Elite Women of the Plaintiffs' Bar: Fidelma Fitzpatrick, Motley Rice
Fidelma Fitzpatrick discusses lessons learned, biggest challenges and more in National Law Journal's 2019 Elite Trial Lawyer's list of Elite Women of the Plaintiffs Bar.
September 27, 2019 at 10:00 AM
2 minute read
Tell us about your biggest client wins this year. The most significant victories for my clients were in the area of lead poisoning. First, I tried a case against lead pigment manufacturers on behalf of three young men who were catastrophically poisoned by lead pigment in their homes. The jury returned a $6 million verdict for the plaintiffs—the first verdict on behalf of plaintiffs against the manufacturers. Additionally, after nearly 20 years of litigation alleging public nuisance, we settled a landmark case brought by cities and counties in California against lead pigment manufacturers, achieving funding for abatement programs.
What's the best lesson you learned as a young lawyer? Default to professional courtesy. Our jobs are important, but our lives—including opposing counsel's lives—are even more important.
What's been the most significant change in your practice area and how have you adjusted? The number of women—I am fortunate to practice with many talented women at Motley Rice and in the plaintiffs' bar. Adjustment has been easy!
Share an interesting fact about your firm that few know. Each year, our attorneys and staff donate a workday to volunteer throughout our community as part of our ProjectGO! outreach initiative.
Fidelma Fitzpatrick is a Motley Rice member.
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