Product Liability and Environmental Litigator Joo Cha Webb Joins Barnes & Thornburg

LOS ANGELES (April 2, 2026) — Barnes & Thornburg announced today that Joo Cha Webb has joined its Los Angeles office as a partner in the firm’s nationally ranked Product Liability and Mass Torts practice, further strengthening the firm’s presence and litigation capabilities in Southern California following the addition of pharmaceutical and medical device litigator Joshua Wes in October.

Webb brings extensive experience defending companies in environmental and toxic tort claims, commercial disputes, product liability matters and compliance issues. She represents a wide range of companies across many industries, including energy, oil and gas, chemicals, medical devices, and product manufacturing. Webb has extensive experience providing counsel to companies of all sizes against claims related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), benzene, organic solvents, silica, aluminum, lead, formaldehyde, microplastics, and other substances.

Over the past few years, she has established a multidisciplinary PFAS practice, advising clients in litigation and regulatory enforcement related to alleged environmental contamination and personal injuries associated with PFAS, as well as providing counsel focused on risk management and mitigation strategies associated with historic and/or current PFAS use, handling, and distribution.

“Joo is a highly respected lawyer with a strong reputation for delivering thoughtful, practical counsel,” said Litigation Department Chair Randy Brown. “Her track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients, combined with her thought leadership in this space, makes her an invaluable addition to our national litigation team.”

Kevin Rising, managing partner of the firm's Los Angeles office, said, “Los Angeles remains a strategic market for Barnes & Thornburg, and Joo’s arrival underscores our commitment to continued growth here. She brings the type of talent, energy and client focus that aligns perfectly with our culture and long-term vision.”

Webb joins from Venable, where she practiced with litigator Derek Smith, who joined Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office last month. Webb earned her law degree from Boston College and her bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in Political Science from the University of California at Los Angeles.

“I'm excited to join Barnes & Thornburg and contribute to the firm's exceptional Product Liability and Mass Torts practice,” said Webb. “The firm’s strong national platform, collaborative culture and client-first approach make this an ideal place to continue building my practice and supporting clients in California and across the country.”

Webb's addition continues Barnes & Thornburg's strategic expansion of its litigation practice in key markets. The Los Angeles office serves as a vital hub for the firm's West Coast litigation, corporate, and intellectual property practices.

About Barnes & Thornburg

Barnes & Thornburg operates 26 offices across the United States, enabling more than 850 lawyers to serve clients nationwide. As one of the 100 largest law firms in the country, we provide seamless coast-to-coast coverage for high-stakes litigation, complex transactions and innovative IP matters. Visit btlaw.com.