Ms. Merkle is Of Counsel to the firm. She has extensive experience in the areas of products liability and bankruptcy litigation, as well as litigation management.
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PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION
Rezulin® Multidistrict Litigation
Actively involved as a member of the firm's defense team serving as regional counsel to Pfizer Inc in connection with Rezulin®. Responsible for drafting responsive pleadings to each complaint (including removal papers), handling day-to-day administrative requirements of the litigation, acting as liaison with local counsel in assigned region to ensure deadlines met and to assess status of cases, and monitoring fact discovery. Developed system to electronically track critical dates, fact discovery and status of cases. Reviews all monthly invoices for accuracy, completeness, compliance with billing guidelines. Works closely with national counsel and client to prepare projections of litigation costs.
Fen-Phen Litigation
Actively involved as a member of the firm's defense team serving as counsel to Wyeth in ongoing diet drug litigation. Prepares cases for trial, including motions practice, with particular emphasis on developing strategy when plaintiff has filed for bankruptcy relief. Reviews all monthly invoices for accuracy, completeness, compliance with billing guidelines. Works closely with national counsel and client to prepare projections of litigation costs.
ProteGen Sling and Vesica System Multidistrict Litigation
Acted as local counsel for Boston Scientific Corporation in multidistrict litigation assigned to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Accepted service on behalf of client in all MDL cases per case management order, and corresponded with client and national counsel regarding each case and any issues that required immediate attention. Acted as liaison between court and national counsel when necessary.
Telectronics Pacing Systems, Inc. Multidistrict Litigation
Actively involved as a member of the firm's defense team serving as national counsel to a manufacturer of pacemaker leads in more than 500 cases. In that litigation, acted as the primary liaison with local counsel; was responsible for the company's responsive pleadings to each complaint; and handled day-to-day administrative requirements of the litigation.
BANKRUPTCY LITIGATION
As Of Counsel at Goodell DeVries Leech & Dann, LLP, advises clients regarding bankruptcy law and procedure. On behalf of the firm's clients, has appeared in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
As an associate in the Bankruptcy Department of Frank, Bernstein, Conaway & Goldman from 1981 until 1990, worked with Harvey M. Lebowitz, a former United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Maryland. Represented creditors (including lessors, secured and unsecured creditors and creditors' committees) and business debtors in bankruptcies, workouts and financial planning. Also represented the receiver of Old Court Savings & Loan, Inc. in matters involving bankruptcy issues.
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Cornell College (B.A., magna cum laude, 1978) (Honors: Phi Beta Kappa)
Duke University School of Law (J.D., with distinction, 1981) (Member, Editorial Board, Duke Law Journal)
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- Court of Appeals of Maryland
- United States District Court for the District of Maryland
- United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland
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American Bankruptcy Institute
- Instructor: Commercial Practice Clinic, Duke University School of Law, 1984-1986
- Lecturer: The Bankruptcy Bar Association of Baltimore City
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