Christopher J. Conoscenti

Partner
Christopher J. Conoscenti

Chris Conoscenti is a versatile litigator with extensive experience representing pharmaceutical and medical device companies in complex litigation nationwide. Chris has appeared on behalf of his clients in front of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) and in federal and state courts across the country.  He has taken and defended depositions of expert and fact witnesses and has been a member of a team of attorneys in defense of pharmaceutical companies in multi-week trials in federal and state court. He also has coordinated the factual investigation and the development of the "company case" for pharmaceutical companies in nationwide litigation and has had direct supervisory responsibility for large review teams comprising associate attorneys, staff attorneys, and paralegals.

As a member of the firm’s E-Discovery Group, Chris is experienced in electronic discovery and has been retained by an international pharmaceutical company to assist in establishing protocols for storage, capture, processing, and production of electronically stored information.

He has also represented companies in a variety of commercial disputes and insurance coverage litigation. He is a graduate of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy, an intensive, week-long program designed to develop defense trial advocacy skills.

Chris is a member of the firm’s hiring committee and currently serves as the partner coordinator for the Baltimore office’s summer associate program.

Experience

Representative Matters

  • Representing a vaccine manufacturer in  nationwide litigation involving allegations that the medication causes a variety of injuries, including successfully arguing the client’s position before the JPML and developing overall litigation strategy across two state court consolidations and a federal MDL
  • Representing a pharmaceutical manufacturer of an osteoporosis medication in nationwide litigation involving allegations that the medication causes osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures, including developing the company case, managing all aspects of discovery, and preparing company witnesses for deposition in sales and marketing
  • Serving as discovery counsel for an international pharmaceutical company; representation includes coordinating discovery positions across all litigations and investigations, advising on various issues relating to e-discovery, and helping to develop policies, procedures, and protocols related to the litigation
  • On behalf of a vaccine manufacturer, drafted brief to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals that led to the court affirming the grant court’s grant of summary judgment on limitations grounds
  • Representing a pharmaceutical company against allegations that its medication caused birth defects and developmental delay; includes developing and defending medical and psychiatric expert witnesses, and drafting pre-trial evidentiary motions
  • Represented a healthcare organization in defense of a breach of contract lawsuit brought by a pharmaceutical repackaging company
  • Represented a healthcare organization in a lawsuit against a roofing company and an insurer for breach of contract and negligence related to faulty roof installation
  • On behalf of a Fortune 100 company, prepared a successful motion to dismiss a federal products liability lawsuit based on the sophisticated user doctrine

Insights

Credentials
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Education

  • J.D. George Washington University Law School 2002
  • B.A. University of Notre Dame 1999

Bar Admissions

  • Maryland

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Maryland State Bar Association
  • Member, Defense Research Institute
  • Member, Maryland Defense Counsel, Inc.

Recognition
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  • Legal 500, Dispute Resolution - Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action - Defense: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, 2024