Dean Omar Branham Shirley Tops NLJ's 2026 Elite Trial Lawyers in Products Liability
Event summary
- Dean Omar Branham Shirley LLP (DOBS) named 2026 Products Liability winner in NLJ's Elite Trial Lawyers program.
- Firm secured record-setting verdicts in seven states in 2025, including a $45 million mesothelioma verdict against Johnson & Johnson affirmed in Illinois in 2026.
- More than a dozen DOBS attorneys contributed to trial victories across multiple jurisdictions.
- DOBS recognized for its collaborative approach and depth of experience in complex litigation.
The big picture
DOBS' recognition underscores the growing importance of specialized trial firms in holding corporations accountable for product liabilities. The firm's ability to secure significant verdicts across multiple states highlights its strategic advantage in complex, high-stakes litigation. This trend reflects broader industry shifts towards more aggressive legal strategies in personal injury and mass tort cases.
What we're watching
- Sustainability of Momentum
- Whether DOBS can maintain its winning streak in high-stakes products liability cases.
- Geographic Expansion
- The pace at which the firm extends its trial victories into new jurisdictions.
- Corporate Accountability
- How DOBS' successes will influence corporate behavior in asbestos-related litigation.