
At King & Spalding, Andy Bayman and TaCara Harris, practice heads in Atlanta, handle Zantac litigation involving allegations that the drug caused bladder, kidney, and colorectal cancer, as well as complex medical device claims. Douglas Henderson, also in Atlanta, represents clients in mass tort cases involving life-saving medical devices and alleged ethylene oxide emissions from sterilization facilities, which plaintiffs claim caused cancer. Russell Gaudreau, in New York, leads strategic resolution efforts for hernia mesh and inferior vena cava filter MDLs. Susan Vargas, in Los Angeles, addresses claims of neuropsychiatric disorders from prescription medications, including failure-to-warn and negligence claims arising from generic substitutes. Val Leppert, in Miami, serves as national and trial counsel for surgically implantable medical devices, defending against allegations of negligence, design defect, and failure to warn, including complex trial and multi-jurisdictional matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team has deep and broad expertise in mass tort product cases, complemented by an exceptional regulatory and appellate practice.'
- 'Terrific trial attorneys include Andy Bayman, Rob Friedman, and TaCara Harris.'
Key clients
- Becton Dickinson
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
- Organon
- Walmart, Inc.
Work highlights
Represented Boehringer Ingelheim in all litigation alleging its widely used heartburn medication Zantac increases the risk of cancer.
Secured a complete defense verdict for Terumo BCT, Inc. and Terumo BCT Sterilization Services, Inc. in Jefferson County District Court, Colorado, addressing early mass tort litigation over alleged ethylene oxide emissions.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head
Andy Bayman; TaCara Harris; Tracie Renfroe
Other key lawyers
Douglas Henderson; Rob Friedman; Russell Gaudreau; Susan Vargas; Val Leppert
