Freshfields specialises in handling multi-jurisdictional product liability litigation. The practice excels in defending product liability issues for clients from the automotive, tobacco, medical device, pharmaceutical, and life sciences sectors. It is well-versed in related regulatory issues, class actions, product-related issues related to M&As, and advisory mandates. Andrew Austin leads the practice and is an expert in defending consumer mass claims for technology, life sciences, and retail sectors. He regularly represents clients in product liability and commercial practices litigation. Co-chair Simon Duncombe handles a mix of product liability litigation, both civil and regulatory proceedings, involving allegedly defective consumer and pharmaceutical products. John Blain is respected for his prowess in class action product liability defence, and James Roberts is noted for his skills in handling automotive-related product liability claims and environmental disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The quality of its team is exceptional, and its ability to deliver at pace with a strategic overlay is second to none.
- Partners: Andrew Austin - huge legal brain and superb knowledge of all things product liability. Simon Duncombe - knows everyone and everything! Very wise and always gives calm, measured advice. James Roberts - always fully committed to the case and his clients - will fight their corner fearlessly and with tenacity. James Raeside - superb at understanding and conveying technical detail relating to complex products - a phenomenal brain. Senior Associates & others: James Smith - always immersed in the technical detail. Rebecca Fenning - can be relied upon to be fully on top of the detail and has excellent tactical judgment. Sanjana Fabrina - so, so clever! Georgina Bayly - great brain and greater drafter.
- Outstanding strength in depth. Resources are available at every level (partner, senior associate, associate, paralegal, support staff) in every area of law likely to be encountered in any large-scale product liability litigation.
- Outstanding team, with huge strength in depth and unrivalled experience in providing resources for all aspects of large-scale product liability litigation. Freshfields has partners, senior associates, associates, paralegals, and support in all areas of law that may need to be addressed in modern litigation.
- Very competent team, pragmatic and solution-oriented.
- Andrew Austin is very competent, pragmatic, and solution-oriented. Personable.
- Andrew Austin, Partner, leads the team. Andrew is excellent to work with. He is very responsive, client-focused, and solutions-oriented. He is very personable, as are his team. Harriet Hanks, Of Counsel, has had significant involvement in these cases and is a very strong litigator, very client-focused, and mentors the more junior members of the team. Rachel Duffy is a Senior Associate who is currently coordinating the cohort of medical device cases and is an associate to watch for the future.
- James Roberts is an outstanding partner, always alive to the bigger picture and able to see things from the client's perspective.
- Freshfields are absolutely second to none. It is a finely oiled machine, able to pull together resources seamlessly. Everyone, from the paralegals up to partner level, is world-class. It has real in-depth knowledge about group actions and product issues. It also works smoothly together when a matter requires expertise from different teams.
- James Roberts leads the team as an outstanding young partner, superb in his legal work and skillfully leading and guiding the wider Freshfields team in complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation projects.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Andrew Austin
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
James Roberts
Practice head
Andrew Austin; Simon Duncombe
Other key lawyers
John Blain; James Roberts; Lucy Clark; Tom Byham