(January 4, 2010) – The Product Liability Litigation Group at Reed Smith LLP, one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, today was named Product Liability Litigation Department of the Year for 2010 by The American Lawyer magazine. 

“We are delighted that the continued success and strategic expansion of the firm’s product liability litigation team over the past two years has culminated in this honor,” said Gregory B. Jordan, Reed Smith’s Global Managing Partner. “This is very well-deserved recognition for a group that continues to achieve fantastic results in complex litigations around the globe.  We are very proud of what they have accomplished nationally and internationally for Reed Smith’s clients across a range of sectors and industries.”

Reed Smith has been one of three finalists for Product Liability Litigation Department of the Year award in 2006 and 2008, the only firm to have made it to the finals on three consecutive occasions.  As in the past, The American Lawyer invited members of the AmLaw 200 to participate in the biennial competition to identify the leading U.S. firm in product liability and three other litigation categories.

“Our firm and our product’s group are committed to providing top-quality service to our clients.  To do so, we are always looking for new attorneys to bring into the firm,” said Colleen Davies, Chair of Reed Smith’s Litigation Department.  “In the past couple years, we have added a score of top-notch product liability litigators and have expanded service to our clients across a broad range of industries.  That growth has helped contribute to the tremendous results we are able to achieve and repeat for our clients.”

“Reed Smith’s product liability team is among the largest in the United States, and while we have long been considered a national leader in the defense of the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, this award is also a recognition for other areas of the practice, including aviation, welding rods, asbestos, and a variety of mechanical products, as well as our international practice,” said Michael K. Brown, Chair of the firm's multidisciplinary Life Sciences Health Industry Group.  “In the past two years, we’ve extended our reputation in these sectors with a great many product liability victories.”

Reed Smith’s submission highlighted its Product Liability Group’s 2008 and 2009 results in difficult litigations, victories in new matters, leadership in the area of federal preemption for medical device manufacturers, international coordination of several global product liability defense matters, new high-profile engagements and expanded roles for key clients, and its deepening bench strength.  As of mid-2009, the group included approximately 180 professionals.

In 2008 and 2009, Reed Smith also added a number of product liability attorneys who helped the firm increase its litigation profile, including two experienced groups in New York, one from Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, and one from Anderson Kill & Olick.

In addition to being featured in The American Lawyer, Reed Smith’s Product Liability Group will be honored by the publication at a ceremony January 20, where the group’s record and recent achievements will be discussed.

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with nearly 1,600 lawyers in 23 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises.  Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions.  Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy trade and commodities, real estate, manufacturing, and education.  For more information, visit reedsmith.com.

U.S.: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Princeton, Northern Virginia, Wilmington, Silicon Valley, Century City, Richmond

Europe: London, Paris, Munich, Greece

Middle East: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Asia: Hong Kong, Beijing