Our people

Barbara is a member of the firm’s Life Sciences Health Industry Group, practicing in the area of product liability litigation. Since joining the firm in 1991, her practice has focused on complex pharmaceutical products liability, mass torts, multi-district litigation and class action defense, as well as insurance coverage, fraudulent transfer, asset recovery, employment law, health care, and related corporate matters. Barbara has been a successful first chair lawyer at trial representing many of the top 10 pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.  She also represents large insurance companies, financial institutions, government agencies, and health care providers.  She has been admitted pro hac vice before many tribunals; and has also represented clients at AAA arbitrations and administrative hearings.  She is a frequent speaker on issues relating to pharmaceutical products liability, mass torts and trial tactics.

Publications

• “The Ethics of Clinical Trials: Framework and Emerging Issues, A Litigator’s Perspective,” (with Tracy Weiss), February, 2004
• "Cross Jurisdictional Tolling: Does the Filing of a Federal Class Action Toll the Statute on Individually Filed State Actions?" (with Carolyn Flotron), BNA Reporter, Spring 2002
• "The Erosion of the Attorney-Client Privilege Through Inadvertence, Mistake or Ignorance," (with Kerry Kearney), Corporate Compliance Quarterly, March 1997

Speeches / Presentations

• “E-Discovery Involving Emerging Technologies,” ACI Twelfth Annual Drug & Medical Device Litigation Conference, New York, December 2007
• "Advertising and Recruitment for Clinical Trials," ACI Conference on Clinical Trials, New York, February 2006
• "Anatomy of a Successful Products Liability Trial," ACI Tenth Annual Drug and Medical Device Litigation Conference, New York, December 2005
• "The Efficacy of Pondimin and Regulatory History of Efficacy Labeling for Anorexigens," Washington, D.C., 2005
• "Legal Ramifications for Labeling and Pharmacovigilance," Philadelphia, PA, 2004
• "Using Daubert as a Sword and Shield: Comprehensive Expert Strategies," Washington, D.C., 2004
• "MDL Removal; Coordination Strategies for Litigating in Multiple Jurisdictions," New York, 2004
• "Minimizing the Risks of Liability for Off-Label Usage," Pharmaceutical Education Associates, September 2003
• "The Internet – Tips for In-House Counsel on Maximizing Resources and Avoiding Liabilities," Philadelphia, PA, 2003
• "Amendments to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Evidence," Philadelphia, PA 2003

Experience

Legal Education

Undergraduate Education

Professional Affiliations

• Pennsylvania Civil Jury Instructions Committee
• PILCOP – Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia (Treasurer)
• PBI – Pennsylvania Civil Jury Instructions Committee
• Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Philadelphia Bar Association
• PBA’s Federal Courts Committee
• Defense Research Institute
• ABA’s Products Liability Committee
• National Association of Women Business Owners
• National Association of Women Lawyers
• Serves on the boards of several local Philadelphia music organizations

Interests

Barbara currently makes her home in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania and has two college age children, Katherine and Alex.