J.Y. is a proven leader in designing business solutions to effectively navigate the unique challenges presented by mass tort litigation.
At the helm of the acclaimed Innovāt Alliance national asbestos defense team, J.Y. leads a dynamic collection of more than 100 seasoned attorneys, complemented by a robust team of technology experts and data analysts. Together, the team tenaciously defends thousands of cases spanning 35+ states. As national coordinating counsel for esteemed clients managing large portfolios of national toxic tort litigation, J.Y. actively strives to level the playing field for defendants confronting heightened pressures in high-risk jurisdictions.
The innovative business model J.Y. helped pioneer harnesses cutting-edge technology and inventive business methods. His team’s approach not only ensures cost certainty for companies but also delivers impactful risk management solutions. Their groundbreaking results have earned recognition with both an ACC Value Champion Award and a CLOC Innovation Award as they disrupt the traditional defense paradigm.
J.Y.’s central focus revolves around constructing and executing strategies to shield companies from enduring threats in toxic tort litigation. With a career spanning 25+ years, he brings a wealth of experience in crafting comprehensive and compelling defenses in a broad range of toxic tort and product liability claims involving asbestos, talc, benzene, solvents, industrial tools, construction equipment, and consumer products.
Dedicated to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, J.Y. actively incorporates solutions such as artificial intelligence to empower companies in gaining a competitive advantage in the defense of their litigation.
J.Y. is the managing partner of Husch Blackwell’s virtual office, The Link, which began as the first Am Law 100 fully-dedicated virtual office in 2020 and is now home to over 740 professionals working from more than 100 cities in 40 states. He also served on the firm’s executive board for six years.
J.Y. is a U.S. Army veteran and member of Husch Blackwell’s HB Vets employee resource group. He served five years on active duty in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. As a prosecutor and later as criminal defense counsel, he developed trial advocacy and leadership skills while stationed in Texas, Saudi Arabia, Georgia, and Bosnia.