Freddie E. (Trey) Bourn III

Trey Bourn focuses on product liability matters, representing manufacturers from pre-litigation planning through trial in state and federal courts across the country. His defense work spans products ranging from heavy construction equipment, agricultural and aviation products, automobiles and recreational vehicles to medical devices, home appliances, pet food and children’s toys. He also advises manufacturers on risk management, product safety, recalls and compliance matters involving the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

From 2013 to 2021, Trey was a key member of a national coordinating counsel team for a medical device manufacturer facing state and federal court proceedings across numerous jurisdictions, including California, New York, Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania. He also frequently represents publicly held and privately owned international pharmaceutical and medical device companies in matters related to medical research. Beyond his work for manufacturers and life sciences companies, Trey represents energy companies and project developers in governmental and energy litigation, including multi-state condemnation actions.

Trey speaks and writes regularly on product liability. His recent writing has addressed the Right to Repair movement and corporate privilege, and he co-authored a chapter on U.S. product liability and safety trends and developments in the 2019 and 2020 editions of the Chambers Global Practice Guide. He received the 2017 Yancey Memorial Award for the best article in the International Association of Defense Counsel’s Defense Counsel Journal.

Trey serves as a national director of the Defense Research Institute for 2025–2028 and on the International Association of Defense Counsel’s Board of Editors. He is also active in the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization and several bar associations. His recognitions include listings in The Best Lawyers in America and Mid-South Super Lawyers, as well as an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. A graduate of Leadership Jackson, he has also received the J.B. Carr Community Service Award.

• Prepare and defend company witnesses for depositions and trial testimony.
• Take and defend expert depositions, as well as retain and develop challenges to expert witnesses.
• Depose plaintiffs, prescribing physicians, treating physicians, and medical experts.
• Draft and argue discovery and dispositive motions.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement defense strategy in concurrent federal and state court proceedings.
• Served as key member of a national coordinating counsel team from 2013-2021 for a medical device manufacturer in state and federal court proceedings in California, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Connecticut, Indiana, Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee.
• Routinely advise manufacturers on risk management, including product safety, recalls, and compliance matters involving the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). 
• Represent energy companies and project developers in governmental and energy litigation, including multi-state condemnation actions. 

• Mississippi
• Tennessee

• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America^®
  • Commercial Litigation, 2017-2027
  • Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, 2022-2027
• Martindale-Hubbell^® AV Preeminent Rated
• Listed in Mid-South Super Lawyers
  • Personal Injury – Products: Defense, 2013-2023
  • Rising Stars, Personal Injury – Products: Defense, 2009-2010
• IADC’s Defense Counsel Journal, Yancey Memorial Award, 2017
• Martindale-Hubbell^®, Top Rated Lawyer in Insurance Law, 2013
• Listed in Mississippi Business Journal, Top 40 Under 40, 2008
• Leadership Jackson, Class of 2003-2004
• B. Carr Community Service Award

• Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • Board of Directors, National Director, 2025-2028
  • Product Liability Committee, Chair, 2023-2025; Vice Chair, 2021-2023
  • Product Liability Conference, Program Chair, 2019
  • Recreational Products Litigation Group, Chair, 2012-2014
• International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
  • Board of Editors
  • Product Liability Committee
  • Corporate Counsel Committee, Publications Vice Chair, 2016-2017
• International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO)
• American Bar Association
• Mississippi Bar Association
  • The Mississippi Lawyer, Editor
  • Young Lawyers Division, Board of Directors, 2007-2009
• Capital Area Bar Association, Board of Directors, 2006-2007
• Jackson Young Lawyers, President, 2006-2007; Board of Directors, 2003-2005