Overview
A seasoned trial lawyer, Linda has successfully defended complex product liability matters for a variety of regulated products, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and chemicals. She is experienced in coordinating national litigation and leading expert witness and science strategies. Linda co-led Faegre Baker Daniels' drug and device litigation practice, a segment of the Chambers USA nationally ranked product liability group.
Defending Medical Products
Linda has served as trial, national or regional counsel in litigation involving:
- Mammary implants
- Orthopedic prostheses
- Cardiovascular devices
- Female hormone replacement therapies
- Latex gloves
- Vaccines
- A wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
- Various chemicals
Linda is lead counsel in pending multidistrict litigation involving heater cooler devices used in operating rooms in connection with cardiopulmonary bypass machines. On multiple occasions, she has been co-lead counsel to a manufacturer of pharmaceuticals in multidistrict federal and state litigation.
Science Strategy
Linda has served as National Science Counsel for litigation involving Zelnorm, hormone therapy, Ritalin and vaccines. She has also been responsible for expert witness retention and preparation nationally in silicone gel breast implant, orthopedic bone screw, latex gloves and fen/phen litigations. Linda has developed professional relationships with some of the world's leading experts in a variety of medical, scientific and biomedical specialties, as well as in the area of FDA regulatory issues.
Services & Industries
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Education
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
J.D. magna cum laude, Law Review (1986)
St. Olaf College
B.S.N. cum laude (1980)
St. Olaf College
B.A. (1977)
Insights & Events
Leadership & Community
Professional Associations
- Defense Research Institute — Drug and Medical Device Committee
- Minnesota State Bar Association — Food and Drug Law Section
Civic Activities
- OneVillage Partners — Board Member, 2017-present
- The Advocates for Human Rights
- Center for Lung Science and Health — Advisory Board, 2011-16
- William Mitchell College of Law — Board of Trustees, 1993-2002; Centennial Women in Law Symposium: 100 years of Challenge and Change (Co-chair)
Firm Leadership
- Drug & Device Litigation Practice — Co-leader
- Management Board — Former Member
- Faegre Baker Daniels Women's Forum for Achievement — Leadership Council, 2012-present
- Faegre & Benson Forum for Women's Achievement — Co-chair, 2011
Honors
- International Who's Who of Product Liability Defense Lawyers, 2012-19, 2021
- The Advocates for Human Rights — 2020 WATCH award for project assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the judicial system, and particularly domestic violence and sexual assault victims
- Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2020
- Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2018
- Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal — Women in Business award, 2014
- Minnesota Super Lawyers — Class Action/Mass Torts, 2009-13, 2015-19 (Minnesota's Top 100 Women, 2009)
- Euromoney's Litigation and Product Liability Expert Guide nominee, 2016