OUTSTANDING SERVICE, DEEP EXPERTISE, PROVEN RESULTS
Butler Snow’s Drug & Device Litigation team is trusted by leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies for one reason above all: winning outcomes in the most challenging cases. From defense verdicts in bellwether trials to case-ending rulings on dispositive motions, our record of success sets us apart.
We approach every matter with a jury-focused strategy—developing themes early, weaving them throughout discovery and motions practice, and presenting cohesive defenses at trial when resolution cannot be achieved sooner. Clients turn to us because we combine trial-ready advocacy with organizational strength, scaling seamlessly to manage mass torts, MDLs, and coordinated proceedings of any size and complexity.
TRUSTED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
Our success is grounded in collaboration within our firm, with our clients and with other defense counsel. Clients consistently praise our ability to integrate as part of their team—leveraging deep industry knowledge, decades of hands-on experience, and creative solutions tailored to business realities.
Chambers USA, which ranked the firm for nationwide Product Liability & Mass Torts: The Elite, recently highlighted the following feedback on our expertise: “I would hire them at any time for product liability in any jurisdiction. They’re smart, talented, creative and cost-effective. They’re also good team players and great trial counsel.”
We have represented manufacturers in litigation over a wide range of products, including:
- Pharmaceuticals: acne medications, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and anti-psychotic drugs, birth control, blood thinners, cholesterol and colitis treatments, diabetes medications, diet drugs, heartburn medications, hormone therapies, hypertension and osteoporosis medications, male pattern baldness treatments, and vaccines.
- Medical Devices: pelvic and hernia mesh, mammary implants, pain pumps, hip replacements, dialyzers, mechanical heart valves, and IUDs.
- Consumer Products: OTC pain relievers, earplugs, and talcum powder
While we excel at providing cost-efficient service, clients choose Butler Snow for results that matter. From defense verdicts in bellwether trials to early dismissals and strategic motions, our team delivers winning outcomes in complex pharmaceutical and medical device litigation.
PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
- Medical hearing device litigation: National Coordinating Counsel
- Pelvic mesh litigation: National Coordinating Counsel, MDL Lead Counsel, and Lead Trial Counsel
- Hernia mesh litigation: MDL Lead Counsel and Lead Trial Counsel
- Intrauterine device litigation: National Counsel
- Cryolipolysis device litigation: National Counsel
- Propecia® litigation: National Counsel, National Science Counsel, and National Trial Counsel
- Tylenol® litigation: National Counsel and MDL Liaison Counsel
- Fosamax® litigation: Lead New Jersey Counsel and Trial Counsel
- Multiple defense verdicts in pelvic mesh cases across federal and state courts (12 from 2022–2023), including:
- Richards v. Ethicon, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, Case No. 5:21-CV-00092-RSW, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas: Pelvic mesh product liability case; defense verdict, 2022. See “J&J Ethicon Unit Prevails In 2 Pelvic Mesh Trials,” Law360, Oct. 13, 2022.
- Jarrett v. Ethicon, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, Case No. 4:20-cv-01517-BRW, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas: Pelvic mesh product liability case; defense verdict, 2022.
- McBroom v. Ethicon, Inc., Case No. 2:20-cv-02127, United States District Court for the District of Arizona: Pelvic mesh product liability case; defense verdict, 2022.
- Defense verdicts in high-profile product liability cases involving Tylenol®, Fosamax®, Accutane®, and Pradaxa®.
- National trial leadership in attorney general actions.
Motions & Appeals
- Affirmed defense wins across multiple Circuits, including CoolSculpting®, pelvic mesh, hernia mesh, Fosamax®, and Pradaxa® litigations.
- Secured appellate rulings that established key precedents and ended high-stakes litigation.
View our full list of recent portfolio highlights below.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE & PROVEN SUCCESS
- Mass Tort & MDL Leadership: Nationally recognized for leading mass torts and multidistrict litigations, effectively coordinating thousands of cases and multiple law firms.
- Motions & Appeals: Proven ability to secure dispositive rulings that end litigation early and to defend key verdicts on appeal.
- Science Counsel: Skilled at shaping scientific narratives, excluding unreliable experts, and presenting compelling expert testimony.
- Trials: Home to Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers; including past presidents of Trial Lawyers of America and ABOTA, and faculty for the IADC Trial Academy and ABOTA Masters in Trial. We are regularly called to try cases in the nation’s toughest jurisdictions.
- Attorneys General Actions: Significant experience defending life sciences companies in state AG investigations and litigation.
- Risk Management: Proactive counseling to mitigate risk, respond to recalls, and navigate regulatory inquiries.
RECOGNIZED EXCELLENCE
Our work and lawyers are consistently ranked among the nation’s best:
- Chambers USA: Nationwide “Product Liability & Mass Torts: The Elite (2025).
- The Legal 500 US: Nationwide “Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices – Defense (2025).
- Recognized by Benchmark Litigation, Forbes, LMG Life Sciences, Lawdragon 500, Best Lawyers, Who’s Who Legal, and Super Lawyers.
DELIVERING VALUE & DRIVING INNOVATION
While outcomes drive our reputation, clients also value our efficiency and collaboration. Approximately 80% of our work is handled through alternative fee arrangements—designed with the help of in-house pricing experts to deliver predictability and transparency. Our firm structure ensures that matters are staffed with the right lawyers for the right tasks, prioritizing results over hierarchy.
We also invest in the next generation of trial lawyers, ensuring clients benefit from a deep bench of well-trained attorneys. Our associates gain courtroom experience through IADC Trial Academy, our in-house mock trial courtroom, and direct roles on trial teams.
WHAT SETS BUTLER SNOW APART
- Proven trial results that protect clients’ bottom line
- Leadership across mass torts, MDLs, and trial practice
- Structure calibrated for large-scale litigation coordination
- Industry recognition and top-tier rankings
- Client praise for adaptability, efficiency, and scale
HIGHLIGHTS
- Medical hearing device product liability litigation: National Coordinating Counsel
- Pelvic mesh product liability litigation: National Coordinating Counsel, MDL Lead Counsel and Lead Trial Counsel in one of the largest litigations in history
- Hernia mesh product liability litigation: MDL Lead Counsel and Lead Trial Counsel
- Intrauterine device product liability litigation: National Counsel
- Cryolipolysis device product liability litigation: National Counsel
- Propecia® product liability litigation: National Counsel, National Science Counsel and National Trial Counsel
- Tylenol® product liability litigation: National Counsel and MDL Liaison Counsel
- Fosamax® product liability litigation: Lead New Jersey Counsel and Trial Counsel
