Litigating Against Big Pharma: A Career in Mass Tort Law

Taking on Big Pharma might sound like something out of a movie—but for mass tort lawyers, it’s a real part of the job.

These attorneys help everyday people fight back against powerful pharmaceutical companies when dangerous drugs or defective medical products cause harm.

It’s challenging, important work that blends legal skills with compassion and purpose.

If you’re interested in this field, you’re not alone.

Law firms like Murphy Law Firm are known for representing people in major lawsuits against drug manufacturers.

Whether it’s a bad medication, a recalled device, or a health issue no one saw coming, these firms help people seek justice.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what mass tort law is, what a lawyer in this field does, why Big Pharma cases matter, and how you can start your career in this impactful area of law.

What Is Mass Tort Law?

Mass tort law involves legal cases where many individuals are harmed by the same product or action but file separate claims.

These claims are usually grouped for efficiency, but each one is treated individually in court.

Unlike class action lawsuits—where one case is filed on behalf of a group—mass torts allow each plaintiff to present their specific injuries and losses.

This is especially important in drug or device cases, where each person may have experienced very different side effects or complications.

Common examples of mass tort cases include:

• Defective drugs: These are medications that cause unexpected side effects, long-term illness, or even death. Cases like the Zantac cancer lawsuits or opioid litigation fall into this category.
• Faulty medical devices: When devices like hip implants or surgical mesh fail, they can cause serious injuries that require more surgeries or ongoing treatment.
• Toxic exposure: People exposed to harmful chemicals (like in groundwater or work environments) may file mass tort claims if the exposure leads to disease.

These cases are often national in scope, involving thousands of plaintiffs and complex legal strategies.

The Role of an Attorney in Mass Tort Litigation

Working as a mass tort attorney isn’t just about filing papers in court—it’s about helping real people through some of the toughest times in their lives.

Here’s what lawyers in this field typically do:

• Investigating claims: Attorneys spend time learning about the drug, device, or chemical at the center of a case. They gather scientific studies, product history, and regulatory data to build a solid argument.
• Interviewing clients: A big part of the job is listening to clients’ stories. Lawyers gather medical records and personal details to understand how the product affected each person’s life.
• Working with experts: Medical experts, scientists, and industry professionals often play key roles. They help explain how the harm occurred and support the legal claims with credible evidence.
• Negotiating settlements or preparing for trial: Some cases settle out of court, but others go to trial. Either way, the lawyer’s job is to secure the best possible outcome for each client.

Mass tort lawyers often work with teams across the country, sharing resources and strategies to tackle these large-scale cases.

Why Big Pharma?

So, why focus on pharmaceutical companies?

The answer is simple: public health and safety.

• Powerful influence: Big Pharma companies make billions of dollars each year. When profits are prioritized over safety, patients can suffer serious consequences.
• Ongoing problems: History has shown repeated issues with rushed approvals, lack of testing, and misleading marketing. The opioid crisis is a major example of this kind of corporate behavior.
• Accountability: Mass tort law holds these companies responsible. Successful lawsuits can lead to product recalls, stricter regulations, and better consumer protections.

For many lawyers, this work is more than just a job.

It’s about standing up for people who were hurt and pushing back against a system that sometimes overlooks them.

How to Build a Career in Mass Tort Law

If you’re thinking this might be the path for you, here’s how to get started:

• Go to law school with a purpose: Focus on courses related to torts, civil litigation, and medical law. These will give you the foundation you need to succeed in this field.
• Gain experience early: Look for internships or clerkships at personal injury firms or consumer protection agencies. Hands-on experience can help you learn how these complex cases work in real life.
• Develop specialized skills: Understanding medical records and scientific data is a big part of the job. Being able to explain complex topics in simple terms is also key, especially when dealing with juries or clients.
• Stay informed: The legal and medical worlds change quickly. Following FDA recalls, news about lawsuits, and updates from professional legal groups will help keep you sharp and current.

Mass tort law is competitive, but it’s also growing—especially with increasing awareness about product safety and consumer rights.

Challenges and Rewards

Like any legal field, mass tort law has its ups and downs.

Here are a few you should know about:

Challenges

• Long timelines: These cases often take years to resolve, requiring patience and persistence from everyone involved.
• Emotional toll: Hearing from people who have suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones can be emotionally draining. Compassion is crucial, but you also need boundaries.
• Complexity: Legal, scientific, and procedural hurdles can make these cases difficult. Attention to detail and good teamwork are essential.

Rewards

• Making a real impact: Helping thousands of people get justice can be incredibly fulfilling. Your work might even change industry standards.
• Financial viability: While it’s not a get-rich-quick field, successful cases can bring in significant settlements—for both clients and firms.
• Career variety: No two cases are the same. You’ll be constantly learning, meeting new people, and solving unique problems.

This mix of difficulty and purpose is what draws many lawyers to mass tort work—and keeps them there.

Conclusion

Mass tort law is about more than just lawsuits—it’s about giving people a voice, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

If you care about fairness, public health, and making a real difference, a career in this field might be the perfect fit.

Litigating against Big Pharma isn’t easy, but it’s some of the most meaningful work a lawyer can do.

All it takes is commitment, compassion, and the drive to hold powerful companies accountable—one client at a time.

For aspiring attorneys looking to combine legal skill with social impact, mass tort law offers a unique and fulfilling path. I

t’s not just a legal career—it’s a chance to help reshape the system and protect future generations from harm.