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Shankar Duraiswamy represents clients in high-stakes, complex litigation matters, particularly those involving products liability, mass torts, and government and consumer fraud claims. He has especially broad experience representing clients in the life sciences industry in a range of matters. An experienced advocate, Mr. Duraiswamy has litigated in numerous federal and state courts, handling cases from inception through trial and appeal.
- Defense of a pharmaceutical manufacturer in mass tort products liability litigation involving thousands of claimants in federal MDL and state courts.
- Defense of a pharmaceutical manufacturer in multiple products liability lawsuits alleging fatal injuries caused by biologic.
- Defense of a pharmaceutical manufacturer in multiple industry-wide lawsuits, in state and federal courts, alleging pricing fraud and violation of consumer protection statutes.
- Representation of Chiquita Brands in mass tort proceedings arising out of extortion payments made by Chiquita’s former subsidiary to armed groups in Colombia.
- Representation of numerous clients in insurance coverage proceedings arising from large-scale accidents, including pipeline explosion, train derailment, and underground chemical release.
- Representation of a large hotel chain in insurance coverage litigation over property damage to its hotels and bad-faith refusal to pay liability insurance proceeds.
Pro Bono
- Six month full-time assignment at Neighborhood Legal Services Program, providing legal representation and assistance to low-income DC residents on various issues, including landlord-tenant law, domestic law, public benefits hearings, employment law, and consumer law.
- Representation of plaintiffs in a putative class action against the United States Postal Service for failure to provide reasonable accommodations to deaf postal workers.
- Representation of tenants in rent-controlled building challenging landlord’s attempt to increase rent by more than 200 percent.
- Assistance with appeal of death penalty sentence in Talladega County, Alabama.
August 2, 2018, Covington Alert
On August 1, 2018, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision affirming a trial court’s exclusion of scientifically unfounded expert causation testimony in the Accutane litigation. The decision, which ends over 2,100 lawsuits against Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. and Roche Laboratories Inc. (“Roche”), represents the Supreme Court’s first statement on New ...
D.C.'s Rising Stars: Shankar Duraiswamy, 37
September 1, 2017, The National Law Journal
Shankar Duraiswamy was named a "D.C. Rising Star" by The National Law Journal, recognizing him as one of the “region’s 40 most promising lawyers age 40 and under.” Commenting on his biggest accomplishment, Duraiswamy says, "I am proudest of the results I have secured for my pro bono clients. A highlight was a landmark settlement in 2013 that we secured for deaf ...
Shankar Duraiswamy Named "D.C. Rising Star"
August 30, 2017
WASHINGTON—The National Law Journal has named Covington partner Shankar Duraiswamy a “D.C. Rising Star,” recognizing him as one of the “region’s 40 most promising lawyers age 40 and under.” In his profile, Mr. Duraiswamy highlights a number of experiences and lessons learned in his career. When asked about a key to his success, he credited one of his early ...
August 11, 2017
WASHINGTON—Law360 named Covington partners Elizabeth Canter and Shankar Duraiswamy to its list of “Rising Stars for 2017.” This annual recognition honors top attorneys under 40 “whose legal accomplishments transcend their age.” Ms. Canter advises multinational companies on privacy, cyber security, and technology transaction issues. She has special expertise in ...
Rising Star: Covington's Shankar Duraiswamy
July 19, 2017, Law360
Shankar Duraiswamy was named a "Rising Star" by Law360, recognizing him as a top attorney under 40 in Product Liability law. In its profile of Duraiswamy, Law360 highlights his defense of Takata Corp. in the wake of the largest public safety recall in U.S. history and his dedication to pro bono work.
Washington-area appointments and promotions for Oct. 20
October 20, 2014, The Washington Post
"Covington & Burling of the District appointed Ashley Bass, Robin Blaney, Krista Carver, Jeffrey Davidson, Nicole Duclos, Shankar Duraiswamy, Scott Freling, David Garr, Jason Goldberg, Andrew Lazerow, Michael Lechliter, Anne Lee, Scott Schrader, Nathan Shafroth and Ranganath Sudarshan partners."
Covington Promotes 15 Lawyers to Partnership
October 1, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, October 1, 2014 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce that it has elected 15 lawyers to its partnership effective today. “Our new partners come from six firm offices and practice in a variety of areas that are of great importance to the firm’s clients,” said Timothy Hester, chair of Covington’s management committee. “These are all superb ...
- The National Law Journal, "D.C. Rising Star" (2017)
- Law360, Product Liability "Rising Star" (2017)
- Legal 500 US, Litigation - Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense - Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (2015-2017)
- Washington DC Super Lawyers, "Rising Star" (2014-2015)