Christopher Essig

Currently, Chris is lead national counsel for a pharmaceutical manufacturer in almost 900 products liability lawsuits involving the manufacture of opioid medications in state and federal courts. He has also led negotiations with national plaintiffs’ counsel and states attorneys general regarding global resolution of those matters for his client. In addition, he represents a major chemical manufacturer in national environmental and products liability claims alleging property damage and personal injury. Chris also is trial counsel for a major global aerospace manufacturer in significant mass tort litigation consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois. In his career, Chris has been part of trial teams for major firm pharmaceutical and medical device clients such as Medtronic, Pfizer Inc., and Wyeth. 

Further, Chris has defended various clients in some of the largest consumer fraud class actions in the United States. For example, he has litigated claims in several cases nearing US$2B based on the allegation that his client’s products violated several state consumer protection statutes. 

Chris has notably invested significant time in pro bono matters, some of which have garnered media attention. For example, Chris successfully led Winston’s pro bono team and obtained asylum for an Iranian photojournalist who published several controversial and award-winning projects focusing on youth and female identity.