Back to rankings
Dechert

Dechert

More information

United States • Dispute resolution

3

Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco)

Dechert is recognized by clients for its ‘collaborative, solutions-oriented’ approach to product liability matters, including complex PFAS disputes. The team is led by New York–based Mark Cheffo and Douglas E. Fleming III. Cheffo advises tobacco companies on claims alleging cancer and lung injuries from secondhand smoke and represents technology companies in matters alleging video game platforms are addictive to minors and failed to warn of associated risks. Fleming focuses on PFAS litigation, serving as lead counsel in high-profile matters involving plastic manufacturers, groundwater contamination, and alleged personal injury and property damage tied to industrial waste and consumer products. In Philadelphia, Will Sachse handles MDLs involving baby food manufacturers accused of heavy metal exposure and beverage companies facing claims of metabolic and liver-related injuries.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Dechert's products and mass tort team are top-notch. They not only have the depth of expertise and national coverage - they are remarkably collegial, which is incredibly important in this space where law firms often work with each other rather than just with their own lawyers.'

  • ‘Will Sachse is an absolute standout. He is wicked smart, an excellent strategist, and a wonderful team player. He works harder than almost anybody and leads his teams to do their best for the client. He is also a Swiss Army type lawyer - he can cover the stand-up roles while also digging deep on science, working with experts, crossing key witnesses, etc. Should definitely be highlighted. ’

  • ‘Dechert has been in this space for a long time and has institutional knowledge about the area. They are collaborative with other law firms and easy to work with.’

  • ‘Will Sachse is smart and strategic, and very experienced in the product liability space. He is also a very responsive communicator and an absolute pleasure to collaborate with.’

  • ‘Dechert has built a top-notch team that is adept at managing large-scale, multidistrict products liability litigation. They have the resources to manage the extensive briefing and discovery efforts involved in such cases effectively. Above all, they are excellent team players and always bring positivity and skill to their work.’

  • ‘Will Sachse is an outstanding national counsel who consistently brings valuable strategic thought and deep case knowledge to his work. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the facts and an ability to connect with witnesses. I would be thrilled to work with him on any matter.

Key clients

  • Essity AB
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Purdue Pharma
  • Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics
  • Sun-Maid Growers of California/Plum, PBC
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
  • W. L. Gore & Associates
Practice head

Jay Bhimani; Mark Cheffo; Douglas E. Fleming III

Other key lawyers

Will Sachse