Biography
Jim Mulhall is a Member in the Litigation Department. He served as the leader of the firm’s Products Liability Practice Group for many years. Mr. Mulhall concentrates his practice in the areas of asbestos, products liability, toxic torts, chemical exposure, benzene exposure, and mass tort litigation. He has defended clients in asbestos and toxic tort litigation including claims against employers, premises owners, product manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, contractors, and others. He is the co-leader of the Emerging Contaminants team involving PFAS, PFOS, and PFOA (alleged “forever chemicals”).
Beyond his practice involving toxic torts and related claims, Jim also handles general litigation matters. With a background in computer science and the development of computer software, Jim enjoys being engaged by clients for matters involving all forms of technology and related software.
Representative Experience
- Tried numerous cases through jury verdicts as lead trial counsel
- Involved in jury trial of an asbestos case involving a young plaintiff
- Defended numerous types of chemical exposure cases
- Obtained dismissal on behalf of a large chemical manufacturer in a putative class action involving alleged toxic exposure to ethylene oxide
- Experienced in various types of benzene exposure cases
- Handled numerous cases of alleged chemical exposures from munitions
- Represented clients before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- Obtained dismissal for major land grant university in an asbestos matter
- Served as in-house counsel at a Fortune 10 company
- Represented numerous types of defendants in asbestos litigation in West Virginia and other states
- Experienced in asbestos litigation including the defense of product manufacturers, premises owners, employers, contractors, and suppliers
Licensed In
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
Education
- J.D. West Virginia University College of Law
Memberships
- Defense Research Institute
- Past Co-Chair, International Dispute Resolution Practice Group, TerraLex
- Past Strategic Communications Committee, TerraLex
- Past DRI Toxic Torts; Environmental Law Seminar Planning Committee
Achievements
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – Litigation: Mass Torts (2022-Present)
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants (2012-Present), Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2012-Present)
- Best Lawyers® 2024 Morgantown, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, Lawyer of the Year
- Best Lawyers® 2018 Morgantown, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants- Lawyer of the Year
- Best Lawyers® 2016 Morgantown, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions-Defendants- Lawyer of the Year
Speaking Engagements
- “Trade Journal Information for Asbestos Litigation,” Forum for Environmental and Toxic Tort Issues (FETTI), Chicago, IL (September 26, 2019)
- “Toxic Tort Issues Related to Natural Gas Fracturing,” Forum for Environmental and Toxic Tort Issues, Chicago, IL (September 2013)
- Presentation to the United States Litigation Group, International Arbitration & Mediation Group, and the Europe, Middle East, & Africa Litigation Groups of the TerraLex Organization in Kansas City, Missouri (October 12, 2012)
- “Tort Reform: A Regional Comparison,” West Virginia Manufacturers Association, Glade Springs, West Virginia (June 2009)
- “Federal Court Filings and Emerging Toxic Torts,” Litigation Group & Toxic Torts Subgroup of TerraLex, Atlanta, Georgia (April 2009)
Publications
- “West Virginia Supreme Court Ruling Could Apply to Asbestos Cases” (April 11, 2014)
- “Asbestos Suits Against Employers Now Permitted in Pennsylvania in Some Situations” (November 26, 2013)
- “Nanotechnology and Mesothelioma” (November 9, 2010)
- “West Virginia Amends Asbestos Case Management Order” (March 2010)
- “NIOSH Accepts Public Comment on Report Concerning Asbestos Fibers and Nano Particles” (January 2010)
- “W.Va. Court Decision References Air Testing Data” (January 2010)
- “CDC Leads Imported Drywall Complaint Investigation” (November 2009)
- “NIOSH Revises Chemical Exposure Standard” (August 2009)
- “Research of Nanotechnology & OSHA PELs Continues” (June 2009)
- “Asbestos Legislation Related to Bankruptcy Trusts is Proposed in West Virginia” (February 2009)
- “CDC Report Cites Increased Years of Life Lost Due to Asbestosis” (January 2009)
- “U.S. Congress, OSHA Weighing Combustible Dust Legislation” (October 2008)
- “MDL May Lead to Action on BPA-Free Kids Act” (September 2008)
- “BPA in Plastic Drinking Bottles and Baby Products” (June 2008)
Press Release
Legal Insight