Blank Rome is preparing to defend Chiquita Brands International against accusations that the banana grower knowingly financed death squads in Colombia.

Michael Cioffi, the chair of Blank Rome’s Cincinnati office and a partner who specializes in mass torts and complex disputes, will face off against multiple plaintiffs firm attorneys from across the country whose claims have been consolidated into a bellwether case that will be heard in the coming days inside a West Palm Beach, Florida, courtroom.