Anna Thompson has substantial experience in product liability and mass tort actions, bringing a unique perspective from her prior service in the Office of the Chief Counsel, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She represents major pharmaceutical clients in product liability matters at both the trial and appellate levels. She also assists healthcare companies to proactively assess potential litigation risks.
Anna began her career at Arnold & Porter and later returned to the firm after working as Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement at the FDA. While at the FDA, Anna worked with the Department of Justice to bring civil enforcement actions — including seizures, injunctions, and civil money penalties — against regulated entities. She also defended the FDA in constitutional challenges and those brought under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Anna graduated from Washington and Lee University School of Law, where she was the Executive Editor of the Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif.
Experience
- Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi as counsel in the Plavix product liability litigation and government enforcement actions.
- Wyeth as counsel in the diet drug product liability litigation.
- Sanofi in the Zantac product liability litigation.
- Hologic in medical device product liability litigation.
- A manufacturer in product liability action involving a medical device authorized by the FDA for emergency use.
Perspectives
Recognition
Credentials
Education
- J.D., Washington and Lee University School of Law, 2008, summa cum laude, Oder of the Coif
- B.A., University of Virginia, 2005, with distinction
Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
Government & Military Service
- Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement, Office of the Chief Counsel, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2016-2019)