With an experienced team representing clients in high stakes, expansive and high profile product liability and expansive tort liability, Mayer Brown is often retained as national and trial counsel in matters ranging from natural-resource damages and punitive damages related to chemicals. The firm has been on the forefront of major lawsuits involving chemicals and natural resource damages related to PFAS, with Michael Olsen  continuing to represent clients in asbestos litigation and litigation relating to alleged lead contamination. Daniel Ring co-leads the practice and has played a major role in handling matters related to PFAS litigation, including as a member of the defense coordinating committee in the AFFF MDL, while Gina Aiello is an experienced trial lawyer in asbestos litigation. Priya Desai utilizes her knowledge with scientific issues in matters involving products liability and environmental contamination. All lawyers mentioned are based in Chicago.
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Key clients

  • CSX Transportation
  • Veolia
  • Union Carbide
  • Weyerhaeuser Company
  • The Dow Chemical Company
  • National Association of Manufacturers
  • American Petroleum Institute
  • Union Carbide/Amchem
  • U.S. Sugar Corporation
  • Nestlé USA

Work highlights

  • Representing Veolia and its US subsidiary, Veolia North America, in a group of cases in the US in connection with the Flint Water Crisis, and obtained a mistrial in the first case to go to trial after 6-1/2 months.
  • Ongoing representation in asbestos litigation involving continued work for Union Carbide and its former subsidiary, Amchem Products, Inc. (NKA Bayer CropScience, Inc.), as co-national counsel in asbestos litigation.
  • Secured a victory for the US Sugar Corporation when, on Aug 30, 2024, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of US Sugar in its challenge to the EPA’s Clean Air Act Boiler MACT Rule.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Priya Desai

Practice head

Henninger Bullock; Michael Olsen; Daniel Ring

Other key lawyers

Gina Aiello; Priya Desai