Joan Anderson focuses her practice on the defense of high-profile product manufacturers in the life sciences industry. She has represented clients in trial at both the federal and state level, defending pharmaceuticals and medical devices ranging from endoscopes to heart valves to weight loss drugs to neurosurgical techniques. Her experience includes management of litigation against three large life sciences companies in separate Judicial Council Coordination Proceedings (JCCP) in California, overseeing the defense of a multi-state class action alleging medical device defects, and serving as national coordinating counsel directing discovery efforts and preparing company witnesses in multi-district (MDL) litigation related to purported pharmaceutical side effects. Joan has appeared in court in dozens of states at all stages of litigation, including notching multiple successful civil jury trials and appellate decisions.
With a background in mathematics and significant experience in mass tort litigation, Joan is highly regarded for her successful work with medical and technology experts to distill their analyses into opinions that are clear, concise and helpful for clients, judges and juries.
When she is not busy lawyering, Joan can be found running, biking, working on massive jigsaw puzzles, and eagerly awaiting whatever live music event is up next on her itinerary.