Linda S. Svitak

Senior Counsel

+1 612 766 1600

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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

Litigation & Dispute Resolution Product Liability Health Care Mass Tort Litigation & Settlement Strategies Product Liability Litigation Toxic Tort Litigation Health & Life Sciences Medical Devices

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)

Experience

See more of Linda's Experience

Insights & Events

Latest

Updates July 2017

FDA House Legislation Would Relax Reporting of Medical Device Malfunctions

3 min read

Updates July 2007

What’s in a Name: When Will a Name-Brand Manufacturer Be Liable for Injuries Caused by a Generic Medication?

6 min read

Insights

Updates July 2017

FDA House Legislation Would Relax Reporting of Medical Device Malfunctions

3 min read

Updates July 2007

What’s in a Name: When Will a Name-Brand Manufacturer Be Liable for Injuries Caused by a Generic Medication?

6 min read

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

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)
International Who's Who of Product Liability Defense Lawyers, 2012-19
Euromoney's Litigation and Product Liability Expert Guide nominee, 2016