Phil Quaranta is the leader of our Asia practice team and a member of our firm's Executive Committee. He has built his practice around an enviable record of success defending product liability, commercial and consumer cases. Phil is a trusted adviser who tackles each matter with immense enthusiasm, backed by the stamina and know-how to take it to a successful conclusion. For more than three years, Phil was managing partner of the firm's Tokyo group and at one time was admitted to practice law in Japan as Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi.

Phil has defended major manufacturers of motor vehicles, machines, pharmaceuticals, and medical and industrial equipment in product liability and consumer cases in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan. Spending a considerable amount of time abroad, he provides "on the ground" legal assistance to a large and growing base of international clients, including several well-regarded multinationals. Closer to home, Phil travels to various jurisdictions throughout the United States, leveraging and coordinating the resources required to defend claims brought against his clients.

Phil is national product liability counsel for various manufacturers in Japan, China and England. He litigates and tries cases in New York courts and coordinates the defense of cases across the United States.

As Asia/Pacific practice leader, Phil assists clients in a variety of other areas, including directors and officers' liability, marine liability, insurance regulatory and intellectual property.

Presentations & Publications

Phil has delivered numerous lectures for Chinese and Japanese insurance companies and manufacturers on product liability risk management and claims handling topics. He has lectured in in Brazil, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. He has lectured on-site at manufacturing companies and at insurance industry events hosted by The Japanese Nichibenren Bar Association, Insurance School of the Pacific, Professional Liability Underwriting Society, Japan Machinery Center, The Non-Life Insurance Institute of Japan and other organizations.

Phil is the author of United States Export Product Liability: A Primer for Chinese Manufacturers and Their Insurers (LexisNexis China, 2008) as well as numerous articles published in Japan Insurance Daily (Hoken Mainichi).

Areas of Focus

Product Liability

Phil has defended countless cases involving industrial machines, industrial electrical equipment and motorcycles. He also has developed significant experience defending pharmaceutical personal injury claims, including those arising out of clinical trials. He also advises on FDA and OSHA compliance matters. Other types of products that Phil regularly defends include engines, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, recreational vehicles, tires, helmets, consumer appliances and electronics, dietary supplements and chemicals.

Commercial Litigation

Stemming from his extensive work in the product liability arena, Phil has developed a related commercial practice advising manufacturers in consumer law and lemon law matters. He also represents clients in disputes with dealers and suppliers and has substantial experience drafting dealership and distributorship agreements, including drafting contracts related to manufacturers and component suppliers in China.

Memberships & Affiliations

American Bar Association

Product Liability Advisory Council

Council on Litigation Management; chair, Product Liability Committee

 (Also at New York, New York Office)