Suzanne Galvin

Clients turn to Suzanne Galvin for results in complex high-profile litigation, particularly in the areas of pharmaceutical, medical device, and environmental exposure claims. Suzanne began her career working on one of the first MDLs regarding factor concentrate, and she has been involved in complex litigation and class action defense ever since.

Her career has developed through the years from handling research to working on deposition teams for national litigation to serving on national trial teams for products as varied as vaginal mesh implants, pharmaceuticals, and lithium ion batteries. In between, Suzanne has been involved in numerous MDLs, dozens of class actions, and hundreds of bet-the-company cases defending products as varied as gasoline additives, table saws, fire suppression systems, tobacco, and diabetes medication.

In one class action case, Suzanne led the deposition of the class representative. Immediately after the deposition, the entire case was dismissed. She is currently defending a uranium processing facility in Southern Illinois against claims it affected property values and allegedly caused medical issues in the community. Suzanne identified, retained, and prepared the medical experts in these cases. She and a team also took depositions of 14 treating physicians, all of which resulted in favorable testimony for the client.

Suzanne particularly enjoys identification, preparation, and presentation of expert witnesses. Her understanding of complex medical issues stems from her time as in-house counsel at one of the leading teaching hospitals in the U.S. Her extensive contacts in the medical field serve clients well, and her understanding of law and medicine allow her to make complex issues manageable for juries.

Suzanne also consults with businesses regarding environmental litigation and its implications on business decisions and best practices to minimize risks. She is called upon to speak on these issues regularly. In 2023, she spoke about PFAS at the Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference, and in 2024, she was invited to speak at ACI's inaugural PFAS Litigation Summit in New York. She addressed the potential risks facing downstream users of PFAS products and how to avoid such risks.

Suzanne feels practicing law is like tending a garden. With proper planning and preparation, it is possible to yield a great result, no matter how daunting the task may seem. And she is no stranger to danger: She and her husband, John, have served for years as crisis counselors in disaster response after natural disasters, terrorism, and political unrest. They've served in places including Lebanon, Iraq, Ukraine, and Kenya.