As most of us know, March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who have paved the way in their fields. From politics to science, business to law, women continue to break barriers and lead the charge for progress. At Fleming, Nolen & Jez (FNJ), we are proud to honor Kelsey Stokes, a powerhouse in the legal world who has made a profound impact in mass tort litigation, a field which has historically been dominated by men.
As Co-Lead Counsel for the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in multiple Hernia Mesh MDLs (Multi-District Litigation) at the federal level and 3 MCLs (Multi-County Litigation) in New Jersey, the home of Johnson & Johnson, Kelsey has spent countless hours fighting for victims of defective medical devices, ensuring their voices are heard and their suffering acknowledged. Her leadership in the litigation against C.R. Bard, Covidien/Medtronic, and Johnson & Johnson has not only changed lives but has also set a precedent for women in leadership roles within the legal industry. In 2024, as lead settlement counsel, Kelsey Stokes successfully negotiated a path to resolution for over 30,000 plaintiffs. She did all of this while pregnant with her daughter.
"Kelsey Stokes is an excellent attorney. Her knowledge, skill and dedication to her clients have made her a formidable force in the legal community."
A Leader in Mass Tort Litigation
Kelsey Stokes’ journey in the legal profession is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of justice. Since joining FNJ in 2010, she has taken on complex, high-stakes cases involving defective medical products. Her work in transvaginal mesh litigation provided her with the foundation to take on one of the largest ongoing mass tort litigations in the country: hernia mesh.
In 2018, Kelsey was appointed Co-Lead Counsel for the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the Bard Hernia Mesh MDL (the second largest MDL in the country), overseeing litigation on behalf of thousands of plaintiffs. Then, in 2022, she was also appointed to lead the Covidien MDL—further solidifying her reputation as a national leader in hernia mesh litigation.
Her leadership is not just about strategy; it’s about compassion—ensuring that each injured individual is given the justice they deserve.
"The process by which most medical devices enter the market does not ensure safety or efficacy. Medical device manufacturers are allowed to skirt around the need to do rigorous testing or clinical studies to ensure the safety of their devices. The thought of these devices being implanted in thousands of human beings like Guinea pigs motivates me to keep fighting."
The Fight for Justice: The Hernia Mesh MDL
The hernia mesh litigation is an ongoing battle against major medical device manufacturers whose products have caused painful and life-altering injuries. Over 40,000 cases have been filed, and more victims come forward every day as the defective products remain on the market.
But securing justice in mass tort cases isn’t easy. It takes years of preparation, research, and relentless advocacy. Kelsey and her team at FNJ have worked tirelessly to:
- Investigate corporate misconduct: uncovering internal documents that reveal what manufacturers knew about the risks of their products.
- Develop the case by consulting with medical and industry experts: building a case backed by scientific evidence.
- Prepare for multiple trials: taking dozens of depositions of corporate witnesses and sifting through thousands of pages of documents to present a compelling picture to juries.
- Advocate for plaintiffs nationwide: ensuring injured individuals have access to justice, no matter their background or financial situation.
It’s a grueling process, requiring late nights, early mornings, and endless strategic meetings. But Kelsey Stokes has remained steadfast, knowing that each case represents a real person suffering due to corporate negligence.
"You have to be willing to work the hours and that means a lot of sacrifice. Sacrifice vacations, sacrifice family time, and, of course, sacrifice sleep."
The Power of a Team: FNJ’s Support System
Behind every great trial attorney is a team of dedicated professionals working to support the fight for justice. At Fleming, Nolen and Jez, support staff play an essential role in the hernia mesh litigation:
- Legal Assistants: fielding calls from victims who are in pain, scared, and searching for answers.
- Paralegals & Legal Researchers: assisting with document reviews, filings, and case organization.
- Fellow Attorneys: collaborating to refine strategies and present the strongest case possible.
Kelsey Stokes’ leadership is amplified by the hard work of these individuals, all of whom share the FNJ way and her passion for justice. Their combined efforts ensure that every plaintiff receives the care, attention, and aggressive representation they deserve.
"Put simply, I am nothing without my team. My team’s diligence and dedication to our clients, allows me to travel all over the world to take depositions and prepare for trial."
Verdicts, Settlements & The Road Ahead
The hernia mesh litigation has seen major developments over the past few years, thanks to the tireless advocacy of attorney Kelsey Stokes.
- First Bellwether Trial (2021): A defense verdict for a plaintiff picked for trial by the Defendants.
- Second Bellwether Trial (Milanesi, 2022): A plaintiff victory, with the jury finding a product still on the market (the Ventralex mesh) was defectively designed.
- State Court Win (Trevino, 2022): Another jury ruled against Bard, further strengthening plaintiffs’ cases.
- Fourth Bellwether Trial (Stinson, 2023): Another jury ruled against Bard, in a case involving the PerFix Plug.
- Global Resolution Process Establish (2024): Through negotiations conducted by Kelsey Stokes, a Global Resolution Process established to resolve all filed cases in both Rhode Island state court and the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) and covers more than 30 Bard hernia mesh products. With each verdict and each case, Kelsey and the FNJ team bring us closer to justice for thousands of injured individuals.
"You have to be resilient and never give up. There are some days that are just exhausting, but no matter how exhausted you feel, you have to dig deep within yourself and keep pushing."
Following in the Footsteps of Women Trailblazers
Kelsey’s success is part of a larger movement of women breaking barriers in mass tort and product liability litigation, fields where men have historically dominated. She follows in the footsteps of trailblazing women attorneys who fought for leadership roles in courtrooms and boardrooms.
Her work sets the stage for future generations of women lawyers, proving that legal expertise, tenacity, and leadership have no gender. More women than ever are taking on leadership roles in mass tort litigation, and Kelsey Stokes is at the forefront of this shift.
"To lead an MDL, you have to be tough. These are really high stakes cases with thousands of plaintiffs and hundreds of counsel involved. You cannot be afraid to make the hard decisions, even if they are unpopular because you have to do what is best for the litigation above all else."
A Legacy of Strength & Advocacy
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the unparalleled dedication of women like attorney Kelsey Stokes, who are shaping the future of the legal industry. Her work in the hernia mesh litigation is not just about winning cases, it’s about standing up for those who have been wronged and ensuring corporations are held accountable.
At Fleming, Nolen & Jez, we are proud to support strong women leaders who fight tirelessly for justice. Kelsey’s journey is far from over, and her relentless pursuit of fairness and accountability continues to inspire us all.
To Kelsey and all the women who lead, advocate, and inspire, we celebrate you this month and every month.
"Kelsey is a national leader in medical device products liability litigation. Because of her work, tens of thousands of people have been well compensated for their injuries."
Are You a Victim of Hernia Mesh Injuries?
If you or a loved one has suffered complications from a hernia mesh product, now is the time to act. Our team at Fleming, Nolen & Jez is here to help. Call us today at (713) 621-7944 or click on the button below to fill out our hernia mesh claim online form.
