Several publications covered the arrival of partners John Roberts and Karen Firstenberg, associate Rita Mansuryan, and paralegal Eva Fitzhugh at the firm’s expanding Product Liability and Mass Torts Group. Publications included Law360 and Reuters on September 9, 2022, and Attorney at Law Magazine on September 7.
Mr. Roberts helps an array of clients by providing strong representation on and experienced insight into product liability, commercial litigation, insurance recovery, and regulatory compliance matters. He has experience serving as national litigation counsel for a leading window manufacturer, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, consumer products manufacturers, and numerous industry-leading financial services companies in their defense against products liability matters, class actions, and other commercial disputes, including breach of contract actions. He has also successfully represented numerous healthcare providers—including medical equipment suppliers, ambulatory surgery centers, and physician practices—in the recovery of tens of millions of dollars in claims from insurance companies.
Mrs. Firstenberg provides strategic counsel to life sciences companies on product liability, toxic torts, and compliance matters. She represents pharmaceutical, biotech, materials science, and medical device manufacturers, designers, and distributors, including Fortune 500 and 300 companies. She has led nationwide mass tort drug and device litigation in both state and federal courts, winning favorable jury verdicts in multi-million-dollar claims. She strategically handles every aspect of litigation, including claim assessment, depositions, expert discovery, first-chair trial work, and more. She works closely with clients to develop and execute strategies to achieve client goals.
Commenting on the group's move to Venable, Mr. Roberts said, "One of the main reasons we moved to Venable is that the firm is known for its strong product liability and mass torts capabilities, which will provide the platform we need to expand our business. Not to mention that the firm has truly smart, good, and talented individuals, whom we look forward to working and collaborating with."