Robert R. Simpson
Managing Partner – Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP
Description of field of expertise
Rob is managing partner of Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s Hartford office and a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience in product liability litigation. He focuses his practice on pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, as well as toxic tort cases. He has served as first- and second-chair trial counsel in more than 35 cases that have gone to verdict. He has also served in the roles of lead trial counsel, national counsel and local counsel for many global pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
Rob handles nationwide litigation relating to products including anticoagulants, hip implants, pelvic mesh, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and atypical antipsychotic medications. His litigation practice includes multidistrict litigation, class actions, mass torts, and claims of unfair competition and false advertising.
In addition to pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, Rob is also active in defending automotive industry clients, including auto manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers, in product liability litigation and commercial litigation. He has litigated cases involving seat belts, air bags, ignition switches and other transportation litigation, handling all phases of discovery and trial work. He also handles employment and commercial disputes.
Outside of the firm, Rob is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and is a trial instructor for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and the American Bar Association. Additionally, he frequently gives presentations on e-discovery, the use of technology in the courtroom, deposition techniques and litigation management.
What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?
(1) Build a personal board of directors. You need to have a group of people (not just lawyers) who are invested in you and your well-being. You will inevitably run into key decisions in your life and you need sound advice; and (2) Invest in yourself – take the time to learn and master your craft. If your firm does not pay to go to a trial training or deposition fundamentals program, YOU make the investment. Take the time to read articles that deal with trial and deposition techniques. You want to make sure that you build your tool kit on effective strategies that will work for you.
Final thoughts…
Live by the 5 Ps – Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.