Richard L. Berkman is a retired partner at Dechert, LLP. He is particularly known for handling AIDS and Hepatitis C cases, representing clients such as Baxter Healthcare Corporation. He has tried numerous AIDS litigation cases successfully for more than 20 years, including three eight-week trials, and he has settled more than 12,000 cases. Mr. Berkman has settled several mass torts and other MDL and class actions. He works with ADR and finds creative settlement solutions to subrogation and other difficult issues in these complex cases. He also handles large commercial cases in federal court trials, arbitrations, and when possible, in settlements.

Since 2013, Mr. Berkman has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for his mass tort class action litigation practice. He has also been recognized by The Legal 500 US for his product liability and mass tort defense work in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. Mr. Berkman has authored numerous articles and treatises regarding mass torts, particularly regarding AIDS cases.

Mr. Berkman has been involved with the American Jewish Committee for 45 years, serving as head of the budget committee, treasurer, and chairman of the board of governors. He is a past President of Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia. Currently, Berkman is Vice Chair of the Monell Chemical Senses Center and is also on the board of the Children’s Literacy Initiative in Philadelphia. His family charitable trust is involved in providing catalytic grants in the field of non-Alzheimer’s dementia and palliative care and in education and water environmental issues.