Andrea’s complex product liability practice focuses on cases with challenging medical and scientific issues involving medical devices, pharmaceuticals and women’s health. Understanding the “why” behind the product, the science and the case, drives Andrea’s defense strategy. She thinks creatively about expert development, from identifying experts to trial examination.  

In pelvic mesh litigation resulting in multiple defense verdicts, including Albright v. Boston Scientific (Massachusetts State Court), Sherrer v. Boston Scientific (Missouri State Court), Harris v. Boston Scientific (Delaware State Court) and Martinez v. Boston Scientific (Massachusetts State Court), Andrea was a core trial team member. She successfully briefed and developed the strategy to exclude multiple biomaterials’ experts and their testing in MDL and state courts.

Andrea oversees and conducts fact, company and expert discovery in both complex litigation and individual cases. She zeroes in on implementing case strategy from the very first deposition to create building blocks for a successful defense and resolution. Andrea also uses her trial and advocacy experience to counsel clients on best practices and risk mitigation to avoid litigation.

Recently, Andrea served as amicus curiae counsel in an Eighth Circuit immigration asylum case and also represents asylum-seekers in the immigration courts. She has represented criminal defendants through the Missouri Coalition for the Right to Counsel, including successful dismissal of all charges following discovery and motion practice. Through Shook’s pro bono program, she works to secure family members’ guardianships of minors. 

Presentations

The Mass Tort Effect: Why Women Are Left With Fewer Health Care Options in the Wake of Litigation, Update of the Law CLE, Kansas City, Missouri, June 13, 2019 (with Megan Egli, Jennifer Blues Kenyon and Alyse Zadalis).