Leading Product Liability and Mass Torts Trial Lawyer to Join Paul, Weiss in Los Angeles

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP announced today that nationally renowned trial lawyer and litigation strategist Kimberly Branscome has joined the firm as a partner in its Litigation Department, resident in Los Angeles. Branscome focuses on complex litigation and trials involving product liability, professional liability, environmental and toxic torts, and securities matters.

“Kim is widely regarded as one of the most talented and respected lawyers in product liability and mass torts,” said Paul, Weiss Chairman Brad S. Karp. “Her considerable experience and expertise will be an invaluable asset to the firm and our clients.”

“Kim, a top trial lawyer, has delivered exceptional results for her clients in some of the toughest, highest-profile products matters in the country,” said Karen Dunn, co-chair of Paul, Weiss’s Litigation Department. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the firm.”

Branscome, who previously co-led the product liability and mass torts practice at another major firm, represents clients across a wide range of sectors, including the pharmaceutical, consumer products, energy and automotive industries. Among other representations, she is defense liaison and lead trial counsel for GSK in consolidated proceedings in California involving thousands of claimants who allege that an antacid medication has carcinogenic properties and serves as lead defense counsel for 3M in product liability litigation over earplugs sold to the military, which is the largest mass tort in U.S. history. Branscome also served as lead trial counsel in product liability litigation for Johnson & Johnson, securing victories in high-profile jury trials regarding allegations of asbestos contamination in their talcum powder products. She also served as trial counsel for General Motors in litigation related to its vehicles’ ignition switches, securing victories for GM in the second federal bellwether trial and first state bellwether trial.

“It is an honor to join Paul, Weiss and its preeminent Litigation Department, which I have long admired,” Branscome said. “I look forward to collaborating with my new partners in helping our clients navigate their most difficult litigation challenges.”

Branscome is widely recognized by leading publications and legal directories for her accomplishments and expertise in product liability and mass torts.

Branscome earned a B.E., magna cum laude, in Biomedical Engineering & Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she was executive editor of Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy. She served as a law clerk to the Honorable J. L. Edmondson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

The world’s leading corporations look to Paul, Weiss to defend them in their highest-stakes product liability and mass torts matters. The firm’s ability to establish a winning, long-term strategy; unique skill at breaking down and presenting complicated material; and vaunted trial prowess make Paul, Weiss the counsel of choice in many of the most important product liability lawsuits.