.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":970,"guid":"970.smart_tags","index":5,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1097,"guid":"1097.smart_tags","index":6,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":110,"guid":"110.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":112,"guid":"112.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1202,"guid":"1202.smart_tags","index":9,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":107,"guid":"107.capabilities","index":10,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":133,"guid":"133.capabilities","index":11,"source":"capabilities"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Hudock","nick_name":"Robert","clerkships":[],"first_name":"Robert","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":196,"law_schools":[{"id":512,"meta":{"degree":"J.D.","honors":"cum laude","is_law_school":1,"graduation_date":"2000-01-01 00:00:00 UTC"},"order":1,"pin_order":null,"pin_expiration":null}],"middle_name":"J.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Selected to the Washington DC Rising Stars list ","detail":"Super Lawyers, 2013"}],"linked_in_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhudock/","seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eAs a partner in the Data, Privacy and Security practice group at King \u0026amp; Spalding LLP, Robert Hudock counsels clients on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from cyber-based attacks on their networks and information. He assesses clients\u0026rsquo; security controls and practices for the protection of data, developing and implementing information security programs, and complying with federal and state regulatory requirements.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert is a leader in advising clients on the responsible and ethical deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. He has deep expertise in AI governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on mitigating legal risks and maximizing opportunities. Robert frequently speaks and writes on AI issues, including presentations at major conferences like DEF CON. He takes a practical, hands-on approach to implementing AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding data lineage, testing for bias, and instituting human oversight. Robert partners closely with clients across industries to ensure their AI systems are legally and technically sound. His innovative work leverages AI for improved legal services while safeguarding ethics and privacy. Robert is shaping the future of AI in law as a thoughtful advocate for progress and responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert has represented companies on a range of cybersecurity and data-security incidents, including dozens of security breach matters involving tens of millions of affected consumers. He has represented clients before federal and state government agencies, national security-related investigations, cybersecurity matters, and Attorney General investigations into security incidents. He routinely advises clients on data, privacy and security matters arising from federal and state laws. He regularly conducts risk assessments and IT audits for healthcare and financial services companies and designs and implements cost-effective strategies for managing electronic documents.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and was awarded this information technology security audit certification by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium. He is certified by the National Security Agency to perform INFOSEC Assessment Methodology audits under FISMA and by the Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) as a Certified CSF Practitioner. HITRUST is an organization that provides training to develop and maintain effective security programs for health care and life sciences companies. He is a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). The CEH credential is a professional certification provided by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert is a two-time winner of DefCon's Capture the Flag Competition.\u0026nbsp;DefCon CTF provides a venue for the true pro hackers to ply their craft and show off their skill. As such, it acts as a weather vane for the hacking community, pointing out the top hackers and the most effective techniques (tools, automation, etc.).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously, Robert served as a member of a nationally recognized law firm where he was a member of their Healthcare and Life Sciences practice group. He also served as the Chief Privacy and Data Security Officer and Senior Vice President of a major intelligence, military, aerospace, engineering, and systems contractor, where he managed all aspects of privacy and cybersecurity compliance across the company.\u003c/p\u003e","recognitions":[{"title":"Selected to the Washington DC Rising Stars list ","detail":"Super Lawyers, 2013"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":6394}]},"capability_group_id":2},"created_at":"2025-11-13T04:56:41.000Z","updated_at":"2025-11-13T04:56:41.000Z","searchable_text":"Hudock{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Selected to the Washington DC Rising Stars list \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Super Lawyers, 2013\"}{{ FIELD }}As a partner in the Data, Privacy and Security practice group at King \u0026amp; Spalding LLP, Robert Hudock counsels clients on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from cyber-based attacks on their networks and information. He assesses clients’ security controls and practices for the protection of data, developing and implementing information security programs, and complying with federal and state regulatory requirements.\nRobert is a leader in advising clients on the responsible and ethical deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. He has deep expertise in AI governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on mitigating legal risks and maximizing opportunities. Robert frequently speaks and writes on AI issues, including presentations at major conferences like DEF CON. He takes a practical, hands-on approach to implementing AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding data lineage, testing for bias, and instituting human oversight. Robert partners closely with clients across industries to ensure their AI systems are legally and technically sound. His innovative work leverages AI for improved legal services while safeguarding ethics and privacy. Robert is shaping the future of AI in law as a thoughtful advocate for progress and responsibility.\nRobert has represented companies on a range of cybersecurity and data-security incidents, including dozens of security breach matters involving tens of millions of affected consumers. He has represented clients before federal and state government agencies, national security-related investigations, cybersecurity matters, and Attorney General investigations into security incidents. He routinely advises clients on data, privacy and security matters arising from federal and state laws. He regularly conducts risk assessments and IT audits for healthcare and financial services companies and designs and implements cost-effective strategies for managing electronic documents. \nRobert is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and was awarded this information technology security audit certification by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium. He is certified by the National Security Agency to perform INFOSEC Assessment Methodology audits under FISMA and by the Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) as a Certified CSF Practitioner. HITRUST is an organization that provides training to develop and maintain effective security programs for health care and life sciences companies. He is a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). The CEH credential is a professional certification provided by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants. \nRobert is a two-time winner of DefCon's Capture the Flag Competition. DefCon CTF provides a venue for the true pro hackers to ply their craft and show off their skill. As such, it acts as a weather vane for the hacking community, pointing out the top hackers and the most effective techniques (tools, automation, etc.).\nPreviously, Robert served as a member of a nationally recognized law firm where he was a member of their Healthcare and Life Sciences practice group. He also served as the Chief Privacy and Data Security Officer and Senior Vice President of a major intelligence, military, aerospace, engineering, and systems contractor, where he managed all aspects of privacy and cybersecurity compliance across the company. Partner Selected to the Washington DC Rising Stars list  Super Lawyers, 2013 St Lawrence University  Cornell University Cornell Law School District of Columbia New York District of Columbia Bar Association New York Bar Association Member, American Health Lawyers Association","searchable_name":"Robert J. Hudock","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":196,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":448991,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":1064,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eBruce Hurley specializes in personal injury and tort litigation. As a partner in our Trial \u0026amp; Global Disputes Practice Group, Bruce defends construction and maintenance companies, as well as drug and device and other product manufacturers and other businesses, in tort litigation. [[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBruce represents multinational construction and maintenance contractors, integrated oil field service companies, and other businesses in the Gulf Coast petrochemical industry, as well as large manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, in a variety of toxic tort, environmental, drug and medical device cases.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith more than 35\u0026nbsp;years of courtroom experience, Bruce tries cases in federal and state courts around the country. He frequently handles toxic tort, environmental, pharmaceutical and medical device cases, personal injury and property damage\u0026nbsp;cases arising from catastrophic events, and wrongful death and survival actions.\u0026nbsp; Bruce also represents companies in significant commercial litigation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBruce has been recognized by \u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e in 2013 and 2014 for Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, as well as by \u003cem\u003eThe Best Lawyers In America\u003c/em\u003e 2013\u0026ndash;2022 in Commercial Litigation and Construction Law. He was named a Texas Rising Star by \u003cem\u003eTexas Monthly\u003c/em\u003e magazine in 2003, as well as a Texas Super Lawyer for Civil Litigation Defense in every year since 2004.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBruce was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2006, and served as President of the Houston chapter in 2014.\u0026nbsp; Bruce is currently serving on the ABOTA National Board of Representatives.\u0026nbsp; In addition to his work with clients, Bruce is involved in many community service endeavors.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"bruce-hurley","email":"bhurley@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":null,"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[{"id":74}]},"expertise":[{"id":17,"guid":"17.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":761,"guid":"761.smart_tags","index":1,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":764,"guid":"764.smart_tags","index":2,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":16,"guid":"16.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":4,"guid":"4.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":5,"guid":"5.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":103,"guid":"103.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":74,"guid":"74.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":102,"guid":"102.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":970,"guid":"970.smart_tags","index":9,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":111,"guid":"111.capabilities","index":10,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":112,"guid":"112.capabilities","index":11,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1256,"guid":"1256.smart_tags","index":12,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Hurley","nick_name":"Bruce","clerkships":[],"first_name":"Bruce","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":202,"law_schools":[{"id":2197,"meta":{"degree":"J.D.","honors":"cum laude","is_law_school":"1","graduation_date":"1989-01-01 00:00:00"},"order":1,"pin_order":null,"pin_expiration":null}],"middle_name":" ","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"The Lawdragon Green 500","detail":"THE 2024 LEADERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW LAWDRAGON"},{"title":"The 2024 Lawdragon 500","detail":"LEADING LITIGATORS IN AMERICA LAWDRAGON"},{"title":"Personal Injury Litigation","detail":"THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA, 2023"},{"title":"Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Expert of the Year in Texas","detail":"Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026"},{"title":"Tort Litigation Expert of the Year in Texas","detail":"Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026"},{"title":"Personal Injury Expert of the Year in Texas","detail":"Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026"},{"title":"Commercial Litigation and Construction Law ","detail":"The Best Lawyers In America, 2013–2025"},{"title":"Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices","detail":"Legal 500, 2013 and 2014"},{"title":"Texas Rising Star","detail":"Texas Monthly, 2003"},{"title":"Texas Super Lawyer: Civil Litigation Defense","detail":"2004 to Present"}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eBruce Hurley specializes in personal injury and tort litigation. As a partner in our Trial \u0026amp; Global Disputes Practice Group, Bruce defends construction and maintenance companies, as well as drug and device and other product manufacturers and other businesses, in tort litigation. [[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBruce represents multinational construction and maintenance contractors, integrated oil field service companies, and other businesses in the Gulf Coast petrochemical industry, as well as large manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, in a variety of toxic tort, environmental, drug and medical device cases.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith more than 35\u0026nbsp;years of courtroom experience, Bruce tries cases in federal and state courts around the country. He frequently handles toxic tort, environmental, pharmaceutical and medical device cases, personal injury and property damage\u0026nbsp;cases arising from catastrophic events, and wrongful death and survival actions.\u0026nbsp; Bruce also represents companies in significant commercial litigation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBruce has been recognized by \u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e in 2013 and 2014 for Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, as well as by \u003cem\u003eThe Best Lawyers In America\u003c/em\u003e 2013\u0026ndash;2022 in Commercial Litigation and Construction Law. He was named a Texas Rising Star by \u003cem\u003eTexas Monthly\u003c/em\u003e magazine in 2003, as well as a Texas Super Lawyer for Civil Litigation Defense in every year since 2004.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBruce was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2006, and served as President of the Houston chapter in 2014.\u0026nbsp; Bruce is currently serving on the ABOTA National Board of Representatives.\u0026nbsp; In addition to his work with clients, Bruce is involved in many community service endeavors.\u003c/p\u003e","recognitions":[{"title":"The Lawdragon Green 500","detail":"THE 2024 LEADERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW LAWDRAGON"},{"title":"The 2024 Lawdragon 500","detail":"LEADING LITIGATORS IN AMERICA LAWDRAGON"},{"title":"Personal Injury Litigation","detail":"THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA, 2023"},{"title":"Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Expert of the Year in Texas","detail":"Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026"},{"title":"Tort Litigation Expert of the Year in Texas","detail":"Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026"},{"title":"Personal Injury Expert of the Year in Texas","detail":"Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026"},{"title":"Commercial Litigation and Construction Law ","detail":"The Best Lawyers In America, 2013–2025"},{"title":"Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices","detail":"Legal 500, 2013 and 2014"},{"title":"Texas Rising Star","detail":"Texas Monthly, 2003"},{"title":"Texas Super Lawyer: Civil Litigation Defense","detail":"2004 to Present"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":932}]},"capability_group_id":3},"created_at":"2026-06-01T21:55:11.000Z","updated_at":"2026-06-01T21:55:11.000Z","searchable_text":"Hurley{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"The Lawdragon Green 500\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"THE 2024 LEADERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW LAWDRAGON\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"The 2024 Lawdragon 500\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"LEADING LITIGATORS IN AMERICA LAWDRAGON\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Personal Injury Litigation\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA, 2023\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Expert of the Year in Texas\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Tort Litigation Expert of the Year in Texas\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Personal Injury Expert of the Year in Texas\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Commercial Litigation and Construction Law \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"The Best Lawyers In America, 2013–2025\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Legal 500, 2013 and 2014\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Texas Rising Star\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Texas Monthly, 2003\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Texas Super Lawyer: Civil Litigation Defense\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"2004 to Present\"}{{ FIELD }}Bruce Hurley specializes in personal injury and tort litigation. As a partner in our Trial \u0026amp; Global Disputes Practice Group, Bruce defends construction and maintenance companies, as well as drug and device and other product manufacturers and other businesses, in tort litigation. \nBruce represents multinational construction and maintenance contractors, integrated oil field service companies, and other businesses in the Gulf Coast petrochemical industry, as well as large manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, in a variety of toxic tort, environmental, drug and medical device cases.\nWith more than 35 years of courtroom experience, Bruce tries cases in federal and state courts around the country. He frequently handles toxic tort, environmental, pharmaceutical and medical device cases, personal injury and property damage cases arising from catastrophic events, and wrongful death and survival actions.  Bruce also represents companies in significant commercial litigation.\nBruce has been recognized by Legal 500 in 2013 and 2014 for Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, as well as by The Best Lawyers In America 2013–2022 in Commercial Litigation and Construction Law. He was named a Texas Rising Star by Texas Monthly magazine in 2003, as well as a Texas Super Lawyer for Civil Litigation Defense in every year since 2004.\nBruce was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2006, and served as President of the Houston chapter in 2014.  Bruce is currently serving on the ABOTA National Board of Representatives.  In addition to his work with clients, Bruce is involved in many community service endeavors. Bruce Hurley Partner The Lawdragon Green 500 THE 2024 LEADERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW LAWDRAGON The 2024 Lawdragon 500 LEADING LITIGATORS IN AMERICA LAWDRAGON Personal Injury Litigation THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA, 2023 Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Expert of the Year in Texas Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026 Tort Litigation Expert of the Year in Texas Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026 Personal Injury Expert of the Year in Texas Global Law Experts, 2021, 2026 Commercial Litigation and Construction Law  The Best Lawyers In America, 2013–2025 Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Legal 500, 2013 and 2014 Texas Rising Star Texas Monthly, 2003 Texas Super Lawyer: Civil Litigation Defense 2004 to Present Southwestern University  University of Houston University of Houston Law Center Texas American Bar Association State Bar of Houston Bar Association","searchable_name":"Bruce Hurley","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":202,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":448817,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":557,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eHeather Howard is counsel in King \u0026amp; Spalding\u0026rsquo;s Trial \u0026amp; Global Disputes Practice.\u0026nbsp; Ms. Howard has experience in large-scale, class action and multidistrict litigation, as well as individual product liability, consumer fraud, and toxic tort cases.\u0026nbsp; Her practice focuses on product liability and the representation of clients in the pharmaceutical industry.\u0026nbsp; Ms. Howard joined King \u0026amp; Spalding after serving as a law clerk for the Honorable Rhesa H. Barksdale on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.\u0026nbsp; Ms. Howard successfully completed the\u0026nbsp;International Association of Defense Counsel\u0026rsquo;s Trial Academy.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublications and Presentations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCourse Presenter, \u0026ldquo;The Learned Intermediary Doctrine \u0026ndash; Defense Lessons for the Regulatory Professional,\u0026rdquo; University of Southern California School of Pharmacy\u0026rsquo;s Regulatory Science Graduate Program Course on Medical Products and the Law, annually, 2013-2021\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \u0026ldquo;I Want You: What In-House Counsel Want from Young Lawyers,\u0026rdquo; DRI Drug \u0026amp; Medical Device Seminar, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 2017\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;New Rules in Town: An Update on the Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,\u0026rdquo; 27th Annual ICLE Tropical Seminar, Cartagena, Colombia, January 2017\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthor, \u0026ldquo;Stuck in Limbo \u0026ndash; the Effect of West Virginia\u0026rsquo;s Recent Adoption of the Learned Intermediary Doctrine Remains a Mystery,\u0026rdquo; DRI\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRx for the Defense\u003c/em\u003e, January 2017\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \u0026ldquo;How to Become Indispensable: An Interactive In-House Panel,\u0026rdquo; DRI Drug \u0026amp; Device Seminar, Chicago, Illinois, May 2016\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Millennials: In the Workplace, the Courtroom, and Social Media,\u0026rdquo; 26th Annual ICLE Tropical Seminar, Paradise Island, Bahamas, February 2016\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthor, \u0026ldquo;Pharmacist Prescribing: A New Challenge to the Learned Intermediary Doctrine?\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp; DRI\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRx for the Defense\u003c/em\u003e, February 2016\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Spoliation of Evidence: How to Avoid It, and What is at Stake\u0026rdquo;, 25th Annual ICLE Tropical Seminar, Cancun, Mexico, February 2015\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCo-Author, \u0026ldquo;A Light at the End of the Tunnel? An Update on Innovator Liability,\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp; DRI\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRx for the Defense\u003c/em\u003e, January 2014\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCo-Author, \u0026ldquo;But I Took Your Drug Too! What Happens When a Plaintiff Claiming Injury From a Generic Medication Previously Took the Branded Version and Seeks to Hold the Branded Manufacturer Liable?\u0026rdquo; DRI\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRx for the Defense\u003c/em\u003e, January 2013\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker at DRI Annual Meeting, Drug \u0026amp; Medical Device CLE Session, \u0026ldquo;New Lessons From an Old Doctrine -- An Update on the Learned Intermediary Doctrine\u0026rdquo;, New Orleans, October 2012\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker at DRI Drug \u0026amp; Medical Device Seminar, Young Lawyers Blockbuster, \u0026ldquo;The Learned Intermediary Doctrine: Alive and Well or on Its Last Leg?\u0026rdquo;,\u0026nbsp; Chicago, May 2011\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Negligent Enablement of Imposter Fraud: A Common-Sense Common Law Claim, 54\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eDuke J. 1263\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(2005)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e","slug":"heather-howard","email":"hhoward@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003eMember of national trial counsel team representing an international medical device company in litigation in federal and state cases across the country, and formerly in a multidistrict litigation (MDL), relating to injuries allegedly caused by the company\u0026rsquo;s female pelvic mesh devices.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMember of national coordinating and trial counsel team representing GlaxoSmithKline in nationwide product liability litigation concerning allegations of a link between the company\u0026rsquo;s antidepressant and an increased risk of suicidality in adult and pediatric patients, as well as an increased risk of certain congenital defects. Ms. Howard\u0026rsquo;s experience includes trial preparation and participating at trial; deposing plaintiffs and treating physicians; participating in expert discovery, including depositions; preparing expert witnesses and corporate representatives for deposition and trial; briefing and arguing dispositive, procedural, and Daubert motions; coordinating discovery; and briefing appeals. Ms. Howard\u0026rsquo;s involvement has included federal and state cases in trial and appellate courts across the country.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMs. Howard\u0026rsquo;s achievements in this litigation include:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Serving on the trial team for the first \"innovator liability\" prescription medication case to go to trial,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eDolin v. GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e. Ms. Howard was also part of the team that successfully handled the case on appeal.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eDolin v. GlaxoSmithKline LLC\u003c/em\u003e, 901 F.3d 803 (7th Cir. 2018),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ecert. denied\u003c/em\u003e, 139 S. Ct. 2636 (2019),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eaff'd\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eon further appeal\u003c/em\u003e, 951 F.3d 882 (7th Cir. 2020).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in Connecticut federal court in a case alleging that maternal Paxil use caused congenital heart defect, on two separate grounds: first, because of a lack of admissible expert testimony after the Court excluded plaintiffs' case-specific expert; and second, because plaintiffs' claims were time-barred.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eK.E. v. GlaxoSmithKline LLC\u003c/em\u003e, No. 3:14-cv-1294(VAB), 2017 WL 440242 (D. Conn. Feb. 1, 2017).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in New Mexico state court based on lack of causation for an injury allegedly caused by a generic competitor\u0026rsquo;s medication; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the New Mexico Court of Appeals.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eSilva v. SmithKline Beecham Corp.\u003c/em\u003e, No. 31,276, 2013 WL 4516160 (N.M. Ct. App. Feb. 7, 2013).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in Florida state court based on lack of causation under Florida\u0026rsquo;s learned intermediary doctrine, and separately on the plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; claims of manufacturing defect, and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to Florida\u0026rsquo;s Second District Court of Appeal.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLayton v. SmithKline Beecham Corp.\u003c/em\u003e, 137 So. 3d 384 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2014).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in Louisiana federal court on alternative grounds of the learned intermediary doctrine and judicial estoppel; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eAllgood v. SmithKline Beecham Corp. d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e, No. 06-3506, 2008 WL 483574 (E.D. La. Feb. 20, 2008),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eaff\u0026rsquo;d\u003c/em\u003e, 314 F. App\u0026rsquo;x 701 (5th Cir. 2009).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in California federal court on statute of limitations grounds; and defending the appeal of that judgment to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eSchuetze v. GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e, 384 F. App\u0026rsquo;x 610 (9th Cir. 2010).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in Louisiana federal court based on the plaintiff\u0026rsquo;s failure to timely disclose expert testimony; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eAutery v. SmithKline Beecham Corp.\u003c/em\u003e, No. 05-0982, 2011 WL 1812793 (W.D. La. Apr. 12, 2011), adopted by 2011 WL 1828343 (W.D. La. May 12, 2011),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eaff\u0026rsquo;d\u003c/em\u003e, 496 F. App\u0026rsquo;x 388 (5th Cir. 2012).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in Alabama state court on statute of limitations grounds; and defending the appeal of that judgment.\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;Brown v. GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e, 51 So. 3d 1128 (Ala. Civ. App. 2009).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Member of a team that successfully defeated certification of a nationwide class.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting Merck Sharp \u0026amp; Dohme Corp. in multidistrict litigation in New Jersey federal court involving allegations of injuries from use of the company\u0026rsquo;s osteoporosis medication. Ms. Howard was a member of the trial team in the first \u0026ldquo;bellwether\u0026rdquo; trial,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eGlynn v. Merck\u003c/em\u003e, in which the jury returned a full defense verdict, after which the court granted judgment based on federal preemption.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eGlynn v. Merck \u0026amp; Co.\u003c/em\u003e, 915 F. Supp. 2d 695 (D.N.J. 2013).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting a specialty retailer in a South Carolina federal personal injury action involving allegations of burn injuries resulting from the use of fire pot and gel fuel products.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, American Tort Reform Association, and the National Association of Manufacturers as\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eamicus curiae\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eCerveny v. Aventis\u003c/em\u003e, in which the Tenth Circuit affirmed in part the federal district court\u0026rsquo;s grant of summary judgment for Aventis.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eCerveny v. Aventis, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 855 F.3d 1091 (10th Cir. 2017),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eaff'd\u003c/em\u003e, 783 F. App'x 804 (10th Cir. 2019).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting the Products Liability Advisory Council, Inc. (PLAC) as\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eamicus curiae\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eWyeth v. Weeks\u003c/em\u003e, in which the Supreme Court of Alabama addressed whether a brand-name drug manufacturer can be held liable to consumers of generic drug products. Following the court\u0026rsquo;s opinion, Ms. Howard again represented PLAC as amicus curiae in support of Wyeth\u0026rsquo;s application for rehearing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting Purdue Pharma as part of a King \u0026amp; Spalding team serving as national coordinating co-counsel and trial counsel in nationwide product liability and consumer fraud litigation involving the company\u0026rsquo;s pain medication. Ms. Howard\u0026rsquo;s achievements in this litigation include drafting a successful motion to dismiss.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDrafting a successful motion for protective order in response to a challenge to a pharmaceutical manufacturer\u0026rsquo;s confidential documents.\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":74,"guid":"74.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":761,"guid":"761.smart_tags","index":1,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":17,"guid":"17.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":103,"guid":"103.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":764,"guid":"764.smart_tags","index":4,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":16,"guid":"16.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":970,"guid":"970.smart_tags","index":6,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":112,"guid":"112.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Howard","nick_name":"Heather","clerkships":[{"name":"Judicial Clerk, Rhesa H. Barksdale, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit","years_held":"2005-2006"}],"first_name":"Heather","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":101,"law_schools":[],"middle_name":"M.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Rising Star in Personal Injury - Products: Defense and Class Action / Mass Torts, 2018 \u0026 2019","detail":"Georgia Super Lawyers"}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":14,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eHeather Howard is counsel in King \u0026amp; Spalding\u0026rsquo;s Trial \u0026amp; Global Disputes Practice.\u0026nbsp; Ms. Howard has experience in large-scale, class action and multidistrict litigation, as well as individual product liability, consumer fraud, and toxic tort cases.\u0026nbsp; Her practice focuses on product liability and the representation of clients in the pharmaceutical industry.\u0026nbsp; Ms. Howard joined King \u0026amp; Spalding after serving as a law clerk for the Honorable Rhesa H. Barksdale on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.\u0026nbsp; Ms. Howard successfully completed the\u0026nbsp;International Association of Defense Counsel\u0026rsquo;s Trial Academy.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublications and Presentations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCourse Presenter, \u0026ldquo;The Learned Intermediary Doctrine \u0026ndash; Defense Lessons for the Regulatory Professional,\u0026rdquo; University of Southern California School of Pharmacy\u0026rsquo;s Regulatory Science Graduate Program Course on Medical Products and the Law, annually, 2013-2021\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \u0026ldquo;I Want You: What In-House Counsel Want from Young Lawyers,\u0026rdquo; DRI Drug \u0026amp; Medical Device Seminar, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 2017\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;New Rules in Town: An Update on the Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,\u0026rdquo; 27th Annual ICLE Tropical Seminar, Cartagena, Colombia, January 2017\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthor, \u0026ldquo;Stuck in Limbo \u0026ndash; the Effect of West Virginia\u0026rsquo;s Recent Adoption of the Learned Intermediary Doctrine Remains a Mystery,\u0026rdquo; DRI\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRx for the Defense\u003c/em\u003e, January 2017\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \u0026ldquo;How to Become Indispensable: An Interactive In-House Panel,\u0026rdquo; DRI Drug \u0026amp; Device Seminar, Chicago, Illinois, May 2016\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Millennials: In the Workplace, the Courtroom, and Social Media,\u0026rdquo; 26th Annual ICLE Tropical Seminar, Paradise Island, Bahamas, February 2016\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthor, \u0026ldquo;Pharmacist Prescribing: A New Challenge to the Learned Intermediary Doctrine?\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp; DRI\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRx for the Defense\u003c/em\u003e, February 2016\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Spoliation of Evidence: How to Avoid It, and What is at Stake\u0026rdquo;, 25th Annual ICLE Tropical Seminar, Cancun, Mexico, February 2015\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCo-Author, \u0026ldquo;A Light at the End of the Tunnel? An Update on Innovator Liability,\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp; DRI\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRx for the Defense\u003c/em\u003e, January 2014\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCo-Author, \u0026ldquo;But I Took Your Drug Too! What Happens When a Plaintiff Claiming Injury From a Generic Medication Previously Took the Branded Version and Seeks to Hold the Branded Manufacturer Liable?\u0026rdquo; DRI\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRx for the Defense\u003c/em\u003e, January 2013\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker at DRI Annual Meeting, Drug \u0026amp; Medical Device CLE Session, \u0026ldquo;New Lessons From an Old Doctrine -- An Update on the Learned Intermediary Doctrine\u0026rdquo;, New Orleans, October 2012\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker at DRI Drug \u0026amp; Medical Device Seminar, Young Lawyers Blockbuster, \u0026ldquo;The Learned Intermediary Doctrine: Alive and Well or on Its Last Leg?\u0026rdquo;,\u0026nbsp; Chicago, May 2011\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Negligent Enablement of Imposter Fraud: A Common-Sense Common Law Claim, 54\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eDuke J. 1263\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(2005)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eMember of national trial counsel team representing an international medical device company in litigation in federal and state cases across the country, and formerly in a multidistrict litigation (MDL), relating to injuries allegedly caused by the company\u0026rsquo;s female pelvic mesh devices.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMember of national coordinating and trial counsel team representing GlaxoSmithKline in nationwide product liability litigation concerning allegations of a link between the company\u0026rsquo;s antidepressant and an increased risk of suicidality in adult and pediatric patients, as well as an increased risk of certain congenital defects. Ms. Howard\u0026rsquo;s experience includes trial preparation and participating at trial; deposing plaintiffs and treating physicians; participating in expert discovery, including depositions; preparing expert witnesses and corporate representatives for deposition and trial; briefing and arguing dispositive, procedural, and Daubert motions; coordinating discovery; and briefing appeals. Ms. Howard\u0026rsquo;s involvement has included federal and state cases in trial and appellate courts across the country.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMs. Howard\u0026rsquo;s achievements in this litigation include:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Serving on the trial team for the first \"innovator liability\" prescription medication case to go to trial,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eDolin v. GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e. Ms. Howard was also part of the team that successfully handled the case on appeal.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eDolin v. GlaxoSmithKline LLC\u003c/em\u003e, 901 F.3d 803 (7th Cir. 2018),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ecert. denied\u003c/em\u003e, 139 S. Ct. 2636 (2019),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eaff'd\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eon further appeal\u003c/em\u003e, 951 F.3d 882 (7th Cir. 2020).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in Connecticut federal court in a case alleging that maternal Paxil use caused congenital heart defect, on two separate grounds: first, because of a lack of admissible expert testimony after the Court excluded plaintiffs' case-specific expert; and second, because plaintiffs' claims were time-barred.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eK.E. v. GlaxoSmithKline LLC\u003c/em\u003e, No. 3:14-cv-1294(VAB), 2017 WL 440242 (D. Conn. Feb. 1, 2017).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in New Mexico state court based on lack of causation for an injury allegedly caused by a generic competitor\u0026rsquo;s medication; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the New Mexico Court of Appeals.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eSilva v. SmithKline Beecham Corp.\u003c/em\u003e, No. 31,276, 2013 WL 4516160 (N.M. Ct. App. Feb. 7, 2013).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in Florida state court based on lack of causation under Florida\u0026rsquo;s learned intermediary doctrine, and separately on the plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; claims of manufacturing defect, and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to Florida\u0026rsquo;s Second District Court of Appeal.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLayton v. SmithKline Beecham Corp.\u003c/em\u003e, 137 So. 3d 384 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2014).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in Louisiana federal court on alternative grounds of the learned intermediary doctrine and judicial estoppel; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eAllgood v. SmithKline Beecham Corp. d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e, No. 06-3506, 2008 WL 483574 (E.D. La. Feb. 20, 2008),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eaff\u0026rsquo;d\u003c/em\u003e, 314 F. App\u0026rsquo;x 701 (5th Cir. 2009).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in California federal court on statute of limitations grounds; and defending the appeal of that judgment to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eSchuetze v. GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e, 384 F. App\u0026rsquo;x 610 (9th Cir. 2010).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in Louisiana federal court based on the plaintiff\u0026rsquo;s failure to timely disclose expert testimony; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eAutery v. SmithKline Beecham Corp.\u003c/em\u003e, No. 05-0982, 2011 WL 1812793 (W.D. La. Apr. 12, 2011), adopted by 2011 WL 1828343 (W.D. La. May 12, 2011),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eaff\u0026rsquo;d\u003c/em\u003e, 496 F. App\u0026rsquo;x 388 (5th Cir. 2012).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Obtaining summary judgment in Alabama state court on statute of limitations grounds; and defending the appeal of that judgment.\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;Brown v. GlaxoSmithKline\u003c/em\u003e, 51 So. 3d 1128 (Ala. Civ. App. 2009).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Member of a team that successfully defeated certification of a nationwide class.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting Merck Sharp \u0026amp; Dohme Corp. in multidistrict litigation in New Jersey federal court involving allegations of injuries from use of the company\u0026rsquo;s osteoporosis medication. Ms. Howard was a member of the trial team in the first \u0026ldquo;bellwether\u0026rdquo; trial,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eGlynn v. Merck\u003c/em\u003e, in which the jury returned a full defense verdict, after which the court granted judgment based on federal preemption.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eGlynn v. Merck \u0026amp; Co.\u003c/em\u003e, 915 F. Supp. 2d 695 (D.N.J. 2013).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting a specialty retailer in a South Carolina federal personal injury action involving allegations of burn injuries resulting from the use of fire pot and gel fuel products.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, American Tort Reform Association, and the National Association of Manufacturers as\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eamicus curiae\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eCerveny v. Aventis\u003c/em\u003e, in which the Tenth Circuit affirmed in part the federal district court\u0026rsquo;s grant of summary judgment for Aventis.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eCerveny v. Aventis, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 855 F.3d 1091 (10th Cir. 2017),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eaff'd\u003c/em\u003e, 783 F. App'x 804 (10th Cir. 2019).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting the Products Liability Advisory Council, Inc. (PLAC) as\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eamicus curiae\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eWyeth v. Weeks\u003c/em\u003e, in which the Supreme Court of Alabama addressed whether a brand-name drug manufacturer can be held liable to consumers of generic drug products. Following the court\u0026rsquo;s opinion, Ms. Howard again represented PLAC as amicus curiae in support of Wyeth\u0026rsquo;s application for rehearing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting Purdue Pharma as part of a King \u0026amp; Spalding team serving as national coordinating co-counsel and trial counsel in nationwide product liability and consumer fraud litigation involving the company\u0026rsquo;s pain medication. Ms. Howard\u0026rsquo;s achievements in this litigation include drafting a successful motion to dismiss.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDrafting a successful motion for protective order in response to a challenge to a pharmaceutical manufacturer\u0026rsquo;s confidential documents.\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"Rising Star in Personal Injury - Products: Defense and Class Action / Mass Torts, 2018 \u0026 2019","detail":"Georgia Super Lawyers"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":5814}]},"capability_group_id":3},"created_at":"2026-05-28T22:06:45.000Z","updated_at":"2026-05-28T22:06:45.000Z","searchable_text":"Howard{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Rising Star in Personal Injury - Products: Defense and Class Action / Mass Torts, 2018 \u0026amp; 2019\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Georgia Super Lawyers\"}{{ FIELD }}Member of national trial counsel team representing an international medical device company in litigation in federal and state cases across the country, and formerly in a multidistrict litigation (MDL), relating to injuries allegedly caused by the company’s female pelvic mesh devices.{{ FIELD }}Member of national coordinating and trial counsel team representing GlaxoSmithKline in nationwide product liability litigation concerning allegations of a link between the company’s antidepressant and an increased risk of suicidality in adult and pediatric patients, as well as an increased risk of certain congenital defects. Ms. Howard’s experience includes trial preparation and participating at trial; deposing plaintiffs and treating physicians; participating in expert discovery, including depositions; preparing expert witnesses and corporate representatives for deposition and trial; briefing and arguing dispositive, procedural, and Daubert motions; coordinating discovery; and briefing appeals. Ms. Howard’s involvement has included federal and state cases in trial and appellate courts across the country.{{ FIELD }}Ms. Howard’s achievements in this litigation include:\n• Serving on the trial team for the first \"innovator liability\" prescription medication case to go to trial, Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline. Ms. Howard was also part of the team that successfully handled the case on appeal. Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline LLC, 901 F.3d 803 (7th Cir. 2018), cert. denied, 139 S. Ct. 2636 (2019), aff'd on further appeal, 951 F.3d 882 (7th Cir. 2020).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in Connecticut federal court in a case alleging that maternal Paxil use caused congenital heart defect, on two separate grounds: first, because of a lack of admissible expert testimony after the Court excluded plaintiffs' case-specific expert; and second, because plaintiffs' claims were time-barred. K.E. v. GlaxoSmithKline LLC, No. 3:14-cv-1294(VAB), 2017 WL 440242 (D. Conn. Feb. 1, 2017).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in New Mexico state court based on lack of causation for an injury allegedly caused by a generic competitor’s medication; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the New Mexico Court of Appeals. Silva v. SmithKline Beecham Corp., No. 31,276, 2013 WL 4516160 (N.M. Ct. App. Feb. 7, 2013).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in Florida state court based on lack of causation under Florida’s learned intermediary doctrine, and separately on the plaintiffs’ claims of manufacturing defect, and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal. Layton v. SmithKline Beecham Corp., 137 So. 3d 384 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2014).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in Louisiana federal court on alternative grounds of the learned intermediary doctrine and judicial estoppel; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Allgood v. SmithKline Beecham Corp. d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline, No. 06-3506, 2008 WL 483574 (E.D. La. Feb. 20, 2008), aff’d, 314 F. App’x 701 (5th Cir. 2009).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in California federal court on statute of limitations grounds; and defending the appeal of that judgment to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Schuetze v. GlaxoSmithKline, 384 F. App’x 610 (9th Cir. 2010).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in Louisiana federal court based on the plaintiff’s failure to timely disclose expert testimony; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Autery v. SmithKline Beecham Corp., No. 05-0982, 2011 WL 1812793 (W.D. La. Apr. 12, 2011), adopted by 2011 WL 1828343 (W.D. La. May 12, 2011), aff’d, 496 F. App’x 388 (5th Cir. 2012).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in Alabama state court on statute of limitations grounds; and defending the appeal of that judgment. Brown v. GlaxoSmithKline, 51 So. 3d 1128 (Ala. Civ. App. 2009).\n• Member of a team that successfully defeated certification of a nationwide class.{{ FIELD }}Representing Merck Sharp \u0026amp; Dohme Corp. in multidistrict litigation in New Jersey federal court involving allegations of injuries from use of the company’s osteoporosis medication. Ms. Howard was a member of the trial team in the first “bellwether” trial, Glynn v. Merck, in which the jury returned a full defense verdict, after which the court granted judgment based on federal preemption. Glynn v. Merck \u0026amp; Co., 915 F. Supp. 2d 695 (D.N.J. 2013).{{ FIELD }}Representing a specialty retailer in a South Carolina federal personal injury action involving allegations of burn injuries resulting from the use of fire pot and gel fuel products.{{ FIELD }}Representing the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, American Tort Reform Association, and the National Association of Manufacturers as amicus curiae in Cerveny v. Aventis, in which the Tenth Circuit affirmed in part the federal district court’s grant of summary judgment for Aventis. Cerveny v. Aventis, Inc., 855 F.3d 1091 (10th Cir. 2017), aff'd, 783 F. App'x 804 (10th Cir. 2019).{{ FIELD }}Representing the Products Liability Advisory Council, Inc. (PLAC) as amicus curiae in Wyeth v. Weeks, in which the Supreme Court of Alabama addressed whether a brand-name drug manufacturer can be held liable to consumers of generic drug products. Following the court’s opinion, Ms. Howard again represented PLAC as amicus curiae in support of Wyeth’s application for rehearing.{{ FIELD }}Representing Purdue Pharma as part of a King \u0026amp; Spalding team serving as national coordinating co-counsel and trial counsel in nationwide product liability and consumer fraud litigation involving the company’s pain medication. Ms. Howard’s achievements in this litigation include drafting a successful motion to dismiss.{{ FIELD }}Drafting a successful motion for protective order in response to a challenge to a pharmaceutical manufacturer’s confidential documents.{{ FIELD }}Heather Howard is counsel in King \u0026amp; Spalding’s Trial \u0026amp; Global Disputes Practice.  Ms. Howard has experience in large-scale, class action and multidistrict litigation, as well as individual product liability, consumer fraud, and toxic tort cases.  Her practice focuses on product liability and the representation of clients in the pharmaceutical industry.  Ms. Howard joined King \u0026amp; Spalding after serving as a law clerk for the Honorable Rhesa H. Barksdale on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  Ms. Howard successfully completed the International Association of Defense Counsel’s Trial Academy.\nPublications and Presentations\n\nCourse Presenter, “The Learned Intermediary Doctrine – Defense Lessons for the Regulatory Professional,” University of Southern California School of Pharmacy’s Regulatory Science Graduate Program Course on Medical Products and the Law, annually, 2013-2021\nModerator, “I Want You: What In-House Counsel Want from Young Lawyers,” DRI Drug \u0026amp; Medical Device Seminar, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 2017\nSpeaker, “New Rules in Town: An Update on the Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,” 27th Annual ICLE Tropical Seminar, Cartagena, Colombia, January 2017\nAuthor, “Stuck in Limbo – the Effect of West Virginia’s Recent Adoption of the Learned Intermediary Doctrine Remains a Mystery,” DRI’s Rx for the Defense, January 2017\nModerator, “How to Become Indispensable: An Interactive In-House Panel,” DRI Drug \u0026amp; Device Seminar, Chicago, Illinois, May 2016\nSpeaker, “Millennials: In the Workplace, the Courtroom, and Social Media,” 26th Annual ICLE Tropical Seminar, Paradise Island, Bahamas, February 2016\nAuthor, “Pharmacist Prescribing: A New Challenge to the Learned Intermediary Doctrine?”  DRI’s Rx for the Defense, February 2016\nSpeaker, “Spoliation of Evidence: How to Avoid It, and What is at Stake”, 25th Annual ICLE Tropical Seminar, Cancun, Mexico, February 2015\nCo-Author, “A Light at the End of the Tunnel? An Update on Innovator Liability,”  DRI’s Rx for the Defense, January 2014\nCo-Author, “But I Took Your Drug Too! What Happens When a Plaintiff Claiming Injury From a Generic Medication Previously Took the Branded Version and Seeks to Hold the Branded Manufacturer Liable?” DRI’s Rx for the Defense, January 2013\nSpeaker at DRI Annual Meeting, Drug \u0026amp; Medical Device CLE Session, “New Lessons From an Old Doctrine -- An Update on the Learned Intermediary Doctrine”, New Orleans, October 2012\nSpeaker at DRI Drug \u0026amp; Medical Device Seminar, Young Lawyers Blockbuster, “The Learned Intermediary Doctrine: Alive and Well or on Its Last Leg?”,  Chicago, May 2011\nThe Negligent Enablement of Imposter Fraud: A Common-Sense Common Law Claim, 54 Duke J. 1263 (2005)\n Counsel Rising Star in Personal Injury - Products: Defense and Class Action / Mass Torts, 2018 \u0026amp; 2019 Georgia Super Lawyers Washington and Lee University Washington and Lee University School of Law Duke University Duke University School of Law Supreme Court of the United States U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia Georgia American Bar Association Atlanta Bar Association Lawyers Club of Atlanta Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit Defense Research Institute (DRI) International Association of Defense Counsel American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA) Judicial Clerk, Rhesa H. Barksdale, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Member of national trial counsel team representing an international medical device company in litigation in federal and state cases across the country, and formerly in a multidistrict litigation (MDL), relating to injuries allegedly caused by the company’s female pelvic mesh devices. Member of national coordinating and trial counsel team representing GlaxoSmithKline in nationwide product liability litigation concerning allegations of a link between the company’s antidepressant and an increased risk of suicidality in adult and pediatric patients, as well as an increased risk of certain congenital defects. Ms. Howard’s experience includes trial preparation and participating at trial; deposing plaintiffs and treating physicians; participating in expert discovery, including depositions; preparing expert witnesses and corporate representatives for deposition and trial; briefing and arguing dispositive, procedural, and Daubert motions; coordinating discovery; and briefing appeals. Ms. Howard’s involvement has included federal and state cases in trial and appellate courts across the country. Ms. Howard’s achievements in this litigation include:\n• Serving on the trial team for the first \"innovator liability\" prescription medication case to go to trial, Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline. Ms. Howard was also part of the team that successfully handled the case on appeal. Dolin v. GlaxoSmithKline LLC, 901 F.3d 803 (7th Cir. 2018), cert. denied, 139 S. Ct. 2636 (2019), aff'd on further appeal, 951 F.3d 882 (7th Cir. 2020).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in Connecticut federal court in a case alleging that maternal Paxil use caused congenital heart defect, on two separate grounds: first, because of a lack of admissible expert testimony after the Court excluded plaintiffs' case-specific expert; and second, because plaintiffs' claims were time-barred. K.E. v. GlaxoSmithKline LLC, No. 3:14-cv-1294(VAB), 2017 WL 440242 (D. Conn. Feb. 1, 2017).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in New Mexico state court based on lack of causation for an injury allegedly caused by a generic competitor’s medication; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the New Mexico Court of Appeals. Silva v. SmithKline Beecham Corp., No. 31,276, 2013 WL 4516160 (N.M. Ct. App. Feb. 7, 2013).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in Florida state court based on lack of causation under Florida’s learned intermediary doctrine, and separately on the plaintiffs’ claims of manufacturing defect, and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal. Layton v. SmithKline Beecham Corp., 137 So. 3d 384 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2014).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in Louisiana federal court on alternative grounds of the learned intermediary doctrine and judicial estoppel; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Allgood v. SmithKline Beecham Corp. d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline, No. 06-3506, 2008 WL 483574 (E.D. La. Feb. 20, 2008), aff’d, 314 F. App’x 701 (5th Cir. 2009).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in California federal court on statute of limitations grounds; and defending the appeal of that judgment to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Schuetze v. GlaxoSmithKline, 384 F. App’x 610 (9th Cir. 2010).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in Louisiana federal court based on the plaintiff’s failure to timely disclose expert testimony; and successfully defending the appeal of that judgment to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Autery v. SmithKline Beecham Corp., No. 05-0982, 2011 WL 1812793 (W.D. La. Apr. 12, 2011), adopted by 2011 WL 1828343 (W.D. La. May 12, 2011), aff’d, 496 F. App’x 388 (5th Cir. 2012).\n• Obtaining summary judgment in Alabama state court on statute of limitations grounds; and defending the appeal of that judgment. Brown v. GlaxoSmithKline, 51 So. 3d 1128 (Ala. Civ. App. 2009).\n• Member of a team that successfully defeated certification of a nationwide class. Representing Merck Sharp \u0026amp; Dohme Corp. in multidistrict litigation in New Jersey federal court involving allegations of injuries from use of the company’s osteoporosis medication. Ms. Howard was a member of the trial team in the first “bellwether” trial, Glynn v. Merck, in which the jury returned a full defense verdict, after which the court granted judgment based on federal preemption. Glynn v. Merck \u0026amp; Co., 915 F. Supp. 2d 695 (D.N.J. 2013). Representing a specialty retailer in a South Carolina federal personal injury action involving allegations of burn injuries resulting from the use of fire pot and gel fuel products. Representing the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, American Tort Reform Association, and the National Association of Manufacturers as amicus curiae in Cerveny v. Aventis, in which the Tenth Circuit affirmed in part the federal district court’s grant of summary judgment for Aventis. Cerveny v. Aventis, Inc., 855 F.3d 1091 (10th Cir. 2017), aff'd, 783 F. App'x 804 (10th Cir. 2019). Representing the Products Liability Advisory Council, Inc. (PLAC) as amicus curiae in Wyeth v. Weeks, in which the Supreme Court of Alabama addressed whether a brand-name drug manufacturer can be held liable to consumers of generic drug products. Following the court’s opinion, Ms. Howard again represented PLAC as amicus curiae in support of Wyeth’s application for rehearing. Representing Purdue Pharma as part of a King \u0026amp; Spalding team serving as national coordinating co-counsel and trial counsel in nationwide product liability and consumer fraud litigation involving the company’s pain medication. Ms. Howard’s achievements in this litigation include drafting a successful motion to dismiss. Drafting a successful motion for protective order in response to a challenge to a pharmaceutical manufacturer’s confidential documents.","searchable_name":"Heather M. Howard","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":101,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null}]}}