Smith Renee D

In the complex and high-stakes world of corporate litigation, where class actions, mass torts, and product liability claims can impact a company's future, having a highly skilled and experienced legal advocate is not just an advantage — it's a necessity. For businesses across Illinois and beyond, Renee D. Smith, a distinguished litigation partner at the globally recognized law firm, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, stands out as a formidable force in the courtroom. With a proven track record of securing trial and dispositive pre-trial victories for Fortune 500 companies, Renee Smith is a go-to attorney for those facing the most challenging legal battles.

Her expertise encompasses high-profile complex product liability, class action, and commercial litigation, involving intricate scientific and economic issues. She has successfully litigated and tried cases for numerous clients in state and federal courts across the country, including in multiple federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDLs). This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Renee D. Smith's professional background, her accessible Chicago office, the diverse legal services she offers, and why she is an excellent choice for locals in Illinois seeking robust and effective legal defense.

Renee Smith’s dedication to her clients and her ability to navigate the intricacies of large-scale litigation have earned her significant accolades, including recognition as a Law360 Product Liability MVP. For any company or individual in Illinois grappling with complex product liability, class action, or commercial disputes, understanding the depth of expertise and the strong track record offered by Renee D. Smith is the first step toward securing a favorable outcome.

Renee D. Smith's office is strategically located within the prestigious Kirkland & Ellis LLP firm in downtown Chicago, providing a highly accessible and convenient location for clients throughout Illinois. While the provided address format "300 Ogilvie/Union, IL - Lasalle/Clark, IL, Chicago, IL 60654, USA" is a shorthand for a central area, the actual building address for Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago is 300 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60654. This prominent address places her practice in a modern and professional environment along the Chicago River.

The strategic location offers exceptional accessibility for clients utilizing various modes of transportation. For those commuting via public transit, the office at 300 North LaSalle is conveniently located near major CTA train lines (including the Brown, Purple, and Pink lines, and the Blue Line accessible via transfer), and numerous bus routes. This extensive public transportation network ensures that individuals and corporate representatives from throughout Chicago and the surrounding Illinois suburbs can easily reach the office without the need for a personal vehicle. Its proximity to major transit hubs like Ogilvie Transportation Center (serving Metra commuter trains) and Union Station also makes it particularly convenient for clients traveling from further afield in Illinois.

For clients who prefer to drive, the office is easily accessible from major expressways, and there are several parking garages available in the vicinity of 300 North LaSalle Street. This ensures a straightforward commute for those traveling by car. The central and well-connected location underscores Renee D. Smith’s commitment to providing readily accessible and top-tier legal services to clients throughout Illinois.

Renee D. Smith, as a leading litigation partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, specializes in a broad range of complex and high-profile disputes, primarily serving Fortune 500 companies. Her services are geared towards providing robust defense and strategic counsel in significant legal challenges. The key areas of law and types of services she offers include:

• Product Liability Defense: Renee is highly experienced in defending manufacturers and corporations against claims of defective products. Her representative matters include securing defense verdicts for General Motors LLC in federal MDLs and related state cases involving ignition switch recalls, and representing Baxter Healthcare Corporation in federal MDLs related to allegedly contaminated products. She also defends clients in the e-cigarette space and cases involving alleged emissions "defeat devices."

• Class Action Litigation: She has significant expertise in defending companies against large-scale consumer fraud and other class action claims. Her successes include winning summary judgment and Daubert motions leading to dismissals of hundreds of personal injury claims within MDLs, and representing clients in class actions related to alleged "defeat devices" and other consumer fraud claims.

• Mass Tort Defense: Renee specializes in defending companies against aggregated claims involving widespread alleged injuries or exposures. Her experience includes representing 3M in multidistrict litigation over Combat Arms Earplugs, and Dow Chemical and Dow Corning Corporation in cases involving silicone breast implants.

• Commercial Litigation: She handles complex commercial disputes, which often involve intricate business transactions, contractual disagreements, and fraud allegations. Her cases can involve complex scientific and economic issues.

• Cross-Border Restructuring Disputes: Renee has experience with litigation arising from cross-border restructuring efforts, including representing clients in cases like the Quebec Train Derailment Litigation, which involved complex restructuring coordination leading to favorable global resolution.

• Trial Practice: She is a trial lawyer with a strong record of winning jury trials in multiple federal MDLs and other state and federal courts across the country. Her expertise spans securing defense verdicts and dispositive pre-trial victories.

Renee D. Smith’s practice is highly specialized in providing robust and strategic defense for major corporations facing the most challenging and high-profile litigation matters.

Renee D. Smith's professional profile at Kirkland & Ellis LLP showcases several distinctive features and highlights that underscore her standing as a premier litigator:

• Chambers-Ranked Litigation Partner: Renee Smith is recognized by Chambers USA, a leading legal directory, as a ranked litigation partner. This signifies independent, high-level peer and client recognition of her expertise and effectiveness.

• Law360 Product Liability MVP (2023): She was named a Product Liability MVP by Law360 in 2023, an accolade reserved for the top lawyers who have achieved significant victories and made substantial contributions in their practice areas.

• Distinguished Advisor for Product Liability (Financier Worldwide 2024): Renee was profiled by Financier Worldwide as a "Distinguished Advisor" for Product Liability, further cementing her reputation in this specialized field.

• Consistent Trial and Pre-Trial Victories: Her career is marked by a consistent record of securing trial defense verdicts and dispositive pre-trial wins for a roster of Fortune 500 companies including General Motors, Abbott Labs, AbbVie Inc., Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Dow Chemical, W.R. Grace, Juul Labs, Inc., Kobe Steel, Ltd., and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

• Extensive MDL Experience: Renee has won jury trials in multiple federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDLs), showcasing her ability to manage and prevail in complex, consolidated legal proceedings.

• Expertise in Complex Scientific and Economic Issues: Her practice frequently involves cases with intricate scientific and economic elements, demonstrating her capability to master complex factual scenarios.

• High-Profile Client Representation: Her client list includes major global corporations, indicating the trust and confidence that leading companies place in her abilities for their most critical litigation matters.

• Strategic Problem Solver: According to Law360, her work in cases involving 3M, Juul, and General Motors showcases how "different litigation may require different paths to get to what is hopefully the best place for our clients," highlighting her strategic and adaptive approach.

• Affiliation with a Top Global Firm: As a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Renee Smith leverages the vast resources, global network, and collective expertise of one of the world's leading law firms.

• Mentorship and Team Leadership: She expresses pride in working with remarkable teams and junior attorneys, noting that young women attorneys have "knocked it out of the park" in stand-up roles, reflecting strong leadership and mentorship.

These features collectively position Renee D. Smith as an exceptional and results-driven litigator, particularly adept at handling the most challenging product liability, class action, and commercial defense cases.

As a highly sought-after litigation partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, a globally renowned law firm, Renee D. Smith’s practice is centered on delivering unparalleled legal defense for complex, high-stakes corporate disputes. In this segment of the legal market, typical retail-style "promotions" or "special offers" are not customary. The inherent value derived from engaging an attorney of Renee D. Smith’s stature lies in the significant strategic advantages, deep expertise, and proven track record of successfully navigating intricate litigation.

For corporate clients in Illinois, the "promotion" comes from the substantial benefits achieved through her expert representation. These include:

• Substantial Risk Mitigation: Renee’s expertise in defending multi-million and multi-hundred million dollar disputes, mass torts, and class actions means she can effectively protect clients from enormous financial liabilities and reputational damage. Securing defense verdicts and favorable pre-trial resolutions represents significant financial and strategic gains that far outweigh any temporary discount.

• Efficient and Strategic Case Management: Her proven ability to win jury trials in multiple federal MDLs and achieve favorable outcomes in complex commercial disputes indicates an efficient and strategic approach to litigation. This can lead to swifter resolutions, thereby reducing overall legal costs and minimizing business disruption.

• Access to Elite Legal Resources: As a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, clients benefit from the immense resources, advanced legal technology, and collective expertise of one of the world's leading law firms. This comprehensive support system is crucial for complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation.

For businesses in Illinois facing significant product liability, class action, or commercial litigation, the most compelling "offer" is the opportunity to secure the counsel of a lawyer with Renee D. Smith’s distinguished experience and successful track record. Potential clients are encouraged to contact Kirkland & Ellis LLP to arrange a consultation. This allows for a direct discussion of their specific legal needs, an understanding of the strategic approach tailored to their case, and a transparent discussion of the firm’s fee structure. The firm’s and Renee D. Smith’s reputation for excellence and their proven ability to navigate complex litigation are their ultimate value propositions.

For businesses and individuals in Illinois seeking top-tier litigation counsel, connecting with Renee D. Smith at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is convenient and direct.

Address:

300 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

(Note: The provided address "300 Ogilvie/Union, IL - Lasalle/Clark, IL" refers to the general vicinity of the firm's actual address at 300 North LaSalle Street. This central Chicago location ensures excellent accessibility for clients traveling from across the city and the broader Illinois region.)

Phone:

(312) 862-2310

Mobile Phone:

+1 312-862-2310

The provision of both a primary office phone and a mobile phone number highlights Renee D. Smith's commitment to accessibility and responsiveness for her clients. Given the often urgent and high-stakes nature of the litigation she handles, timely communication is paramount. Clients can use these numbers to schedule consultations, discuss ongoing cases, or make initial inquiries. It is always advisable to call ahead to arrange an appointment, ensuring that dedicated time is allocated to thoroughly discuss your specific legal concerns. This direct line of communication reflects the professional and client-focused service offered by Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

For corporations and individuals across Illinois grappling with complex and high-stakes legal disputes, Renee D. Smith at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is an exceptionally suitable choice for legal representation. Her proven track record of securing trial and pre-trial victories for Fortune 500 companies in high-profile product liability, class action, and commercial litigation demonstrates a level of expertise and effectiveness that is invaluable. Locals in Illinois can benefit immensely from engaging an attorney who is not only Chambers-ranked but also recognized as a top MVP by leading legal publications, signifying her consistent success and respect within the legal community.

Her extensive experience in managing federal MDLs and complex cases involving intricate scientific and economic issues ensures that clients receive a sophisticated and robust defense tailored to their unique challenges. Furthermore, her affiliation with Kirkland & Ellis LLP provides access to the vast resources, global network, and collective expertise of one of the world's premier law firms. This ensures that even the most intricate and resource- intensive cases can be handled with the highest level of competence.

The firm's convenient and central location in downtown Chicago, easily accessible from various parts of Illinois, adds a layer of practicality for clients. This blend of unparalleled legal acumen, a proven track record, and strategic accessibility makes Renee D. Smith an ideal partner for any Illinois-based entity or individual seeking robust and effective legal defense in critical litigation matters. Choosing Renee D. Smith means choosing a lawyer dedicated to achieving favorable outcomes through strategic, experienced, and diligent representation.