July 1, 2016
New Developments
Fifth District Ordered to Hear Ford Motor Company’s Appeal on Personal Jurisdiction Motion
By Jenna Marie Stupar and Nicho Kelly

In November, the Madison County Circuit Court denied a motion by Ford Motor Company to dismiss an asbestos case for lack of personal jurisdiction. The court found that Ford’s “substantial” business activities were such that it was at home in Illinois and subject to the court’s jurisdiction. Jeffs v. Anco Insulations, Inc. et al, No. 15-L-533 (Cir. Ct. Mad. Co. 2015).  Last month, the Illinois Supreme Court granted Ford’s motion for a supervisory order with the Illinois Supreme Court under Rule 383, and ordered the Fifth District to hear the appeal. [Continue Reading]

Spring 2016 Asbestos Verdict Summary 
By Jen Dlugosz

In the spring of 2016, there were several significant asbestos verdicts nationwide.  [Continue Reading]

Husch Blackwell Expands into Wisconsin; Combination Adds Depth and Capabilities to Industry-Focused Firm

Husch Blackwell and Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. (WHD), a leading Wisconsin business and litigation law firm, will combine effective July 15, 2016. The move strengthens both firms’ commitment to providing industry knowledge and experience to clients. The combined firm will retain the Husch Blackwell name and will continue to operate in all markets where both firms currently have offices. With the addition of WHD’s offices in Milwaukee, Madison and Waukesha County, Wis., as well as Chicago, the combined firm will have more than 700 attorneys and offices in 19 cities. Husch Blackwell and WHD had combined annual revenues of approximately $346 million in 2015, placing the firm among the Am Law 100, The American Lawyer’s annual ranking of the nation’s 100 top-grossing law firms.

Connect with us: Blog | Twitter | LinkedIn
Technology, Manufacturing & Transportation
Asbestos Practice
Companies face increasingly well‐coordinated attacks in jurisdictions across the country. These assaults are becoming more complex and costly as plaintiffs’ counsel pursue novel theories and claims to keep asbestos litigation thriving. Husch Blackwell’s team has experience in numerous jurisdictions throughout 37 states. Our attorneys can help you navigate the intricate web of plaintiffs’ firms, changing laws, evolving science and anti-defendant courts. [More information]
Toxic Tort Monitor Archive
June 2016