Michael Baum, managing partner of Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman.

Tell us about your biggest win or wins this year.

Our firm was co-lead counsel in the Johnson v. Monsanto trial which resulted in a $289.2 million jury verdict. The jury found Monsanto's Roundup herbicide caused Johnson to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Baum Hedlund's prior release of the “Monsanto Papers” along with the verdict have reverberated around the world drawing attention to Roundup's health risks and Monsanto's corporate misconduct. Following the verdict, the judge reduced punitive damages from $250 million to $39.2 million, but preserved the jury's basic findings, bringing the total damages to $78.4 million. In light of his terminal diagnosis, Johnson decided to accept the remittitur with the hope that the case will resolve in his lifetime.

What's the biggest lesson you learned practicing law?

Finding explosive internal documents and getting them into the in the hands of qualified experts win cases. Continue to fight after experiencing losses. Persistence is key. Never put all your eggs in one basket.

Share an interesting fact about your firm that few know.

We have a very collegial working environment where everyone, from the data entry guy to the senior partner are treated with respect and dignity.

Answers submitted by Michael Baum, managing partner, president.