Chambers and Partners, a world-leading research firm dedicated to finding the best legal services around the world, has ranked Bowman and Brooke in their 2019 USA rankings. Bowman and Brooke ranked in the Product Liability & Mass Torts in the USA – Nationwide category with some of the best firms in the country.
Chambers’ rankings are compiled through assessment of a firm’s work and opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback. Firms and lawyers need to demonstrate sustained excellence to be ranked in the guide.
According to Chambers, the Bowman and Brooke team is known for practicing as a dedicated product liability defense firm, fielding a deep trial bench. Bowman and Brooke is highly regarded for representation of the automotive industry, with a client list featuring numerous leading manufacturers. Bowman and Brooke’s broad practice includes strength in areas such as medical devices and consumer products, with increasing activity in large-scale consumer class actions.
“They’re strong lawyers with a strong presence,” said one source. “They’re always creative, hard-working and very diligent, and they work very well in teams.”
Work Highlights
In 2019, Bowman and Brooke continued to serve as lead counsel to American Honda Motor Company in the Takata airbag litigation. This representation included multidistrict disputes, economic loss, class action claims and bankruptcy proceedings.
Notable Practitioners
Joel Smith – Smith comes recommended as a "strategic lawyer who has very deep experience in the auto sector." Pharmaceutical companies, as well as the automobile space, to handle product liability disputes, regularly call him on. Smith draws on significant trial experience and a "very good jury rapport."
Paul Cereghini – Cereghini is "recognized as a leader in handling and trying big auto cases," according to interviewees. He is also recommended for his "very practical" approach, which sees him "get good results." He handles high-stakes disputes for a range of manufacturers.
In addition to our national ranking, Chambers USA recognized Bowman and Brooke in three of their state editions – Florida, South Carolina and Virginia.
In Florida, Wendy Lumish is ranked in Band 2 for Appellate:
Wendy Lumish handles appeals across a range of practice areas, with an emphasis on product liability and personal injury claims. Sources describe her as "a great appellate lawyer," particularly highlighting her "experience and the quality of her work."
In South Carolina, Joel Smith is ranked in Band 1 for Litigation:
Joel Smith is a product liability and mass tort specialist with a stellar reputation for his handling of complex automotive defense work, including major airbag and seat belt litigation. He is considered by market sources to be a "great trial lawyer."
In Virginia, Sandra Ezell is ranked in Band 1 for Litigation and the office is ranked in Band 2:
Sandra Ezell is a distinguished practitioner with a reputation among peers as an attorney who is "fearless in court and hits the right notes with the jury." She is a go-to lawyer for death and catastrophic exposure product liability work in the automotive sector.
What the Team is Known For
Market-leading team of expert product liability trial lawyers that is regarded highly for its defense of some of the country's most significant automotive businesses. Offers deep expertise in wrongful death and personal injury claims. Industry expertise also encompasses heavy equipment, drugs and medical devices, and consumer and chemical products. Continues to develop its presence in the cybersecurity industry.
Click here to view Chambers USA rankings.