R.J. Reynolds and Brown & Williamson obtain directed verdict dismissing Long Island smoking and health claims

Client(s) R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc.

Jones Day, on behalf of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation), obtained a directed verdict dismissing all claims after a three week jury trial in the first smoking and health case to be tried on Long Island. This is one of just a few such trials where a defendant has succeeded in getting a directed verdict. The trial received ongoing press coverage in Long Island Newsday and the New York Law Journal and was discussed in other media, including 1010 WINS, the New York City-based news radio station.

Selma Rosen, et al. v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, Index No. 97-018589 (Super. Ct., Nassau Cty., N.Y.)