NEWARK, April 9, 2008 - Duane Morris is pleased to announce that Demetrios "Jim" Batsides has joined the firm as a partner in the Trial Practice Group in its Newark office. He formerly was a director at Gibbons P.C., which until 2007 was known as Gibbons, Del Deo, Dolan, Griffinger & Vecchione.

Batsides is an experienced trial attorney who focuses his practice on liability defense and regulatory and risk management counseling within the healthcare and research industries. In particular, he has represented medical device companies, pharmaceuticals manufacturers, clinical laboratories and other healthcare providers across many health-related disciplines. He has defended and tried cases in various jurisdictions involving claims of professional negligence, catastrophic injury, wrongful birth and wrongful death. He also has experience in class action and mass tort litigation. Batsides is a member of the Trial Attorneys of New Jersey, where he currently serves as an officer and trustee. He is also a member of the Defense Research Institute's Drug and Medical Device Committee and its Medical Liability Committee. He is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.

Batsides earned his J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law in 1985. He graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and Classical Studies from Villanova University in 1982.

About Duane Morris

Duane Morris LLP, one of the 100 largest law firms in the world, is a full-service firm of more than 650 lawyers. In addition to legal services, Duane Morris has independent affiliates employing approximately 100 professionals engaged in other disciplines. With offices in major markets in the United States and internationally, Duane Morris represents clients across the U.S. and around the world.