News

Jan Dodd
Partner
Los Angeles


Jennifer M. Ilenstine
Senior Counsel
Los Angeles

A nationally-recognized trial lawyer, known for her courtroom representation of clients in products liability and pharmaceutical/medical device litigation, and an accomplished labor and employment litigator, with years of experience helping clients navigate California employment laws, have joined Fulbright in Los Angeles.

Jan E. Dodd joins Fulbright as a partner from Kaye Scholer, where she spent a decade as a lawyer—the last seven years as a partner. Dodd's work on behalf of clients in the products liability arena was cited in 2007 when she was selected as one of the country's top litigators under 45 in American Lawyer's Litigation's Rising Stars.

"Jan has tried to verdict significant drug and medical device products liability trials across the country," said Steven B. Pfeiffer, the chair of Fulbright's executive committee. "She is a valuable addition to our skilled team that clients call upon to handle complex individual and class action lawsuits involving high-profile products liability claims."

Prior to moving to Los Angeles in 2000, Dodd practiced law in St. Louis. The National Law Journal cited Dodd in 2005 for handling one of the nation's top 10 defense verdicts. That case involved an over-the-counter cold medicine that the plaintiffs claimed caused strokes. After a five- month trial, a Los Angeles jury found in favor of the drug manufacturer. In 2006, Lawdragon selected Dodd as one of the top 500 Leading Litigators in America, dubbing her "a star products liability defense lawyer."

"Jan's addition allows us to continue expanding our firm's products liability and pharmaceutical/medical device strengths," said Stephen C. Dillard, the chair of Fulbright's global litigation practice. "Jan's trial experience in cases throughout the United States adds further strength in this important area of our litigation practice."

Dodd is especially well-versed in matters involving neurology, cell biology, hepatology, endocrinology, pulmonology, epidemiology and orthopaedic surgery. She is admitted to practice in California, Missouri and Illinois. Dodd received dual degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and her J.D. from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

"Fulbright's extensive experience in handling high-profile pharmaceutical and medical device litigation was a big draw when considering the next step in my career," Dodd said.

Also joining Fulbright's Los Angeles office is Jennifer M. Ilenstine, who comes to the firm as senior counsel from Musick, Peeler & Garrett. Ilenstine has represented California employers – ranging in size from small, local businesses to Fortune 500 companies – before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

Ilenstine has extensive experience litigating matters involving alleged harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, constructive discharge, wage and hour violations, whistle blowing, conspiracy and trade secret infringements. She also regularly counsels clients regarding compliance with state and federal laws, assists clients with formulating litigation prevention strategies, provides anti-harassment/discrimination training to both management and rank and file employees, drafts employee handbooks and policies and procedures and conducts workplace investigations.

Ilenstine started her legal career in Seattle, where she gained early and invaluable exposure to handling all aspects of litigation from intake through appeal, laying the necessary foundation for her current practice. At her Seattle-based firm, Ilenstine litigated in a variety of practice areas, including professional liability, labor and employment and general commercial liability. She was frequently called upon to defend high-profile matters. She was selected by her peers as a Rising Star in 2003 and 2004.

"Fulbright's international, full-service platform, coupled with our mutual and demonstrated commitment to clients, presented an exciting opportunity to take my practice to a new level," Ilenstine said.

Brian Greig, the head of Fulbright's labor and employment practice, said, "Jennifer is a wonderful addition to our labor and employment practice in Los Angeles. Her significant experience and ability to gain client confidence for critical advice will benefit greatly our clients doing business in California."

Ilenstine is admitted to practice in the states of California and Washington. She received her undergraduate degree in criminal justice in 1994 and her J.D. in 1998 from Gonzaga University.

"We are fortunate to welcome these two talented lawyers to our Los Angeles team," said Peter Mason, the head of Fulbright's Los Angeles office. "Both Jan and Jennifer embrace our approach to client service by listening to our clients and anticipating their needs and goals."

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