Member Bio
Edward J. Fanning, Jr., is a Partner in the Firm of McCarter & English, LLP, and Chair of the Firm's Products Liability Group. Mr. Fanning has extensive experience in civil litigation, with particular emphasis on the defense of claims against manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer products, and industrial equipment. Mr. Fanning has represented numerous product manufacturers and sellers in the state and federal courts of New Jersey, New York and elsewhere, defending claims involving a wide array of products. Mr. Fanning also has experience in Federal and state courts in New Jersey and several other states defending class action litigation brought under consumer protection and consumer fraud statutes.
Mr. Fanning was graduated magna cum laude from Boston College (B.A. Economics, 1991) and cum laude from the Georgetown University Law Center (J.D. 1994). He is admitted to the Bars of the States of New Jersey and New York, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
Mr. Fanning is a frequent lecturer on topics including products liability, trial advocacy, civil procedure and evidence. His speaking engagements have included presentations regarding Professionalism: Practical Lessons and Common Sense, Fair-Dealing and Civility in the Practice of Law (Essex County Bar Foundation, October 19, 2011); New Jersey Civil Justice Reform Efforts (Lawyers for Civil Justice, December 2, 2010), Ethical Issues Involving In-House Counsel and the Attorney-Client Privilege (Client presentations, April and May, 2010), Punitive Damages After State Farm v. Campbell (Trial Attorneys of America Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, June 4, 2004); Employer Liability in Products Liability Actions (New Jersey State Bar Association, Products Liability Committee, March 18, 2004; Essex County Bar Association, Products Liability Committee, May 11, 2004), Developments in Products Liability Law (New Jersey Defense Association Annual Meeting, Washington, DC, June 28, 2003), Deposition and Trial Advocacy Workshops (In-house seminars, 2003 and 2004), Joint and Several Liability and Apportionment of Fault Among Negligent and Intentional Tortfeasors (New Jersey Defense Association Products Liability Seminar, Woodbridge, New Jersey, October 14, 2002), Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence (Trial Attorneys of America Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, June 7, 2001; New Jersey Defense Association Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada, June 22, 2001), Handling of Investigations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Northern New Jersey Builders and Remodelers Association and the Community Builders Association, March 27, 2001), and Best Practices: Amendments to the New Jersey Court Rules (In-house seminar, March 15, 2001).
Mr. Fanning's publications include "Considering Coverage for Consumer Protection Damages," Coverage, ABA Committee on Insurance Coverage Litigation, September/October 2007; "Attacking Mandatory Consumer Protection Damages: Practical Application of BMW v. Gore and State Farm v. Campbell," For the Defense, April 2007; Civil Discovery Practice in New Jersey (1996) (contributing co-author on motions for physical and mental examinations) and "The Pros and Cons of Moving to Compel Examinations," New Jersey Law Journal (September 16, 1996).
Mr. Fanning is a Past President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Defense Association as well as the New Jersey State Representative for the Defense Research Institute. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association and the Association of the Federal Bar of the State of New Jersey. Mr. Fanning is also actively involved in Lawyers for Civil Justice, the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, the International Association of Defense Counsel, and Trial Attorneys of America.
Mr. Fanning was named a 2006 Forty Under 40 recipient by NJBIZ, New Jersey's premiere business news publication. According to the publisher, the Forty Under 40 awards program "honors men and women who have been making headlines in their field and who share a commitment to business growth, professional excellence and the community… As business and community leaders, they are constantly redefining success within the business arena. These individuals share a commitment to business growth, professional excellence and to the community. They are shaping the economic future of New Jersey."
Mr. Fanning was also selected by the New Jersey Law Journal (NJLJ) for its 2006 "40 Under 40" list. According to its Editor-in-Chief, the NJLJ generally chooses "lawyers who have developed unique practice niches, demonstrated leadership potential by work in practice groups or committees and amassed a thick book of business and a solid record of trial, appellate or transactional work." The NJLJ also gives credit for pro bono work and charitable, community and other volunteer activities. In short, the NJLJ describes its 40 Under 40 recipients as "high achievers, future leaders and well worth keeping an eye on."
Mr. Fanning also holds an AV® Preeminent rating for attorneys from Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Fanning is recognized as a New Jersey Super Lawyer in each edition since 2005.