Emily Van Tuyl
Partner | New York
Emily Van Tuyl

Emily Van Tuyl is a partner in Dechert’s product liability and mass torts practice. 

Ms. Van Tuyl represents clients in litigation in federal and state courts and at all stages, including managing fact and expert discovery; taking and defending fact and expert witness depositions; briefing jurisdictional, discovery, expert (Daubert/Frye), and dispositive motions; arguing motions and otherwise representing clients’ interests in court; and preparing for trial and mediation. Her clients have included pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology, insurance, real estate, private equity, internet, and information technology companies.

Recently, Ms. Van Tuyl has played an active role in Dechert’s defense of Getinge AB and Atrium Medical Corporation in more than 2,400 personal injury lawsuits that have been filed involving their hernia mesh products, including an MDL in New Hampshire and cases in other federal and state courts nationwide. She also recently second-chaired a six-day jury trial in federal court in Chicago, after which the jury returned a full defense verdict. Over the course of her career, she has been a member of multiple winning trial teams, including in product liability litigation. Outside of the product liability and mass torts context, she has represented clients in high-stakes commercial litigation in the New York Commercial Division and the Delaware Court of Chancery. For example, she was part of the team that won a bench trial in the Delaware Court of Chancery for a private equity client in a dispute regarding the client’s right to exit its investment in an energy company. 

Ms. Van Tuyl is recognized by Legal 500 US in the area of Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Actions – Toxic Torts and Consumer Products. She is also recognized in “Ones to Watch” from Best Lawyers for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants.

Ms. Van Tuyl is also committed to pro bono work. In one recent matter, she argued before New York’s Appellate Division, First Department, on behalf of a client seeking a reduction of his criminal sentence. She has been recognized by The Legal Aid Society as one of the recipients of the 2021 Pro Bono Publico Award for outstanding service to Legal Aid and its clients. Legal Aid recognizes the outstanding work of volunteer lawyers, law firms, corporations, and other professionals who have volunteered their time and talent to provide exceptional legal services to low-income New Yorkers. 

Ms. Van Tuyl is a member of the Editorial Committee of the product liability and mass torts group’s newsletter, Dechert Re:Torts.

  • A manufacturer of fire suppression products in civil litigation in state and federal courts brought by individual plaintiffs as well as states and municipalities, arising from the manufacture, sale, and use of certain products.
  • Major pharmaceutical companies in civil litigation in state and federal courts brought by individual plaintiffs arising from the companies’ manufacture, promotion, and sale of prescription medications. 
  • The developer of a pharmaceutical product in a breach of contract dispute in the Delaware Court of Chancery related to the promotion of the client’s product.   
  • A private equity company in civil litigation in the Delaware Court of Chancery regarding the client’s right to exit its investment in an energy company.
  • A biotechnology company in a breach of contract dispute in the New York Commercial Division related to the client’s rights upon acquiring another company.
  • An internet company in civil litigation in the New York Commercial Division related to the client’s right to enforce its policies regarding mobile apps. 

Includes matters handled at Dechert or prior to joining the firm.

  • Key Takeaways from Three of This Year’s MDLs: Impactful Rulings and Hot Opinions from the Acetaminophen, Zantac and Exactech MDLs - American Conference Institute's Drug and Medical Device Conference, Panel (December 5, 2023)
  • The Best Thing I Ever Learned from a Mentor or Mentee: 2023 Edition - American Conference Institute's 10th Annual Summit for Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law, Panel (July 26-27, 2023)
  • Punitive Damages in Asbestos Litigation: What You Must Know and Do - The Knowledge Group, Webinar (August 31, 2021) 
  • What’s New for the Product Liability Landscape: Demystifying Critical Issues and Effective Risk Mitigation Strategies - The Knowledge Group, Webinar (April 13, 2021) 
Services
    • University of Virginia, B.A., 2008, with Distinction
    • William & Mary Law School, J.D., 2012, cum laude, Lead Articles Editor of William and Mary Law Review, National Trial Team, and Moot Court
    • New York
    • United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
    • Healthcare Working Group of the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance, co-chair