Orla G. Thompson

Member

Recent News:

Super Lawyers Recognizes 35 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys in New York

Fourteen attorneys were recognized as Super Lawyers, and 21 were named “Rising Stars,” a list that recognizes attorneys under the age of 40.

Orla is a seasoned litigator concentrating her practice on product liability, mass torts, and commercial litigation disputes. She works closely with clients to assess potential risks, develop comprehensive defense strategies, and minimize exposure to liability. Her approach to litigation is client-centric, focusing on the client’s needs not only during, but prior to and after litigation.

Orla has successfully represented corporate and individual clients across a broad spectrum of industries. She defends food manufacturers and suppliers in product liability cases across the United States, including class actions, and single- and multi-plaintiff claims. She also represents supply chain clients related to consumer product claims involving, among other things, lithium-ion batteries, immersive devices, laptops, tablets, gaming devices, sporting equipment, scooters, and medical devices. She also handles automobile, construction, premises liability, and contract dispute claims. In obtaining the many favorable outcomes Orla has achieved for her clients, she has worked with a multitude of experts and consultants across many disciplines, including FDA regulatory specialists, mechanical and electrical engineers, metallurgists, fire investigators, meteorologists, OSHA experts, medical specialists, economists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and life care planners.

She has a notable record of achieving favorable results for her clients during dispositive and discovery motion practice, at mediations and settlement conferences, and on appeal.

Orla is deeply committed to diversity, community service, and pro bono efforts. She actively mentors students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for college, law school, and legal careers. She also serves as the Assistant Corporate Secretary and a board member, and previously served as Treasurer of the Defense Association of New York (DANY). She co-chairs the Products Liability and the Young and New Lawyers Committees, and is a member of the Judicial Screening Committee, and the DRI and Other Bar Organizations Committee for the Defense Association of New York. She also served as the New York State Representative for the Defense Research Institute for the 2021-2024 term. She also maintains an active pro bono practice

She has been recognized as a Super Lawyers New York Metro Rising Star, is a member of the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 for New York, and was a firm-selected Leadership Council for Legal Diversity Pathfinder in 2021.

Experience

News

Super Lawyers Recognizes 35 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys in New York

October 24, 2024

Fourteen attorneys were recognized as Super Lawyers, and 21 were named “Rising Stars,” a list that recognizes attorneys under the age of 40.

Orla Thompson Installed as Assistant Corporate Secretary for the Defense Association of New York

August 19, 2024

Orla G. Thompson has been installed as the assistant corporate secretary to the Defense Association of New York (DANY) for the 2024 – 2025 term.

Rafael Rivera Named 2021 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow, Jordan Chisolm and Orla Thompson Named Pathfinders

March 09, 2021

Cozen O'Connor has chosen Rafael Rivera, an associate in the firm’s Global Insurance Department, to be a member of the 2021 class of fellows, participating in a landmark program created by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) to identify, train, and advance the next generation of leaders in the legal profession.

Events & Seminars

Past Events

Litigating Post-Coronavirus

July 23, 2020 - Webinar

Education

  • Boston University School of Law, J.D., 2014
  • Tufts University, B.A., cum laude, 2009

Awards & Honors

DRI State Leadership Award 

Super Lawyers New York Metro Rising Star (Product Liability)

National Black Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40

  • New York
  • U.S. District Court -- Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court -- Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court -- Northern District of New York

Defense Association of New York, Corporate Secretary (2024-present); Treasurer (2023-2024) and Board Member (2020-2023) 

Defense Research Institute, New York State Representative (2021-2024) 

Boston University Law Women of Color Collective, Mentor

Leadership Council for Legal Diversity, Annual Meeting Planning Committee

Legal Outreach, Mentor/Judge