Christian Coward
Associate
Much of Christian's experience also includes taking the lead with factual and evidentiary development of cases, drafting and responding to discovery requests, preparing corporate designee witnesses for deposition, and taking and defending fact witness depositions of plaintiff-related parties and treating physicians. He works with expert witnesses in various areas, including epidemiology, neurology, psychiatry, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, and pharmaceutical product labeling. Christian also has experience in courtroom client advocacy — obtaining favorable rulings after successfully arguing expert-related motions, motions in limine, a motion for summary judgement, and a protective order in Maryland state court.
Related Practices
Experience
Experience
Representative Matters
- Represented a vaccine manufacturer in litigation involving allegations that a vaccine causes purported autoimmune injuries. Drafted motions to dismiss, discovery-related motions, and motions seeking expert exclusion
- Represented the manufacturer of an adult vaccine in lawsuits alleging neurological injuries resulting from vaccination. Drafted dispositive motions, took the lead in reviewing complex regulatory documents, drafted and responded to discovery requests, and assisted with deposition strategy and preparation, eventually leading to stipulated dismissal of all claims
- Represented the manufacturer of an adult vaccine against claims alleging injuries related to vaccine administration. Took the lead in researching complex causation-related issues and drafting strategy memorandums for case team. Lead drafter of motions to dismiss two amended complaints, resulting in the dismissal of the final amended complaint with prejudice
- Worked with a team of Venable attorneys as co-national counsel in multidistrict litigation (MDL) and consolidated state court litigation involving proton pump inhibitor drugs and allegations of kidney injuries
- Represented a law firm in a lawsuit brought by a former client alleging legal malpractice and discrimination
- Represented a professional sports team seeking a protective order to ensure the security of players and staff. Served as lead counsel, investigated facts and evidence relevant to the matter, and successfully advocated for the client, eventually obtaining a final protective order—obtaining long-term protection for the client
- Represented a leading American grocery store chain facing allegations of pharmacy error and personal injury. Took the lead on fact discovery, took fact witness depositions, drafted discovery-related motions, expert-related motions, and dispositive motions, and successfully argued those motions in court—obtaining favorable rulings that eventually resulted in the favorable resolution of the case
Insights
Insights
Credentials
Credentials
Education
- J.D. summa cum laude University of Baltimore School of Law 2021
- Symposium editor, University of Baltimore Law Review
- Royal Graham Shannonhouse III Honor Society
- Heuisler Honor Society
- Criminal Law – Law Scholar
- Fannie Angelos Program for Academic Excellence
- Black Law Students Association
- B.A. Criminal Justice, Concentration in Social Justice Bowie State University 2017
- Fannie Angelos Program for Academic Excellence
- Bowie State University football team, 2014
Professional Memberships and Activities
- Member, Hiring Committee, Venable's Baltimore office
Recognition
Recognition
- The National Black Lawyers, 40 Under 40, 2023
Community
Community
Volunteerism
- Member, Board of Directors, South Baltimore Learning Center