Free Webinar: "Nuclear" Verdicts: Serving justice or a bomb to defuse?

"Nuclear" Verdicts: Serving justice or a bomb to defuse?

Wednesday, September 25  •  12:00-1:00 P.M. CDT
 

The legal and factual sufficiency of so-called “nuclear” verdicts, along with the strategies employed to obtain them, is a hot topic for trial lawyers today; however, the strategic and legal issues surrounding them sharply divide both courts and lawyers. Join moderator Liz Fraley as she discusses these verdicts with nationally prominent trial lawyers Rob Ammons, founder and managing partner at The Ammons Law Firm, and Evelyn Davis, senior partner at Hawkins Parnell, getting their conflicting views on the import of large jury verdicts and strategies for both sides in high dollar, complex cases with the potential for large verdicts.

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Moderator: Professor Liz Fraley

Professor Liz Fraley teaches in Baylor’s renowned Practice Court Program and is a prominent Dallas trial lawyer. She is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and has served on the Masters in Trial team. Liz is the president-elect of the Waco ABOTA Chapter and is a member of the Abner V. McCall Inn of Court where she serves as a Master of the Bench. 

She has been recognized as a Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly annually since 2004 and has been named a Best Lawyer in Dallas by D Magazine annually since 2011. Liz is a frequent CLE speaker and contributor and is the author of the updated version of Texas Courtroom Evidence. 

Speakers: Robert E. Ammons and Evelyn Davis

Robert E. Ammons is the founding partner of The Ammons Law Firm. Rob received his B.A. from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. After receiving an academic scholarship, Rob continued his education at Baylor University School of Law, where he was Editor of the Baylor Law Review, a member of the Order of the Barristers, and a member of Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity. He received his J.D. cum laude in 1988 and was selected to serve as a Briefing Attorney for the Texas Supreme Court.

Rob has represented consumers in product liability litigation since 1991. He is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Rob is also Board Certified in Civil Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is individually rated AV®, the highest peer-review rating offered by Martindale-Hubbell®. In addition, Rob is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

For over three decades Rob has concentrated his practice on tire and automotive defect litigation. Rob represents consumers exclusively. He has successfully prosecuted numerous catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases against tire manufacturers, automakers, tire retailers, and tire service centers, including Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Cooper Tire, Goodyear, Dunlop, Bridgestone/Firestone, Continental/General Tire, Kumho Tire, Yokohama, General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Honda, Toyota, Isuzu, Hyundai, Nissan, Mitsubishi, BMW, Mazda, Discount Tire, Pep Boys, Les Schwab, and Walmart.

Rob has served as lead counsel in over 430 cases that have resulted in a verdict or settlement of $1,000,000 or more and dozens of cases that have resulted in a verdict or settlement of $10,000,000 or more. Rob’s $82.5 million dollar record-setting verdict in Petrie v. Hanover is included in the Texas Verdict Hall of Fame.

As one of the leading product liability and mass tort defense attorneys in the United States, Evelyn Davis has tried, managed, and settled thousands of cases across the country on behalf of industry leaders. She defends novel and complex issues involving toxic exposures from asbestos and chemicals to transportation and general liability litigation. Evelyn has been honored as one of Georgia’s Most Powerful and Influential Women for her contributions to the legal industry and business communities.

Trusted to handle the most challenging and dangerous cases, Evelyn knows how to create and use leverage to drive cost-effective outcomes. Her approach has resulted in dismissals and favorable settlements in an overwhelming majority of litigation she has handled for over 150 corporations. In 2023, Evelyn and her colleague obtained a Georgia federal victory that an insurance company does not owe coverage in a proposed class action of approximately 100,000 residents involving water pollution from PFAS contamination in waterways that supply drinking water. Two months later, she oversaw the defense verdict secured by Hawkins Parnell in a five-week trial in Washington with $85M in damages claimed against her client.

Evelyn thrives in dynamic and fast-paced environments, adapting quickly to the changing needs of her clients. Her leadership is highly sought after to protect the reputation of prominent brands and control sprawling litigation with national or global implications. She manages and coordinates litigation nationwide as national coordinating counsel to several global corporations. Clients value Evelyn's efficient and outcome-based approach to developing and implementing a cohesive litigation strategy that aligns with corporate objectives.

Clients describe Evelyn as a problem solver who makes big things happen. Whether handling a high-stakes trial or appeal in the federal courts or changing the litigation and legislative landscape, she is at the center of advancing the interests of businesses and the entire defense bar.