Bowman and Brooke LLP > Los Angeles, United States > Firm Profile

Bowman and Brooke LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: automotive/transport Tier 1

Often working with relevant local counsel andbenefitting from practitioners spread across the length and breadth of the country, litigation-focused firm Bowman and Brooke LLP is well-positioned to defend clients in complex and high-profile product liability actions, irrespective of geographical location. A significant proportion of this work relates to litigation brought against automotive manufacturers, including household names such as Toyota, Ford Motor and BMW, where the firm is appreciated for its ‘extensive subject matter knowledge’, as well as its ability to simplify complex scientific issues for juries. The automotive practice group, which is co-headed from Minneapolis and Detroit by Bard Borkon and Tom Branigan, respectively, is conversant not only with conventional product liability-related disputes but has also been at the vanguard of issues arising from the increased automation of technology in the space, including in the defense of “computer decision making” in vehicles, such as auto emergency braking and airbag control technology. In this context, Branigan is recognized as ‘a top choice nationally… due to his technical mastery of emerging technology and approachability with both juries and corporate executives’. The firm’s proactive approach to trying cases is also a strong selling point for clients, ensuring that it is in a position of strength to potentially gain favorable settlement terms, as well as, should the case go to trial, the ability to make persuasive arguments in both bench and jury trials. Phoenix-based Paul Cereghini and San Jose-based Vincent Galvin have regularly handled bellwether trials in the automotive space, with Galvin recently securing a favorable verdict for Tesla in its first automotive jury trial in the country, following a fatal accident case involving issues relating to the deactivation of a speed limiter device.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 2

Appreciated for its ‘problem solving approach’, the result of many years’ experience handling work in the field, product liability-focused litigation firm Bowman and Brooke LLP is well-versed in developing ‘innovative and effective strategies’ for an impressive roster of pharmaceutical and medical devices clients. With litigators spread across many key nationwide offices, the firm is very effective at managing mass tort disputes, displaying a trial-ready approach resulting in some notable victories, including in key bellwether cases. Texas-based partner Randall Christian  has earned a strong reputation defending pharmaceutical manufacturers in cases heard before multiple federal and state courts; he continues to act as national co-ordinating counsel to Japanese pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo in its Injectafer litigation. Minneapolis-based trial lawyer Kim Schmid co-heads the team along with Christian and excels in handling medical device-related product liability cases.    

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 3

National product liability specialist Bowman and Brooke LLP has deep and longstanding experience defending manufacturers across a myriad consumer products, from food and tobacco, sports equipment and bicycles through to  power tools and child products, in courts across the length and breadth of the country. Co-headed by Jeffrey Warren and Tori Levine from Phoenix and Dallas, respectively, the team is well-versed in managing complex aggregated litigation, including MDLs and class actions, and is able to call upon the expertise of a raft of experienced first-chair trial lawyers in jury and bench trials. One of these, Phoenix-based firm chair Paul Cereghini continues to act as lead counsel for Riddell in the high-profile NFL player concussion litigation. Phoenix-based partner Amanda Heitz  is adept at handling trials, as well as preparing essential motions and briefings for consumer product manufacturers in claims involving catastrophic personal injuries, wrongful death, property damage, consumer fraud and breach of contract. The firm is also playing a key role in defending 3M in its sprawling MDL regarding hearing loss brought about by alleged defective earplugs.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 3

Mid-sized national product liability focused litigation firm Bowman and Brooke LLP regularly secures lead and national counsel roles involving a wide range of toxic torts, including chemical exposure, soil and water contamination, mold, benzene and others that involve allegations of cancer, birth defects, and major organ diseases. The firm has, however, gained most recognition for its asbestos-related work, handling matters for clients from a range of industries, including in the automotive space – one of the firm’s core industry areas of expertise – in courts throughout the country. Minneapolis-based Roshan Rajkumar regularly secures national coordinating or lead trial counsel roles for manufacturers and chemical companies in the defense of toxic tort claims, including as it relates to allegations of asbestos contamination. Los Angeles-based partner Larry Ramsey has developed a strong reputation in California for his trial work in the toxic tort arena, including handling cases relating to alleged exposures to asbestos, benzene and chlorinated solvents. Ramsey co-heads the team alongside Phoenix-based partner William Auther, who is noted for his asbestos-related work.