Kim M. Schmid, Bowman and Brooke LLP

When Kim Schmid began working at Bowman and Brooke LLP a little over three decades ago, her clients were automotive companies.

She had a different idea. “I wanted to forge a new path and start a new practice group at the firm in life sciences,” Schmid said. “That’s how my career path progressed, and I have stayed true to being a product liability litigator.”

It turned out to be a smart move. As the firm’s Life Sciences Practice Group Leader, Schmid oversees almost 50 lawyers, 10 paralegals and six nurse paralegals across the firm’s 18 offices. With nearly 30 clients, Life Sciences is Bowman and Brooke’s second-largest practice group. The firm opened new offices in Baltimore and San Diego, and both already have attorneys practicing with Schmid in life sciences.

Schmid and her colleagues defend medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biologics companies against lawsuits for such products as orthopedic implants, autologous implants, neurosurgical devices, mesh products and more.

“I love the combination of the medical side of the case, the science and engineering, and then, of course, the litigation aspect of being in the courtroom,” Schmid said.

The complexity of the cases requires a team effort because most involve mass torts where hundreds or thousands of people sue companies collectively in civil lawsuits. “You need a team approach to effectively manage litigation and drive the strategy behind defending a product and a manufacturer,” she said. 

Schmid, the first woman to hold several leadership positions in Bowman and Brooke, has been recognized by several publications for her work. Minnesota Lawyer awarded her Attorney of the Year in 2013. She has served on committees and boards of several legal and life science organizations.

Her favorite nonprofit, however, remains the Minnesota Humane Society. “I grew up on a farm as a kid, so I’ve always been around animals,” Schmid said. “They bring joy to my everyday life.”