King & Spalding LLP represents clients in every segment of the life sciences industry in high-stakes product liability, class action, and mass torts. Leveraging its cross-practice expertise, the team collaborates closely with appellate, regulatory, and life science lawyers. It regularly serves as national and regional coordinating counsel, and its strategic resolution team has favorably resolved large litigations. The practice is led by Atlanta’s Andy Bayman, who serves as lead counsel for Boehringer Ingelheim in litigation involving Zantac; Shaila Rahman Diwan, a trial lawyer based in New York known for presenting novel, complex scientific issues, and defenses to judges and juries; and Houston’s Tracie Renfroe, who represents clients in federal and state civil jury trials, MDLs, and class actions. The team saw significant expansion in 2024, with notable additions including Christopher Cowan, Tara Blake, and Amy Pepke from Butler Snow LLP; Bueno and Cowan joined the Austin office, while Blake and Pepke are based in Houston.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Key clients
- Becton Dickinson
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Eli Lilly & Company
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Kenvue, fka Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
- Organon
- Walmart, Inc.
Work highlights
- Serves as national coordinating and trial counsel for Boehringer Ingelheim in all litigation alleging its heartburn medication Zantac increases the risk of cancer.
- Served as national counsel for Walmart in litigation alleging that manufacturers of Tylenol and retailers of private-labeled acetaminophen products failed to warn pregnant mothers about the potential risks to their children of prenatal exposure to the drugs.
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; Shaila Rahman Diwan; Tracie Renfroe
Other key lawyers
Kristen Fournier; Luke Bosso; Christopher Cowan; Tara Blake; Amy Pepke