Johnson & Johnson Statement on Disqualification of Beasley Allen Firm

February 6, 2026 - Attributable to Erik Haas, Worldwide Vice President of Litigation, Johnson & Johnson:

“Today’s precedential decision by the Superior Court Appellate Division confirms what was evident from the record: Beasley Allen’s knowing and surreptitious collaboration with Johnson & Johnson’s former lawyer was an egregious breach of the most fundamental ethical duties that govern our profession. ‘Switching sides’ against a former client does not present a close call—but rather a bright-line ethical prohibition recognized by every court, every ethics authority, and, frankly, every first-year law student. The Appellate Division’s ruling appropriately emphasizes the seriousness of this violation and, if not redressed, the threat it poses to the integrity of the legal system.

“It is shocking and deeply troubling that a plaintiff law firm leading a mass tort litigation would enlist—and secretly confer on litigation strategy with—a lawyer who represented its adversary on the same matter, claims and issues. The extraordinary and malicious nature of the ethical violation warrants the most fulsome remediation, including disqualification from all related litigation. Anything less would reward unethical behavior and undermine the fairness every litigant is entitled to expect in our judicial system.”

To learn more about our position and the science supporting the safety of our product, visit www.FactsAboutTalc.com.