Orla G. Thompson

Member

Orla is a seasoned litigator concentrating her practice on product liability, mass torts, construction, commercial litigation, and insurance disputes. With a client-driven and case-specific approach, she fosters a collaborative environment to ensure successful outcomes.  

Earlier in her career, Orla was an associate at Cozen O’Connor, and handled high exposure construction, automobile, premises liability, and contract dispute claims. Prior to rejoining the firm in 2024, she worked for an international law firm, where she represented companies in single- and multi-plaintiff product liability and premises liability matters. In doing so, she oversaw and handled cases across the United States involving various consumer products, including electronic devices, sporting equipment, and medical devices, and defended large-scale premises claims.

Orla has worked with various experts and consultants across many disciplines, including FDA specialists, mechanical and electrical engineers, metallurgists, fire investigators, meteorologists, OSHA experts, medical doctors, economists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and life care planners. She has a notable track record of achieving favorable results for her clients, including pre-and post-Answer dismissals, settlements, and appellate judgments.

She is deeply committed to diversity, community service, and pro bono efforts. She actively mentors students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for college, law school, and legal careers. She currently serves as the Treasurer and a board member of the Defense Association of New York and is the New York State Representative for the Defense Research Institute. She also maintains an active pro bono practice.

She has been recognized as a Super Lawyers New York Metro Rising Star, is a member of the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 for New York, and was a firm-selected Leadership Council for Legal Diversity Pathfinder in 2021.

News

Rafael Rivera Named 2021 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow, Jordan Chisolm and Orla Thompson Named Pathfinders

March 09, 2021

Cozen O'Connor has chosen Rafael Rivera, an associate in the firm’s Global Insurance Department, to be a member of the 2021 class of fellows, participating in a landmark program created by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) to identify, train, and advance the next generation of leaders in the legal profession.

Events & Seminars

Past Events

Litigating Post-Coronavirus

July 23, 2020 - Webinar

Industry Sectors

Education

  • Boston University School of Law, J.D., 2014
  • Tufts University, B.A., cum laude, 2009

Awards & Honors

Super Lawyers New York Metro Rising Star (Product Liability)

National Black Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40

  • New York
  • U.S. District Court -- Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court -- Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court -- Northern District of New York

Defense Association of New York, Treasurer and Board Member

Defense Research Institute, New York State Representative

Legal Outreach, Mentor/Judge

Boston University Law Women of Color Collective, Mentor

Leadership Council for Legal Diversity, Annual Meeting Planning Committee