Products, Environmental & Mass Tort Litigation

We recognize the value of brand and image. We provide strategic counsel designed to minimize the impact of claims, while preserving the all-important connection between a business and its customers.

McGuireWoods’ Products, Environmental & Mass Tort Litigation lawyers bring decades of experience to representing clients in complex, large-scale disputes involving products and consumer goods, environmental issues and toxic substances. This depth of experience is reflected in the praise we have received from clients in numerous legal and industry publications. For example, Chambers USA says, “This team is an established leader in this practice area,” and notes that “sources particularly highlight the group’s wide geographical breadth and client-focused approach as strengths.” Another client says, “The lawyers always provide us with business-oriented and practical advice.” BTI Consulting Group, Inc. cited McGuireWoods' litigation practices in several categories, including recognition as a “Litigation Powerhouse: Class Action and Tort,” and “Standout” and “Honor Roll” for Product Liability Litigation in recent editions of the BTI Litigation Outlook: Changes, Trends and Opportunities for Law Firms survey.

Product liability, mass torts and similar forms of litigation often involve multiple defendants relying on similar legal strategies. We regularly serve as national coordinating and trial counsel for Fortune 500 companies in high-exposure cases, and coordinate the defense of pattern litigation, multidistrict litigation, complex consolidated cases and consumer class actions. When handling multi-district litigation or serving as coordinating counsel, the team regularly works with a nationwide network of localized resources. We also advise companies facing product recalls, labeling disputes, and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory and law-enforcement investigations.

We are aggressive in defending our clients’ interests and have tried cases to verdict in dozens of states, including many of the United States’ most difficult jurisdictions. However, we recognize the value of alternative dispute resolution options (including settlement) in managing financial realities and as a means of avoiding or mitigating negative publicity. We work with our clients to implement strategies that make business sense.

We have represented clients in numerous cases involving automobiles and automotive products, food products, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, power tools and equipment, recreational products and chemicals. We also serve as counsel in disputes relating to risk management, insurance coverage, fires and explosions, alleged toxic substances, waste and chemical discharges, nuisance issues, and other litigation relating to manufacturing processes, product distribution and marketing. Perhaps more importantly, we are a firm that values and is driven by relationships, as reflected by the fact we have represented many of our clients for decades.