Multi-District Litigation

National Trial and MDL Leadership for Complex, High-Stakes Cases

Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB) is a national trial law firm known for leadership in multi-district litigation (MDL), pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, asbestos and toxic exposure cases, and catastrophic personal injury matters.

RPWB represents individuals in complex, high-stakes cases against powerful corporate defendants. Our boutique firm focuses on matters requiring coordinated litigation strategy, scientific and medical analysis, and the ability to take cases through trial.

Leadership in Multi-District Litigation (MDL)

RPWB attorneys are routinely appointed to court-approved leadership positions in major national MDLs, placing the firm at the center of litigation strategy, discovery, and trial development.

These roles include service on:

• Plaintiffs’ Steering Committees (PSC)
• Executive Committees
• Science and Discovery Committees

In these positions, our attorneys help guide case development, coordinate with co-counsel nationwide, and work closely with experts to build claims involving complex scientific, regulatory, and medical evidence.

What Is Multi-District Litigation (MDL)?

Multi-district litigation (MDL) is a federal legal process that consolidates similar cases from across the country into one court for coordinated pretrial proceedings. MDLs are commonly used in cases involving defective drugs, medical devices, and widespread toxic exposure.

Leadership roles within MDLs are court-appointed and are typically reserved for firms with significant experience handling complex litigation at scale.

Core Areas of Focus

RPWB concentrates its practice on complex litigation requiring significant resources and strategic coordination:

• Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Litigation
  Representation in cases involving alleged defects in drugs and medical devices, often within coordinated federal MDLs.
• Asbestos and Toxic Exposure
  Representation of individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other exposure-related diseases.
• Multi-District Litigation and Mass Torts
  Leadership and participation in large-scale litigation involving widespread harm across jurisdictions.
• Catastrophic Personal Injury
  Cases involving severe, life-altering injuries requiring extensive medical evidence and long-term damage evaluation.

Representative MDL Leadership Experience

RPWB attorneys have served in leadership roles in numerous national litigations, including:

• 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Litigation
  • Elizabeth Middleton Burke — Co-Chair, Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee
  • Christiaan A. Marcum
  • Aaron R. Dias
• Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) Litigation
  • Christiaan A. Marcum — Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee
• Bausch & Lomb Contact Lens Solution Litigation
  • Tom Rogers — Chair, Plaintiffs’ Science Committee
• Chantix Litigation
  • Christiaan A. Marcum — Discovery & Science Committees
  • Beth Middleton Burke — Discovery & Science Committees
  • Tom Rogers — Discovery Committee
• Zyprexa Litigation
  • Tom Rogers — Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee

National Litigation Experience

RPWB attorneys have played roles in significant product liability and mass tort litigation over several decades, including matters involving the tobacco industry, asbestos-containing products, and defective pharmaceutical and medical products.

The firm has represented thousands of individuals nationwide and continues to focus on leadership roles in evolving MDLs and complex product liability litigation.

A Focused, High-Touch Approach

Despite its national presence, Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC maintains a boutique, high-touch approach. Each case is developed with a tailored litigation strategy based on the unique facts, scientific issues, and long-term impact on the client.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be appointed to MDL leadership?

Court-appointed leadership roles place attorneys in charge of guiding litigation strategy, coordinating discovery, and working with experts across all cases in the MDL.

What types of cases are handled in MDL proceedings?

MDLs commonly involve defective drugs, medical devices, toxic exposure, and other complex product liability matters affecting large groups of people.

Why does MDL leadership matter?

Leadership firms play a central role in shaping the direction and outcome of litigation, including strategy, expert development, and trial preparation.