Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP’s practice, led by Tarek Ismail in Chicago, serves as lead trial counsel in cases involving alleged carcinogenic exposure, renal and bone injuries related to tenofovir-containing drugs, labeling disputes about blood clot risk, and claims of atypical femur fractures. Brian O’Donoghue acts as national counsel and co-lead in Roundup litigation, managing defense strategy and case resolution. Emma Ross, Shayna Cook, and Rami Fakhouri advise on contraceptive device cases involving alleged breakage and removal complications. Jennifer Greenblatt handles medical nutrition product litigation, including cases related to preterm nutritional products, and has presented arguments before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Based in Dallas, Joe Tomaselli manages medical device litigation, including insulin pump defect claims. In Santa Monica, Ken Baum oversees national science and expert strategy, including GLP-1 and vaccine litigation.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP’s product liability, mass tort, and class actions practice is distinguished by its consistent ability to try and win the most complex, high-stakes pharmaceutical and medical device cases. The team combines deep scientific and regulatory fluency with exceptional trial and appellate advocacy, allowing it to develop persuasive case narratives that resonate with both courts and juries.'
'A key differentiator is the presence of attorneys who also hold medical degrees, which provides the practice with an exceptional level of credibility and insight when addressing complex medical, scientific, and causation issues. This JD-MD capability meaningfully enhances expert strategy, cross-examination, and overall case development, and is a significant advantage in pharmaceutical and medical device defense matters.'
'Compared to other firms in this space, Goldman Ismail stands out for its lean staffing model, trial focus, and efficiency. Matters are staffed with small, highly experienced teams, resulting in both effectiveness and superior strategic consistency.’
- 'Ken Baum is widely regarded as one of the premier trial lawyers in the product liability and mass tort space, and his dual training as both a lawyer and a physician is a significant differentiator. As a JD-MD, Ken brings an unmatched level of medical and scientific fluency to pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, allowing him to engage deeply with clinical data, regulatory records, and complex causation issues.'
- 'Jennifer Greenblatt stands out for her analytical depth, precision, and mastery of complex scientific and regulatory records. She is exceptionally effective at developing case strategy, shaping expert testimony, and identifying decisive legal and factual issues early in litigation.'
'They have the top trial, expert, and science-development lawyers, as well as legal and national-coordinating strategy lawyers, in the country. They have a diverse team with alternative fee arrangements that deliver incredible value to clients. They collaborate seamlessly with dozens of law firms nationwide. You couldn't ask for a more talented group to partner with on your post-important matters.’
‘The GITBB team is strategic, efficient, and experienced. They see the forest and tend only to the necessary trees. They are collaborative, diverse, and brilliant.’
‘Andrew Rima provides steady counsel and strong advocacy for his clients and is skilled at managing large teams. Rami Fakhouri is a great collaborator and teammate who has a great presence and is excellent on his feet both with witnesses and arguing motions.’
‘The Goldman Ismail product liability group is one of my favorites, and at the very top of the list for firms I would recommend to clients. The group includes some of the most talented trial lawyers and litigators I have worked with. Their breadth and depth of experience and expertise in this practice area are second to none.'
‘Shayna Cook is a tremendous trial lawyer and one I would always recommend to clients. Brian O'Donoghue is one of the most strategic and client-driven lawyers I have ever worked with. The firm's expert team, led by Ken Baum and Craig Woods, is second to none. And Laura Sexton has done a tremendous job working with company witnesses and developing a liability defense in a very challenging litigation.’
Key clients
- Merck & Co., Inc.
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Bayer Healthcare LLC
- Bayer Corp.
- Bayer AG
- Monsanto Company
- Gilead Sciences, Inc.
- GSK
- AbbVie Inc.
- Dow Chemical Company and Union Carbide Company
- Medtronic, Inc.
- Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
- Organon & Co.
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Abbott Laboratories
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
Work highlights
Represented GSK in product liability cases in Illinois where plaintiffs claimed its Zantac over-the-counter heartburn medication causes cancer.
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Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Tarek Ismail
Other key lawyers
Andrew Rima; Brian O'Donoghue; Craig Woods; Emma Ross; Jennifer Greenblatt; Joe Tomaselli; Ken Baum; Laura Sexton; Rami Fakhouri; Shayna Cook