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John Joseph Tanner

Partner

Overview

Joe Tanner solves product liability issues for global and regional companies. He is experienced in complex litigation and trials, multidistrict litigation (MDL), and national defense coordination, as well as finding business solutions through alternative dispute resolution, regulatory compliance and risk avoidance strategies. Joe is the former leader of Faegre Drinker's nationally ranked product liability & mass torts group.  

Product Defense

Joe defends numerous products throughout the United States and Canada including:

  • Medical devices — Joe serves as national trial and MDL counsel to one of the largest worldwide medical device manufacturers
  • Pharmaceuticals    
  • Consumer products
  • Aquatic products
  • Industrial machinery
  • Food products
  • Motor and recreational vehicles and components

International Litigation

Joe has handled numerous international disputes and arbitrations in Canada, Europe and China. He also counsels Chinese clients that have international business ventures and U.S. clients that have interests in China. Following law school, Joe studied at the East China Institute of Politics and Law in Shanghai.

Recall and Regulatory Guidance

Joe is experienced in managing regulatory recalls and counseling on regulatory compliance. He has handled recalls involving the CPSC, NHTSA and FDA, as well as unregulated recalls.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Indiana

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Education

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
J.D. summa cum laude, Indiana Law Review (executive editor) (1987)

Miami University (Ohio)
B.A. (1984)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives

Firm Blog Contributions

  • Faegre Drinker on Products — a blog addressing all things product liability that covers legal issues and developments of interest to product manufacturers and their employers

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • Product Liability Advisory Council — Sustaining Member
  • Indianapolis Bar Association
  • Indiana State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Indianapolis American Inn of Court

Civic Activities

  • University High School of Indiana — Former Board of Trustees Member
  • Zionsville Rotary Club — Past President
  • Zionsville Youth Soccer Association — Past President
  • Zionsville Sports Alliance — Past Chair
  • Boys and Girls Club of Zionsville — Former Board Member
  • International Center of Indianapolis, Inc. — Past President

Firm Leadership

  • Leader, Product Liability & Mass Torts Group, 2005-23

Honors

  • Chambers USA — Indiana, General Commercial Litigation, 2015-17; 2019-24
  • Indiana Lawyer — Distinguished Barrister Award, 2013
  • Best Lawyers®— Product Liability Defense, 2007-25
  • Who’s Who Legal — Product Liability Defense, 2023
  • Benchmark Litigation — Product Liability, 2008-14, 2020
  • Indiana Super Lawyers — Personal Injury Defense: Products, 2013-24; Civil Litigation Defense, 2008-12
Awards Methodology
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.