Will Purnell defends consumer products, heavy construction and industrial equipment manufacturers as well as environmental services companies against toxic torts such as alleged asbestos exposure and talc claims, multiparty product liability claims and environmental claims.
Before joining Bowman and Brooke, Will served as assistant general counsel of litigation and claims (including warranty matters) at two global manufacturers of industrial products and HVAC and temperature management equipment for residential and commercial applications. He also served as corporate counsel for litigation at a global heavy equipment manufacturer. His work involved advising on commercial litigation, bankruptcy litigation, e-discovery, personal injury matters, records management and product liability for these companies – including mass torts, premises liability and environmental claims and class actions – as well as extensive interaction with C-suite executive teams and insurers providing counsel on global risk management and legal spend. He also has extensive experience conducting arbitration, mediation and settlement negotiations in North America and abroad. He has been recognized for collaborating with companies to develop strategies focused on creating greater efficiency that result in the reduction of claims inventory, indemnity spend and defense costs.
Will is committed to advancing diversity in the legal profession and is a frequent speaker on how to support and advance the careers of women and people of color in law firms and corporate law departments.
In his free time, Will enjoys mentoring youth and coaching youth football and basketball.