Faegre Drinker Welcomes Life Sciences Litigator Tom Pack to California Product Liability & Mass Torts Team

Faegre Drinker announced today that Tom Pack has joined the firm’s product liability and mass torts practice as a partner in the San Francisco office.

Pack’s arrival at Faegre Drinker follows the recent San Francisco additions of former federal prosecutor Carolyn Fitzhugh McNiven last fall and Heather Burke earlier this year. Pack further bolsters the firm’s growing product liability team on the West Coast.

Pack represents life science companies in complex litigation in California, Minnesota and across the United States, from pre-suit claim management through trials and appeals in individual and consolidated matters, with a particular focus on product liability disputes. He works with clients to tailor litigation strategies that align with their business objectives and values, with a right-sized, business-oriented approach for each matter from individual claims to multiple-venue consolidated litigation.

“Tom does sophisticated work for life sciences clients, and his practice aligns seamlessly into our nationally recognized practice known for its experience in complex, high-stakes litigation in the industry,” said Amy Fiterman, leader of the firm’s product liability and mass torts group. “His familiarity and deep understanding of the pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare sectors will further strengthen our client service.”

With concentrations on pharmaceutical and medical device matters as well as commercial litigation, Pack has deep experience in helping clients protect their interests and achieve their goals in complex and high-stakes cases involving issues such as product liability claims, breach of contract, fraud, patent infringement and regulatory compliance. He has particular skill with the application of federal preemption to product liability claims, having secured successful pre-trial dismissals in multiple high-exposure matters. Pack also has wide-ranging experience representing clients in consolidated proceedings, including federal multidistrict litigation and similar proceedings in the state courts of California and Minnesota.

“Tom will be a strong contributor to our litigation and product liability practices in California, which are key areas for growth,” said Cheryl Orr, San Francisco office leader. “In addition to his depth of experience, his leadership in many legal and business communities and pro bono work makes him an excellent addition to our office and firm.”

Pack also maintains an active pro bono practice in civil rights and immigration law, with an emphasis on representing asylum seekers fleeing persecution on account of their LGBTQ+ sexual orientations or gender identities. Pack and his teams have secured asylum or other immigration relief for more than a dozen individuals, both in offensive and defensive proceedings. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Pack also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Native American Bar Association and as chair of its Standing Policy Committee.

Pack earned his Bachelor of Arts from East Central University and his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.

With its team of attorneys with backgrounds in chemistry, engineering, biology and other sciences, Faegre Drinker’s product liability trial team is deeply experienced in high-stakes multidistrict litigation and has defended clients in nearly every state, as well as in cross-border disputes.