National Recognition: Motley Rice once again named to National Law Journal's Plaintiffs' Hot List for 2015
For the fourth year in a row, Motley Rice is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of only 12 firms spotlighted on The National Law Journal’s 2015 Plaintiffs’ Hot List. Recognizing those plaintiffs’ firms that have "prevailed in a bench or jury trial in which a lot of money or a principle was on the line or the outcome set a benchmark," Motley Rice was acknowledged for several of its achievements this past year, making it one of only four firms to be included on this list every year since 2012.
The Plaintiffs' Hot List is The National Law Journal's annual take on “the firms in the United States that have done exemplary, cutting-edge work on the plaintiffs’ side.” This year, it looked for firms that scored at least one significant win between Feb. 1, 2014 and Jan. 31, 2015, and that devoted at least 50 percent of their litigation resources to plaintiffs work. Read more about The National Law Journal's Plaintiffs' Hot List.
Topping Motley Rice’s accomplishments was its work, along with co-counsel, that achieved a landmark jury verdict this past September in holding Arab Bank PLC liable for financing terrorism. According to The National Law Journal, co-counsel Mark Werbner of Sales Werbner, PC, “credited Motley Rice member Michael Elsner with winning over the jurors,” stating that Elsner, “really brought a very special connection with the jury.”
Another significant verdict was achieved with the conclusion of a decade-long effort against Travelers Cos. Inc., when an appeals court decision finally made $500 million available to hundreds of asbestos victims. Additionally, the firms’ efforts in two Florida tobacco trials brought in jury verdicts totaling approximately $68 million for the plaintiffs.
Motley Rice’s work also extended overseas this past year in representing families of those lost on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in U.S. Court, as well as its efforts in consulting with South Africa attorneys regarding gold miners suffering from silicosis.
Quoting the late Motley Rice co-founder Ron Motley, who was also recognized by the NLJ as a firm role model, member attorney Jodi Westbrook Flowers told the Journal, “The facts lead where the facts lead. We’re not afraid of challenges.”
View The National Law Journal's Plaintiffs' Hot List selection criteria for 2014, 2013 and 2012.
View our recognition in The National Law Journal's 2012 Plaintiffs' Hot List.