R. Lawrence Purdy
Of Counsel
Overview
Larry Purdy focuses his practice on the defense of major medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers in complex, nation-wide product litigation. Larry has represented clients in product liability claims and lawsuits venued in virtually every state as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. A significant portion of his practice deals with the issues of federal preemption and regulatory control over claims involving FDA-approved medical devices. He has tried a variety of cases in jurisdictions around the country involving both medical and non-medical products.
Larry also served as pro bono trial counsel for the plaintiffs in two landmark United States Supreme Court cases involving race-conscious admissions policies at the University of Michigan. As a consequence of his involvement in the Michigan cases, he has frequently been invited to discuss the role of race in college and university admissions. His campus appearances included invited presentations at the Universities of Texas, Michigan, Missouri, and Colorado, as well as appearances at the law schools at Arizona State University, the University of Minnesota, William Mitchell College of Law, Hamline University, University of St. Thomas, Valparaiso University, Northwestern University, and University of San Francisco. In addition, Larry has addressed numerous local, state, and federal bar associations on the topic of race.
Experience
- Sherry Ann Walker, et al. v. Medtronic, Inc., No. 07-317, S.D.W.Va. (2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 125103).
- Clark v. Medtronic, Inc., 572 F. Supp. 2d 1090 (D. Minn. 2008).
- Hammitt v. Medtronic, Inc. (Anoka Co. D. Ct., Minnesota, (2004). National counsel in a lawsuit involving the recall of a medical device. Case was never certified for class action and settled.
- Emry et al v. Medtronic, Inc. et al (U.S. Dist. Ct., Minnesota, 0:04-cv-04215 (terminated - 2005). National counsel in a lawsuit involving the recall of a medical device. Case was never certified for Class Action. The claims in this case were successfully mediated.
- Grutter v. Bollinger, et al., 137 F. Supp. 2d 821 (E.D. Mich. 2001), rev'd, 288 F.3d 732 (6th Cir. 2002), cert. granted, 123 U.S. 617 (2002), aff'd, 123 S. Ct. 2411 (2003).
- Gratz v. Bollinger, et al., 122 F. Supp. 2d 811 (E.D. Mich. 2000), Rule 11 cert. granted, 123 U.S. 602 (2002), rev'd, 123 S. Ct. 2325 (2003).
- Mozes v. Medtronic, Inc., 14 F. Supp. 2d 1124 (D. Minn. 1998).
- Goldkist, Inc. v. Texas Utilities Electric Co. (fka Texas Power & Light), et al., 830 S.W.2d 91 (Texas 1992).
- Texas City Refining, Inc. v. Graver Tank & Mfg, 822 S.W.2d 252 (Texas 1991).
- Neville Bros v. Cook Paint & Varnish, Inc., 671 F.2d 1107 (8th Cir. 1982).
- Mr. Purdy has served as lead counsel for product manufacturers in major product liability cases throughout the United States.
- He has also served as an arbitrator in binding arbitration matters.
Honors
Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®, 2012-2020
Local Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation, 2008-2011
Maslon Law Firm Humanitarian Award for 2001 (honoring volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity and Kenwood Elementary School Reading Program).
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
Honorable Discharge, United States Navy in June 1973.
Mr. Purdy served as an officer in the United States Navy reaching the rank of Lieutenant. His service included a one-year tour in Viet Nam beginning in December 1969 and ending in December 1970. While on active duty, he received the following military decorations and honors: Joint Services Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V," Navy/Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Citation, Southeast Asia and Vietnam Service Medals, and the National Service Medal.