Daphne O’Connor, co-chair of the firm’s Product Liability Litigation practice group, focuses her practice on managing, litigating and trying complex product liability and mass tort cases. She has served as national counsel for major pharmaceutical and tobacco companies with a focus on legal strategy, settlement and complex scientific and medical issues. She also counsels clients on litigation risks, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory issues, including on tobacco, hemp and cannabis, and the litigation and compliance impacts of potential legislation.

Ms. O’Connor rejoined the firm after having served for seven years as Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Altria Client Services, Inc. In that role, she managed all aspects of commercial and product liability litigation, including trials and appeals in both state and federal courts throughout the country. She handled a diverse portfolio of cases including personal injury and consumer fraud, class actions and large consolidations, tax refund, patent, antitrust, contract, environmental, and regulatory cases. She also coordinated major settlements.