Punitive Damages

Mayer Brown lawyers have been involved in every significant punitive damages cases before the U.S. Supreme Court since the late 1980s, serving as counsel of record for the business defendant in four of those cases, including BMW of North America, Inc. v. Gore (U.S. Supreme Court), the Court’s landmark case on excessive punitive damages, and Philip Morris USA v. Williams (U.S. Supreme Court). In addition, members of our punitive damages practice have represented business defendants and amici in punitive damages litigation in federal and state courts throughout the United States, including in the capacity of national coordinating counsel. We have assisted clients at all stages of punitive damages litigation, from developing defenses and drafting motions in limine to assisting with post-trial motions and handling appeals.

We have enjoyed a high degree of success in the scores of punitive damages cases in which we have been involved. In several cases, appellate courts reversed and rendered judgment in favor of our clients. In numerous other cases, we succeeded in obtaining new trials or very substantial reductions of the punitive award. Collectively, our clients have saved more than $1 billion as a result of appeals and post-trial motions handled by our punitive damages practice.