Tara Blake is a litigation partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. She represents clients in high-stakes class and mass-action disputes, with a particular focus on product liability and healthcare litigation. Tara brings extensive experience defending national and international corporations in matters spanning pharmaceutical and medical device liability, toxic torts, and complex bad-faith claims.

A proven trial lawyer, Tara has served as trial counsel in notable mass tort cases and has a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for her clients. Prior to joining Kirkland, she obtained defense verdicts in closely watched cosmetic talcum powder and pelvic mesh cases. Throughout her career, she has played integral roles on significant litigation teams representing major corporations in high-profile matters and has held leadership positions in various professional organizations.

Tara blake is recognized by Best Lawyers in America® and was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list.

Education:

University of Alabama School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude Recipient, Dean M. Leigh Harrison Award, Bench & Bar

Furman University, B.S. — Honor Society

Admissions:

State Bars: Alabama (2011) · Tennessee (2017) · California (2017) Not admitted to practice in Texas

Federal Courts:

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
United States District Court for the Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California
United States District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Tennessee
United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Representative Experience:

Prior to joining Kirkland, Tara blake was involved in the following representative matters:

Felton v. Johnson & Johnson — Served as trial counsel for Johnson & Johnson in Pennsylvania state court, where the claimant alleged that exposure to Johnson’s Baby Powder caused her mesothelioma. Following a multi-week jury trial, the jury returned a defense verdict in favor of the company.

McBroom v. Ethicon, Inc., et al. — Served as trial counsel for Ethicon in a seven-day federal court jury trial involving pelvic mesh claims, resulting in a defense verdict.

Baptist Memorial Hospital v. Saint Francis-Bartlett and Methodist Healthcare — Served as trial counsel in a certificate of need case before the Tennessee Administrative Procedures Division (August–September 2018).

Recognition:

Best Lawyers in America©: Ones to Watch — Insurance Law (2021–2025)
Best Lawyers in America©: Ones to Watch — Product Liability Litigation (2021–2025)
Nashville Business Journal “40 Under 40” (2023)