Phila.-Based Kirkland Partner to Defend First ‘Bellwether’ Talc Trial in Calif. This Fall

The first bellwether trial in California connecting Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder to ovarian cancer is set to begin on November 3. This case involves two women with ovarian cancer and could influence similar trials in 2026 in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as the first federal trial next year. The four-week trial in Los Angeles follows the previous case of Eva Echeverria, who passed away before a jury awarded her $417 million in 2017. This upcoming trial is a key moment in the ongoing litigation claiming Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer.