Litigation boutique Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP handles major product liability, mass tort, class action, antitrust, intellectual property, and other high-stakes cases for leading pharma and medical device companies. Its lawyers are recognized not only for their experience in trying complex litigation cases but also for their deep scientific and technical expertise. The practice is led by Chicago-based Tarek Ismail, who has extensive experience as lead trial counsel in a variety of high-profile matters, including bet-the-company cases. Dallas-based Joe Tomaselli serves as national counsel for Merck in the product liability MDL regarding the Gardasil HPV vaccine; Chicago-based Shayna Cook, Rami Fakhouri, and Emma Ross are also key figures in the matter. Santa Monica’s Ken Baum leads the firm’s representation of Eli Lilly as lead science counsel in litigation concerning its GLP-1 dulaglutide and tirzepatide products. ‘Collaborative and client-focused’ Jennifer Greenblatt, based in Dallas, and Chicago’s Brian O’Donoghue are recognized for their creativity in developing trial strategies. Joining the Chicago team from Mayer Brown, Craig Woods has extensive experience organizing multidisciplinary expert teams, defending against expert testimony admissibility challenges under Daubert and Frye standards, and translating complex medical and scientific concepts into compelling litigation strategies.
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Testimonials
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‘Goldman Ismail has the unique ability to combine unparalleled knowledge of medical and scientific issues (they have multiple lawyers who are also medical doctors) with the ability to communicate those issues effectively to judges and juries. They work up a case, strategically deploy Rule 702 and summary judgment motions, and prepare cases for trial as well as or better than any other firm in the country.’
‘The individuals that stand out most are trial lawyers Tarek Ismail, Shanya Cook, and Emma Ross, as well as some of the top expert witness development lawyers in the country, Joe Tomaselli and Ken Baum. Brian O'Donaghue is also a consummate strategist, leading some of the largest and most important litigations in the country. They combine intelligence, talent, unrelenting work ethic, and a decency that makes them a pleasure to work with.’
‘The group is full of brilliant, experienced attorneys. There is not a firm I have encountered in my 15 years of practice that comes close to their depth of talent.’
‘Emma Ross is the smartest science mind in the defense bar for product liability litigation. Shayna Cook is a dynamite, first-chair trial lawyer who connects with jurors with ease. Tarek Ismail is a fabulous trial lawyer as well who has "seen it all."’
‘The team brings a client-focused and results-driven focus to each case, thinking creatively about the best and most efficient path towards success. Notwithstanding the relatively small size of the team, they never overextend and constantly make each matter a priority.’
‘Tarek Ismail is one of the finest trial attorneys I've seen. He is nimble as the trial evolves in real time. Jen Greenblatt is incredibly collaborative and client-focused. When working with her as co-counsel, there is never any matter of egos, as the client's objectives are all that matter. She is exceptionally bright, creative, and knows how to put together a trial narrative. Emma Ross is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met, and she somehow retains her ability to clearly convey complex scientific and medical principles to the jury. All three individuals are warm, friendly, and easy to work with.’
'Goldman Ismail is a unique practice because they are like the Special Forces of Product Liability law firms.'
'Up and down, left and right the group is just full of brilliant, experienced attorneys.'
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.
- Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon, Inc.
- GlaxoSmithKline
Work highlights
Lead counsel and trial counsel to GSK in products-liability cases in Illinois where plaintiffs claim its Zantac over-the-counter heartburn medication causes cancer.
Lead national counsel in all U.S.-based products-liability litigation relating to Merck’s Gardasil vaccine, which protects against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer, as well as other types of cancer caused by HPV infection.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Leading partners
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Next generation partners
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
Ken Baum
Shayna Cook
Joe Tomaselli
Brian O’Donoghue
Jennifer Greenblatt
Rami Fakhouri
Emma Ross
Craig Woods