Zachary J. Parker

• Representing a contract sterilizer of medical devices in ongoing toxic tort litigation in the Circuit Court of Cook County as well as in Georgia. Plaintiffs claim that exposure to a chemical used by the sterilizer led them to develop cancer and other injuries.
• Represented a medical device manufacturer facing product liability claims in multidistrict litigation and in standalone cases after the MDL closed. Zac’s duties included responding to complaints in various federal and state forums, handling written discovery practice in those forums, deposing party opponents, and drafting dispositive motions under various state standards.
• Represented a tobacco company in products liability actions. Zac’s duties included deposing claimants and other fact witnesses; drafting discovery, pretrial, and dispositive motions; arguing at hearings; formulating cross-examination for opposing parties and experts; and serving as a key trial team member for multiple trials in Florida state court. He also assisted with various appeals.
• Counseled clients regarding compliance and litigation risks for various products, including privacy issues related to a retailer’s phone-based application with a child-friendly game and disclosure requirements for sampling irradiated foods.

*Some of the above matters were handled prior to joining Sidley.

Zac maintains an active pro bono practice. He represented the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center and Disability Rights Center of Kansas, acting on behalf of their constituents with mental illness, in negotiations with Kansas agencies. This resulted in an agreement to provide supports and services that would allow people with mental health disability to avoid institutionalization and live in community-based, integrated settings.

As part of the Missouri Coalition for the Right to Counsel, Zac acted as a special public defender while representing an indigent defendant accused of attempted robbery.

At the court’s request, Zac assisted counsel representing a student with disabilities in the appeal of a decision from a due process hearing for alleged violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

*The above matters were handled prior to joining Sidley. 

• National LGBTQ+ Bar Association
• LAGBAC
• KC LEGAL
• UMKC Law Diverse Alumni Committee, Former Vice Chair
• Stephen C. Metzler Mentorship Program – 2020 Class: Protégé