Personal Background
Darron E. Berquist is the Managing Attorney of the firm’s asbestos practice in New York. In addition to representing individuals with asbestos-caused diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and ovarian cancer, he assists the firm’s pharmaceutical and product liability groups, particularly on matters related to expert witnesses.
Mr. Berquist is originally from Columbus, Ohio. Law school brought him to New York, and prior to joining the Lanier Law Firm he practiced at Wilentz Goldman & Spitzer. He lives in Putnam County, New York, and enjoys cooking (or at least attempting to), running, hiking and traveling.
Representative Cases
Ingham v. Johnson & Johnson:
Between 2016 and 2018, served as a member of the pre-trial team that worked on behalf of 22 women and their families who alleged that use of asbestos-laden Johnson’s Baby Powder products caused their ovarian cancer. In June of 2018, went to verdict following a six-week jury trial in St. Louis City Circuit Court resulting in a $4.69 billion award.
Whelan v. Armstrong International:
Represented the estate of Arthur Whelan, a career plumber who was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, in reversing orders granting summary judgment to nine defendants. The decision of the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court, which held that equipment manufacturers have a duty to warn regarding asbestos-containing components and replacement parts, was affirmed by the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Admissions and Certification
- State of Connecticut
- State of New Jersey
- State of New York
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- United States District Court for the Northern District of New York
- United States District Court for the Southern Districts of New York
- United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Education
Mr. Berquist is a graduate of the University of Kentucky (2004) and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (2007), where he was the Business Editor of the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution and represented low-income and disabled individuals through the law school’s Bet Tzedek Legal Services Clinic.
Awards
- Best Lawyers 2024 – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
- Best Lawyers 2024 – Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
Community and Professional Activities
- Member of the American Association for Justice
- Member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association
- Member of the New York State Bar Association
- Member of the New Jersey Association for Justice
- Member of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association
