Kim Dougherty, Esq
Co-Founder/Partner
Kimberly (“Kim”) Dougherty knew from an early age that she wanted to help people. She volunteered for Big Brother Big Sister in college and quickly became passionate about issues facing women, children and those in need. Kim then earned a Master’s degree in Social Work and worked in child protective services on a disciplinary team of lawyers and social workers in the Manhattan Family Courts. Soon after, she recognized that many people needed more than social work services. They needed a legal advocate. That’s when she decided to become an attorney.
Kim’s law practice quickly turned to the people who needed the help most: ones severely injured and harmed by corporations and institutions that put profits before people. Today, she is a leading attorney in complex pharmaceutical, medical device mass tort, personal injury, sexual assault and civil rights litigation, regularly lecturing nationwide on these topics and receiving Court appointments to lead litigations across the country. Kim has obtained multiple millions of dollars in settlements on behalf of thousands of clients against big corporations and institutions, and worked hard to also attain non-economic change to protect people in the future, including through FDA warnings, legislative change, creating healing funds, procedure and policy change and more. To Kim her work is about her clients and their healing and about justice, in every shape and form.
In 2021, Kim co-founded Justice Law Collaborative to help provide trauma informed legal services to those who need it most. Prior to founding Justice Law Collaborative, Kim served as a partner and the Managing Attorney of the Boston office of two separate nationwide law firms for many years. She is a volunteer advocate as President of the Massachusetts Women’s Bar Association and current President of National Women Trial Lawyers, and has regularly testified at the State House on laws to protect the rights of women and children, and lobbying legislators on those laws. She leads litigations across the country and has regularly lectured on various torts, a trauma-informed approach to assault cases, as well as the importance of increasing gender diversity in the judiciary and elected office. Kim is an experienced and fierce advocate, ready to help you with dedication and compassion to your cause.
+ FULL BIOGRAPHY
Kimberly (“Kim”) Dougherty knew from an early age that she wanted to help people. She volunteered for Big Brother Big Sister in college and quickly became passionate about issues facing women, children and those in need. Kim then earned a Master’s degree in Social Work and worked in child protective services on a disciplinary team of lawyers and social workers in the Manhattan Family Courts. Soon after, she recognized that many people needed more than social work services. They needed a legal advocate. That’s when she decided to become an attorney.
Kim’s law practice quickly turned to the people who needed the help most: ones severely injured and harmed by corporations and institutions that put profits before people. Today, she is a leading attorney in complex pharmaceutical, medical device mass tort, personal injury, sexual assault and civil rights litigation, regularly lecturing nationwide on these topics and receiving Court appointments to lead litigations across the country. Kim has obtained multiple millions of dollars in settlements on behalf of thousands of clients and worked hard to also attain non-economic change to protect people in the future, including through FDA warnings, legislative change, creating healing funds, procedure and policy change and more. To Kim her work is about her clients and their healing and about justice, in every shape and form.
In 2021, Kim co-founded Justice Law Collaborative to help provide trauma informed legal services to those who need it most. Prior to founding Justice Law Collaborative, Kim served as a partner and the Managing Attorney of the Boston office of two separate nationwide law firms for many years. She is a volunteer advocate as President of the Massachusetts Women’s Bar Association and current President of National Women Trial Lawyers, and has regularly testified at the State House on laws to protect the rights of women and children, and lobbying legislators on those laws. She leads litigations across the country and has regularly lectured on various torts, a trauma-informed approach to assault cases, as well as the importance of increasing gender diversity in the judiciary and elected office. Kim is an experienced and fierce advocate, ready to help you with dedication and compassion to your cause.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND CIVIL RIGHTS CASES
Kim’s work in the area of sexual assault and abuse began when she was at Columbia University School of Social Work in 1999, working as a social worker with a team of lawyers on child sexual and physical assault and neglect cases. She continued her work in this area as a lawyer, representing victims of domestic violence pro bono in restraining order and divorce matters throughout law school and early on in her legal career. In the past several years, Kim has become a leader in sexual assault litigation, representing students, athletes, church goers, orphans, patients and many other survivors of abuse and assault nationwide. Kim pursues claims against perpetrators of sexual assault and abuse and others who had the ability and obligation to intervene, but instead, turned a blind eye. In 2019, Kim resolved cases against Michigan State University on behalf of athletes abused by Olympic Coach, Larry Nassar, for multiple millions of dollars. Kim has also secured significant settlements for individual clients, up to well into seven figures related to abuse by teachers, coaches and priests.
LEADERSHIP IN DEFECTIVE MEDICAL DEVICE CASES
Kim has also been a leader in litigation involving defective devices. Kim was appointed to the Executive Committee for the Essure JCCP litigation coordinated in California in 2016, pursuing litigation on behalf of thousands of women injured by the permanent birth control device. Since the filing of initial lawsuits, the FDA has now 1) added a black box warning to the device, 2) requires physicians to utilize a lengthy patient checklist prior to implantation of the device, describing the risks associated with it, and 3) ordered further clinical studies to assess efficacy and safety issues. In 2020, Kim resolved cases on behalf of hundreds of women, resulting in a multi-million dollar settlement for her clients.
From 2005 to 2011, hundreds of thousands of women were implanted with transvaginal mesh (TVM), seeking to end their problems brought on by weakened pelvic muscles that could no longer support internal organs, and for leaky bladders. The devices were failing at an alarming rate and adverse reports to the FDA started surfacing almost immediately. Although approved by the FDA to repair abdominal hernias, the manufacturers were able to use an FDA process that allowed them to skip any testing on women for use of the products in a very different area of the body.
As a result of her leadership and experience in the TVM litigation, Kim has negotiated resolution of over 1200 cases on behalf of over 30 law firms, resulting in multiple millions of dollars in settlement funds for women injured by the device.
A natural progression lead Kim to recently be appointed to leadership positions in several hernia mesh consolidations, including litigation against Bard, Atrium and Covidien/Medtronic hernia mesh. She currently also serves as settlement and local counsel on approximately 2,000 hernia mesh cases.
FINDING EVIDENCE BEFORE IT COULD BE COVERED UP RESULTED IN $200MILLION RECOVERY FOR CLIENTS AND LAWYER OF THE YEAR HONOR
Kim’s intuition was very strong in the New England Compounding Center (NECC) tainted steroids case. In 2012, NECC distributed tainted steroids that had been produced in their facility. Hundreds of people all over the country became seriously ill, and many died. The quicker experts got inside the building to start looking for potential contamination sources, the quicker they would know what happened and who was responsible. After countless hours, overnights and weekends, preparing with experts for one of the most important arguments for the Court would hear, she was ready to fight for the victims. Before a holiday weekend, Kim urged a federal judge to allow plaintiffs’ experts access to the facility. The company fought hard against Kim’s efforts, but ultimately the Court ruled in her favor and crucial evidence was uncovered and the company was in trouble.
In 2013, Kim was appointed to the seven-person plaintiffs’ steering committee for the NECC multidistrict litigation (MDL) related to the fungal meningitis outbreak from contaminated steroids. Her work leading to the inspection of NECC’s facility, securing world-renowned experts and obtaining crucial evidence was integral to securing a $200 million settlement with NECC, its affiliates and other responsible parties in 2015. For these efforts, she was honored as The Massachusetts’ Lawyer of the Year by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in 2015.
DANGEROUS DRUGS, CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS AND MASS TORTS
Kim has been appointed as Co-Liaison Counsel in litigation involving Covidien/Medtronic hernia mesh and GlaxoSmithKline’s off-label marketing of anti-nausea drug Zofran, to pregnant women causing serious birth defects.
Another mass tort case that Kim is also currently involved in, and is a natural progression from her transvaginal mesh work, is the defective hernia mesh litigation against Atrium C-Qur, Bard and others. Many of the hernia mesh devices have been recalled because they degrade and cause serious side effects, including mesh erosion, infections, adhesions, bowel or intestinal blockage and twisting, organ perforation, allergic reactions, nerve damage, and severe pain, all which ultimately may lead to corrective surgery.
Kim also managed metal on metal mass tort hip cases. Many of these devices have also been recalled, as they cause toxic, high levels of cobalt and chromium in the bloodstream, pseudotumors, hip stem fractures, and often require corrective surgery. These cases involve defendant manufacturers DePuy Orthopaedics, Stryker, Smith & Nephew, Biomet, Zimmer, Wright Medical and others.
Prior to Co-founding Justice Law Collaborative, Kim practiced mass tort product liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, antitrust and consumer protection class-action lawsuits. She has litigated cases involving:
• Diet pills
• Phenylpropanolamine
• Ephedra
• TEQUIN®
• Neurontin®
• WELLBUTRIN®
• YAZ®/YASMIN®/OCELLATM
• Hormone replacement therapy
• REGLAN®
+ AWARDS AND HONORS
• The National Trial Lawyers as Top 25 Mass Tort Lawyers 2016-date
• The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers 2014-date
• The National Trial Lawyers Top Women Trial Lawyers 2017-date
• Lawyer of the Year (2014) – Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
• Top Women of Law – Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly – 2013
• Top 25 Rising Star – Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly – 2008
• The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 2013-2016
• Massachusetts Super Lawyers® 2017-date
• Massachusetts Super Lawyers®–Top Women Attorneys in Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Super Lawyers® “New England Rising Star” 2009-2016.
• President’s Award – Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys for contributions on gender equity issues in the profession in both 2014 and 2015
+ PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
The Litigation Counsel of America 2016-date
The National Trial Lawyers, President of Women Trial Lawyers 2018-date
American Association for Justice Co-Chair/Vice-President of Sexual Assault Group 2018-date
American Association for Justice Co-Chair of Essure Litigation Group 2016-date
American Association for Justice Board Member/Revitalization Chair 2014-2016
President of Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts 2015-2016
Executive Board of Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts 2011-2017
Board Member and Chair of Gala of Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts 2009-2018
Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers Executive Committee Member 2016-2019
Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers Board Member 2009-2018
Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers – Women’s Caucus Chair 2009-2018
Easton Tiger Youth Lacrosse – Boys’ Coach and Co-Director 2015-date
+ ADMISSIONS
Massachusetts, 2003
USDC for the District of MA, 2004
United States Supreme Court, 2014
+ EDUCATION
Northeastern University School of Law
J.D. 2003, legal writing teacher’s assistant, law, culture and difference advisor, domestic violence clinic
Columbia University
M.S. 2000, Social Work
Clark University
B.S. 1998 magna cum laude, highest honors, phi beta kappa, fiat lux
+ PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Articles
September 2018- “Help Stop Human Trafficking through Civil Litigation” - Trial Lawyer Magazine
March 2014- “Gender Equity in the Law” -Trial Magazine
June 2010- “Knock Down Generic Drug Makers’ Defenses” - Trial Magazine
Presentations
December 2020- Sexual Assault Cases – Navigating During Covid America’s Association for Justice
October 2020- Litigating Institutional Sexual Assault Cases – Clergy, Schools, Boy Scouts and more-Mass Torts Made Perfect – Virtual Live
September 2020- Litigating Sexual Assault and Abuse Cases – Strategies for Handling Unique Challenges -Harris Martin – Virtual Live
February 2020- The Power of Trauma: Serving Clients via Trauma-Informed Lawyering/ Emotional Costs of Working with Clients Suffering Trauma American Association for Justice – Women’s Leadership Summit
February 2020- Sexual Abuse and Trafficking Cases -Masters of Mass Torts
January 2020- Sexual Assault Cases – Holding Institutions Responsible -Harris Martin
January 2020- Litigating Sexual Assault Cases – Trauma Informed Approach. Women’s Leadership Summit- National Trial Lawyers Association
January 2020- The Challenges Involving Mediating Both the Liability and Coverage Pieces Together- Perrin Conferences
December 2019- MDL Conference – Human Trafficking- Harris Martin
April and October 2019- Litigating Sexual Assault Cases – Trauma Informed Approach -Mass Torts Made Perfect
March 2019- Current Issues in MDLs and Class Action Conference -W.D. Missouri US Courts Conference
January 2019- Litigating Essure Cases- Masters of Mass Torts
October 2018- Women’s Issues in Litigation Conference – Co-Chair and Speaker Harris Martin
April and October 2018-Litigating Sexual Assault Cases; Ending Human Trafficking -Mass Torts Made Perfect
July 2018- Diversity on the Trial Team-America’s Association for Justice
June 2018- MDL RoundTable – plaintiff, defense and judges -Emory MDL Institute
May 2018- Representing Survivors of Sexual Assault- Harris Martin
May 2018- Emerging Areas of Mass Tort Litigation- HB Litigation Conference
March 2018- Sexual Assault Cases involving Students and Athletes -Harris Martin
February 2018- Representing Students in Sexual Assault Cases – Title IX American Association for Justice – Webinar
January 2018- Latest Defense Strategies in Mass Tort Litigation -Masters of Mass Torts
January 2018- Essure Litigation update-Masters of Mass Torts
November 2017-Women in Litigation- Cross Border Litigation-American Bar Association
September 2017- MDL Conference – Hernia Mesh and Orthopedic Devices. Harris Martin – Co-chair and speaker
June 2017-Women Lawyers Leading Cases in the Courtroom-Women’s Bar Association
March 2017-Mass Tort Med School and Class Actions- HB Litigation Conference
February 2017- Importance of Diversity on the Trial Team -Southern Trial Lawyers Conference
2016, 2017- Women’s Health Litigation Conference-Harris Martin Conference – Co-Chair
2017- Hernia Mesh Litigation Update Harris Martin Conference – Co-Chair
2016, 2017- Essure Litigation update-American Association for Justice Hot Topics
2016, 2017-Essure Litigation update-Mass Torts Made Perfect Conference
April 2016-Open Remarks: Picking the Right Team – Importance of Inclusion of Women-Mass Torts Made Perfect Conference
April and October 2012-2015-Transvaginal Mesh Litigation Update-Mass Torts Made Perfect Conference, Las Vegas, NV
September 2014-The Power of Gender Equity in the Law-Vanderbilt University School of Law
May 2014-2016-The Power of Gender Equity in the Law-Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys Annual Conference
July 2015-The Power of Gender Equity in the Law-American Association for Justice Annual Convention
January 2015-The Power of Gender Equity in the Law-National Trial Lawyers Summit
October 2015-Volkswagen Emissions-Mass Torts Made Perfect Conference
September 2015-Going Local: Why It’s Important to Get Involved in Your Local Bar Association-Women En Mass Aspen Retreat
September 2014- Ethical Rules of Aggregate Settlement and Lien Resolution-Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys
May 2014-Mass Torts for the Masses- MCLE Annual Tort Conference
May 2014-Daubert Challenges Panel Discussion Defense – Conference
April 2014-Speed Networking-Northeastern University School of Law: Women in the Law Conference
June 2013-Trials Facing Women Litigators and Tips for Success -Women’s Bar Association Panel
April 2009-Work Life Balance Panel- Northeastern University School of Law, Women in the Law Conference
+ MEDIA COVERAGE
03/17/2021 Past abuse detailed in Kurn Hattin hearing
03/17/2021 Vt. lawmakers consider reforms in wake of Westinster boarding school abuse allegations
11/06/2020 State board punts Kurn Hattin probe to ed agency
10/21/2020 Kim Dougherty: State must put an end to child sexual abuse at Kurn Hattin
09/17/2020 Vermont boarding school surrenders license following investigation of abuse allegations
07/02/2020 Claims of Past Abuse Surface at Kurn Hattin
07/01/2020 Abuse Survivors Take Action to Hold Kurn Hattin Homes for Children Accountable for Decades of Abuse
09/11/2019 7Investigates: Alleged Sex Trafficking in Local Hotels
03/14/2019 Nassar Accusers Sue U.S. Olympic Committee for Failing to Prevent Sexual Assault
02/07/2019 Nassar survivor on USAG bankruptcy hearing: This was one big “I don’t know”
01/06/2019 Kevin Spacey head to Nantucket court for sex assault arraignment
06/01/2018 USAG Bans Richard Carlson
06/01/2018 USAG bans coach in case it elected to keep rather than turning over to SafeSport
11/24/2015 Loophole Leaves Patients Who Take Generic Drugs with Limited Legal Options
11/01/2015 Kim Dougherty ’98 brought law to the lab
10/30/2015 I-Team Generic Drug Legal Loophole Puts Patients At Risk
05/20/2015 Settlement reached in NECC victims case
05/19/2015 New $200M Settlement Proposed In NECC Meningitis Outbreak
03/06/2015 Tainted Drugs Settlement Fund Grows to $210 Million
2015 MA Lawyer’s Weekly – Massachusetts Lawyer of the Year Award: Kimberly A. Dougherty
12/18/2014 Lawyer Says Victims of Meningitis Outbreak Relieved by Arrests (NPR radio interview)
12/17/2014 Arrests Made In NECC Meningitis Outbreak Investigation (@ 1:45 in the first video)
12/17/2014 U.S. Attorney on New England Compounding Center case: Meningitis Outbreak was 'unprecedented national tragedy'
12/17/2014 Mixed Emotions for Meningitis Victims Following NECC Arrests
10/16/2014 NECC Pharmacist Charge in Criminal Investigation
09/04/2014 NECC Pharmacist Facing New Charges (@ 1:08)
09/04/2014 Meningitis Outbreak That Killed 64 Leads to First Arrest
06/19/2014 Radio Enterprise Podcast Interview of Kimberly A. Dougherty
05/06/2014 It's Official: Fungal Meningitis Victims to Share $100 Million Settlement, Attorneys with Janet, Jenner & Suggs Announce
02/17/2014 Podcast: Kimberly Dougherty on Judge Saylor’s recusal from NECC meningitis case
02/07/2014 Massachusetts Lawyers Podcast – Kimberly Dougherty on Judge Saylor’s Recusal from NECC Meningitis Case
12/25/2013 Massachusetts meningitis case victims hope for charges
11/25/2013 Meningitis victims hope for criminal charges against compounding pharmacy
12/21/2012 Mass. firm in meningitis case eyes bankruptcy help