A Tribute to Ron Motley

This week, the civil justice system lost a pioneer, and George & Farinas lost a dear friend -- Ron Motley. Known as one of the most brilliant legal minds of the twenty-first century, he represented the injured and took on big business. He forged litigation against powerful asbestos manufactures and tobacco companies. Leaving no stone unturned, he was pivotal in representing victims and families of the September 11^th terrorist attacks. He showed us that justice could be obtained if we had the courage to pursue the rights of individuals against all odds.

Ron's partner and long-time friend, Joe Rice, had this to share:

"Like many of you, I started my career learning from Ron the ins and outs of fighting the asbestos industry. It was because of Ron's passion, tenacity, intelligence and persistence that he was able to secure the first victory in favor of a plaintiff against an industry that had knowingly put peoples' health in jeopardy for decades. That victory would be just one in the beginning of a respected law career that allowed him to be a pioneer for justice and warrior for social accountability. As many of you experienced first-hand, Ron was many things. A true giant of the legal profession. A trail blazer and innovator. A charismatic master of the courtroom. A tenacious interrogator. But most of all, he was marked by unmatched courage in going after any wrongdoer, no matter how big and powerful, and by his bottomless well of compassion for those who have been wronged."

We mourn his loss along with his family and fellow attorneys nationwide. Linda George and Kathy Farinas had the pleasure of working with Ron at trial in Indiana that lasted three months. There were over thirty defendants with nearly 50 attorneys in the room. Our clients told Ron that we were few against many, and referenced Gideon, and had the faith to continue to a jury verdict. And that is what happened against all odds, the verdict was for the Plaintiff. The attorneys involved were so proud of the work accomplished with Ron. Linda described his work ethic both in and out of the courtroom as "unrelenting". "His expectation of excellence of all those who worked with him made us all better attorneys."

He will be truly missed.