2026 Drug and Medical Device Seminar

Beyond Traditional Product Claims: Ethylene Oxide, PFAS, and the Next Wave of “Drug & Device Litigation”

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring leading legal experts as they delve into the evolving landscape of litigation against drug and medical device manufacturers. This session will focus on the latest claims involving ethylene oxide and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), two critical areas of concern in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Ethylene oxide, a chemical used in sterilizing medical equipment, has come under scrutiny due to its potential health risks, leading to increased litigation. Similarly, PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," have been linked to various health issues, prompting a surge in legal actions against manufacturers. Our panel of seasoned attorneys will explore the complexities of these cases, including regulatory challenges, scientific evidence, and strategic considerations.

Heavy Hitters in the C-Suite: What Keeps Drug & Device General Counsel Up at Night

Come hear from this dynamic panel of General Counsel from pharmaceutical and medical device companies. They will share valuable insights on less commonly known factors impacting strategic legal decisions, expectations for outside counsel, and the legal issues keeping them up at night.

Raising the Bar on Experts: Litigating Under Amended Rule 702 in Drug & Device Cases

This panel will explore the evolving landscape of expert admissibility under Federal Rule of Evidence 702. Speakers will review recent federal and state court decisions where courts excluded expert testimony, highlighting the reasoning and strategies that led to successful challenges. The discussion will also examine how state courts are beginning to amend their evidentiary rules to align with the federal standard, signaling a nationwide shift toward closer judicial scrutiny of expert qualifications and methodologies. Panelists will provide practical tips and litigation strategies for using Rule 702 to disqualify unreliable or unqualified experts, equipping attendees with concrete tools to strengthen their own motions and trial practice.

Promise and Peril: Judicial and Defense Perspectives on the Ethics of AI Assisted Advocacy

Artificial intelligence has quickly moved from novelty to necessity in legal practice, raising profound ethical questions for both advocates and judges. Lawyers face clear duties of candor to the court and compliance with Rule 11, yet recent cases illustrate the dangers of overreliance on unverified AI outputs—including “hallucinated” caselaw. Courts around the country have sanctioned attorneys for these missteps, and in one instance, a judge even withdrew an opinion after realizing it contained AI-generated inaccuracies. But the story of AI in the courtroom is not solely cautionary. The potential benefits of AI are substantial, including enhanced efficiency in research and drafting, improved access to justice for under-resourced litigants, and even the ability to streamline court administration. A local judge will join this panel to provide first-hand insight into how the judiciary views both the promise and perils of AI-assisted advocacy. Together with experienced practitioners, the panel will examine recent pitfalls, clarify lawyers’ ethical obligations, and offer practical best practices for leveraging AI responsibly—ensuring that innovation strengthens, rather than undermines, the integrity of the judicial process.