Thomas J. Sheehan
Partner
27th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Tom has more than 20 years of experience focusing exclusively on high-stakes product liability and health effects litigation, particularly in the defense of pharmaceuticals and biologic products. Drawing on his extensive litigation experience and scientific training, including a master’s degree in epidemiology, he develops and coordinates science-based defense strategies for clients facing complex mass tort...
Tom has more than 20 years of experience focusing exclusively on high-stakes product liability and health effects litigation, particularly in the defense of pharmaceuticals and biologic products. Drawing on his extensive litigation experience and scientific training, including a master’s degree in epidemiology, he develops and coordinates science-based defense strategies for clients facing complex mass tort litigation.
Tom also advises companies on risk management strategies aimed at preventing litigation. He works closely with leading experts across scientific disciplines to develop a comprehensive understanding of the science underlying causation issues and corporate decision-making. He regularly deposes expert witnesses, obtaining critical admissions to assess and challenge the reliability and admissibility of expert testimony. Tom also serves on leadership teams in multiple-defendant mass tort litigation, coordinating scientific defense strategies to ensure a consistent and cohesive approach.
litigation.
Tom also advises companies on risk management strategies aimed at preventing litigation. He works closely with leading experts across scientific disciplines to develop a comprehensive understanding of the science underlying causation issues and corporate decision-making. He regularly deposes expert witnesses, obtaining critical admissions to assess and challenge the reliability and admissibility of expert testimony. Tom also serves on leadership teams in multiple-defendant mass tort litigation, coordinating scientific defense strategies to ensure a consistent and cohesive approach.
Experience
Previous Professional Experience
- Partner, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP (2021–2026)
- Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP (2000-2021)
Education
- University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, MS, Epidemiology (2012)
- University of Buffalo, JD, cum laude (2000)
- Canisius College, BA, English Language and Literature/Letters (1995)
Admissions
- New York
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
Previous Professional Experience
- Partner, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP (2021–2026)
- Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP (2000-2021)
Media
Recognitions
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants (2026-2027)
Professional Activities
- American Bar Association
- Bar Association of Erie County
- Defense Research Institute
- Lawyers for Civil Justice
- New York State Bar Association
- Food, Drug & Cosmetic Law Section
- Trial Lawyers Section
- Society for Epidemiologic Research
Tom has more than 20 years of experience focusing exclusively on high-stakes product liability and health effects litigation, particularly in the defense of pharmaceuticals and biologic products. Drawing on his extensive litigation experience and scientific training, including a master’s degree in epidemiology, he develops and coordinates science-based defense strategies for clients facing complex mass tort... litigation.
Tom also advises companies on risk management strategies aimed at preventing litigation. He works closely with leading experts across scientific disciplines to develop a comprehensive understanding of the science underlying causation issues and corporate decision-making. He regularly deposes expert witnesses, obtaining critical admissions to assess and challenge the reliability and admissibility of expert testimony. Tom also serves on leadership teams in multiple-defendant mass tort litigation, coordinating scientific defense strategies to ensure a consistent and cohesive approach.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.Previous Professional Experience
- Partner, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP (2021–2026)
- Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP (2000-2021)
Education
- University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, MS, Epidemiology (2012)
- University of Buffalo, JD, cum laude (2000)
- Canisius College, BA, English Language and Literature/Letters (1995)
Admissions
- New York
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
Practice Areas
Industries
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants (2026-2027)
- American Bar Association
- Bar Association of Erie County
- Defense Research Institute
- Lawyers for Civil Justice
- New York State Bar Association
- Food, Drug & Cosmetic Law Section
- Trial Lawyers Section
- Society for Epidemiologic Research
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