Lee Popkin

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New York +1.212.969.3326

Lee Popkin is an accomplished trial lawyer and co-head of Proskauer’s Mass Torts & Product Liability Group. Known for her strategic approach and courtroom presence, Lee represents clients in a wide range of industries in complex, high-stakes litigation nationwide.

Lee was named Young Lawyer of the Year (Litigation) by The American Lawyer for 2022 and shortlisted for Product Liability Lawyer of the Year in Euromoney’s Women in Business Law awards in 2023 and 2024. Lee is ranked by Chambers for Commercial Litigation and recognized by The Legal 500 for her work in Product Liability and Mass Torts. Benchmark Litigation named Lee among its “Future Stars” and included her in its 40 and Under list.

Lee’s notable representations and victories include:

Defending Monsanto in a landmark product liability trial over claims that its weedkiller, Roundup, causes cancer. After a five-month trial, the jury returned a complete defense verdict.
Obtaining dismissal with prejudice for Major League Soccer in the first concussion case filed against the League.
Representing Gilead Sciences, Inc. in products liability litigation in federal and state court involving HIV medications.
Securing a defense verdict for Johnson & Johnson in talcum powder litigation in St. Louis, where plaintiffs sought billions in damages.
Winning a jury trial and obtaining a permanent injunction for Diageo in a trade dress infringement case protecting its iconic Crown Royal whisky brand.
Obtaining judgment notwithstanding the verdict in a talcum powder case for Johnson & Johnson in California.
Representing Tiffany & Co. in a trademark infringement action against Costco, successfully enforcing the luxury brand’s rights under the Lanham Act.
Securing dismissal of state and federal dilution claims brought by an apparel brand against client Church & Dwight. The court’s decision made new law in the Second Circuit on the issue of whether a valid registration preempts state law claims of dilution.

Lee also devotes significant time to pro bono matters, and was recognized by KIND for her work representing two sisters from El Salvador fleeing gang violence.

Before joining Proskauer, Lee served as law clerk to the Honorable Sarah S. Vance of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. She received her J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School.

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