Rachele S. Sokolis

Counsel
Sokolis Rachele

Rachele Sokolis focuses on complex pharmaceutical litigation, including the defense of companies in multidistrict litigation and statewide coordinated proceedings. Rachele has experience drafting various court submissions, including dispositive motions; assisting with the factual development of the "company case"; preparing corporate designees and expert witnesses for depositions; and taking fact witness depositions. She has helped develop the defense strategy in an MCL involving thousands of plaintiffs, and her direct oversight of plaintiff-specific discovery responses has resulted in dismissals of nearly 2,000 plaintiffs for non-compliance with discovery orders. She attends case management conferences and has successfully argued various motions to dismiss. 

Experience

Representative Matters

  • Defending the manufacturer of an adult vaccine in nationwide litigation against allegations that the vaccine failed to prevent its intended illness and, instead, caused a variety of viral, neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular injuries. Developing several individual cases and expert witnesses, preparing multiple company and expert witnesses for deposition, and contributing to overall litigation strategy in federal and state consolidated proceedings
  • Defending the manufacturer of a vaccine in mass tort litigation alleging that POTS and autoimmune injuries resulted from vaccination. Prepared multiple company witnesses for depositions
  • Defending manufacturing company in numerous litigation matters involving allegations of PFAS exposure
  • Defended a proton pump inhibitor medication manufacturer in multidistrict litigation over claims of chronic kidney disease. Managed case-specific discovery, including taking plaintiff and healthcare provider depositions. Drafted summary judgment and Daubert motions in multiple cases
  • Represented a law firm in a lawsuit brought by a former client alleging legal malpractice and discrimination
  • Defended a power management company in a lawsuit brought by an injured employee. Drafted motion for summary judgment leading to dismissal of client from action

Insights

Credentials
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Education

  • J.D. summa cum laude University of Baltimore School of Law 2017
    • Certificate of concentration in Litigation and Advocacy
    • Comments Editor, University of Baltimore Law Review
    • National Environmental Law Moot Court Team, Member - Spring 2016
    • Royal Shannonhouse Honor Society, Distinguished Scholar
  • B.S. Paralegal Studies summa cum laude Stevenson University 2014

Bar Admissions

  • Maryland

Court Admissions

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

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Member, Hiring Committee, Venable Baltimore office
  • Member, Defense Research Institute
    • Drug and Medical Litigation Young Lawyer Primer
    • Maryland Defense Counsel Deposition Bootcamp

Community
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Volunteerism

  • Former member, Board of Directors, Middle Grades Partnership
  • Dean, CollegeBound