Steven N. Geise

Steven N. Geise, a partner at Jones Day and the partner-in-charge of the firm’s San Diego office, has a track record of successfully trying cases, particularly in defense of companies involved in complex litigation related to medical devices, pharmaceuticals, opioids, PFAS and other consumer products.

One of Geise’s significant cases was representing Celgene Corporation in a lawsuit filed by Humana, Inc., where Humana sought substantial damages for off-label prescriptions of Celgene’s medications Thalomid and Revlimid. The trial, which lasted five weeks, involved complex medical testimony and substantial financial claims. Geise’s successful defense led to a jury verdict in favor of Celgene, denying Humana any damages despite their claim for over $6 billion in compensatory and punitive damages.

“The outcome was significant for patients who may benefit from their doctors’ decisions to prescribe cancer medicines off-label to hopefully save and extend their lives and for the companies that invest in research to develop those innovative medicines,” Geise said.

“The case stands out as a total team effort,” he continued. “We had a diverse team of outside and in-house counsel who worked tirelessly to produce this result. I was fortunate to be part of such a special team.”

Another major case Geise is leading is the defense of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. in more than 300 personal injury and wrongful death cases related to exposure to paraquat, an agricultural herbicide alleged to cause Parkinson’s disease. These cases are significant due to their number and the complex scientific issues involved.

When asked for observations, Geise said in mass tort and product liability cases, one trend that contributes to something becoming a mass tort is the proliferation of advertising and recruiting for potential plaintiffs.

“From television and billboards to the internet and social media, there has been an increase in efforts to attract potential claimants both by law firms and by those working on their behalf. In some scenarios, this has resulted in claims being brought on behalf of individuals who do not have the underlying injury alleged or do not have the exposure alleged to have caused it,” Geise said. “As these cases multiply, it puts additional strain and pressure on courts to deal with cases that lack merit and detracts from the courts’ ability to focus on other matters.”