Robert R. Simpson

• Trial counsel for an international pharmaceutical company involving the defense of a novel oral anticoagulant. Secured defense verdict.
• Defended major pharmaceutical corporation against claims brought under the Connecticut Product Liability Act. The district court granted complete summary judgment to the defendants, holding that federal law preempted plaintiff’s design defect claims.
• Lead trial counsel for a prominent regional health care institution in a product liability lawsuit involving the use of probiotics to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.
• Lead trial counsel of a national team for an international medical device company in a product liability lawsuit in Maryland involving a hip implant. Defense victory on all counts.
• As lead counsel, obtained complete summary judgment for major pharmaceutical company against claims under the Connecticut Product Liability Act alleging injuries related to plaintiff’s use of an antipsychotic medication.
• Member of trial team in MDL involving a hip implant and secured a defense verdict in the first bellwether trial.
• As member of trial team in MDL through three bellwether trials, handled C-suite level witness preparation, expert discovery, and preparation of a variety of medical and regulatory issues relating to hip prostheses.
• As lead counsel for a Fortune 50 company in a class action litigation, defeated class certification in a mass tort action.
• Lead trial counsel in a series of product liability and tort actions for an international oil company and obtained defense verdicts in all three cases that were tried.
• Lead trial counsel in numerous health care litigation matters and secured more than 10 defense verdicts for physicians and/or health care institutions.
• Lead trial counsel in the longest dental malpractice trial reported in Connecticut, resulting in a verdict that awarded plaintiff with $0 in pain and suffering.
• Lead trial counsel for firm business clients involved in serious injuries. These representations resulted in multimillion-dollar verdicts for these clients and two of the highest verdicts in Connecticut during the relevant years.
• Lead trial counsel for auto manufacturer in a product liability and unfair trade practices claim in Massachusetts. Secured defense verdict.
• Trial counsel for auto manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers of seat belts, air bags, and ignition switches.
• Lead counsel in representing major oil company involved in benzene litigation. Successfully secured a Lone Pine order that ended the flow of claims.
• Lead counsel in asbestos litigation for consumer goods and auto parts manufacturers.

In the realm of product liability defense, few firms compare to Shook, Hardy & Bacon. The firm protects clients’ bottom lines and the reputations of their products when they are called into question. Shook offers a comprehensive defense capability, combining deep experience in developing case strategy and themes with an in-house team of scientists and professionals holding advanced degrees to support expert-driven issues. With one of the largest product-liability trial teams in the country, the firm remains focused on cost-effective solutions and disciplined case management throughout every engagement.

Shook’s long-standing client relationships reflect its history of success in high-stakes product liability matters. The firm has represented many of its most prominent clients for more than three decades—and in one case, for more than sixty years. These companies repeatedly rely on Shook to handle their most complex disputes, including multidistrict litigation, class actions, mass actions, multi-jurisdictional portfolios, and challenging individual cases. The firm also advises on and implements nationwide and international product recalls when necessary. Shook’s clients include leading manufacturers of automobiles, consumer goods, food and beverages, pet care and animal health products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

Shook, Hardy & Bacon is a century-old litigation powerhouse trusted by many of the world’s leading companies to deliver results in their most challenging and high-stakes matters. The firm is known for handling contentious disputes with precision, relying on its deep experience and longstanding relationships with major corporations across diverse industries. Shook’s attorneys are recognized for their integrity, creativity and practical approach, consistently earning client confidence through their ability to protect business investments and support long-term growth strategies.

The firm’s international reputation is built on its close collaboration with industry leaders in science, health and technology. Operating at the intersection of litigation, regulation and public policy, Shook’s lawyers stay ahead of emerging issues and understand the people, products and processes that drive their clients’ businesses. This institutional knowledge allows the firm to deliver consistent, accountable representation across engagements of every size and complexity.

Shook works seamlessly with in-house counsel to manage litigation risks, strengthen compliance and prevent costly disputes. The firm offers support across regulatory matters, information security and privacy issues, and corporate reviews aimed at promoting operational efficiency. With sophisticated capabilities in complex litigation, scientific and technical analysis, and cutting-edge litigation management tools—including advanced e-discovery and data retention technology—Shook ensures that clients benefit from a comprehensive suite of resources designed to meet both present challenges and future demands.