On June 22-23, 2009, partner Lisa Ackley will co-chair the HarrisMartin Asbestos Mock Trial for the second consecutive year in Chicago, Illinois. The conference, titled Trial of a Take-Home Exposure Case from Jury Selection to Verdict, is an abbreviated asbestos trial utilizing the skills of top plaintiff and defense attorneys from across the country. Helen Luetto, a trial attorney in our Orange office, will participate as the defense attorney examining the plaintiff. The mock trial will be presided over by a real judge, and will conclude with a verdict decided by a jury of local Chicago citizens.

This year, the mock trial will include the complex facts of a mesothelioma case involving a plaintiff alleging "take-home exposure". This second-hand exposure generally refers to dust brought home from the workplace on a family member's clothing. However, this case includes some interesting aspects for the jury to consider. The facts include a number of alternate exposures such as exposures to naturally occurring asbestos and direct minimal exposure to a product containing pure chrysotile.

The mock trial format utilized by this conference has enjoyed success in the past. One highlight is the jury's deliberation, which the attendees watch via a live feed. Attendees are also given the opportunity to ask jurors questions about their verdict and the effectiveness of the techniques used by the attorneys and experts.

For more information or to register, please contact Lisa Ackley at (714)634-2522, lackley@wfbm.com, Helen Luetto at (714)634-2522, hluetto@wfbm.com, or any WFB&M attorney with whom you have an existing relationship.



















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