TOP100TRIALLAWYERS
— NTL MEMBERSHIP NEWS & NOTES —
The National Trial Lawyers : Top 100 is an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from across the country who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff and / or criminal defense trial lawyers . It is our mission to promote a unique and professional networking opportunity for trial lawyers , while developing progressive ideas to pursue justice for those injured by the negligence of others , to educate the public about the importance of access to courts that are free of bias and undue influence , and to protect the American right of trial by jury .
ERIC HOLLAND Holland Law Firm • St . Louis , Missouri
What was the first job you had ? I had a paper route when I was 10 delivering the afternoon newspaper to about 50 houses . I can still remember many of the house , especially those with dogs .
What ’ s your proudest moment as a trial lawyer ? Having a wife and family that still likes me .
I attribute my success to …. 1 ) Faith . It causes me to think on a different timeline ; 2 ) My Father . He instilled in me a relentless work ethic ; 3 ) My family : both my actual family , especially my wife , and my work family , who have always believed in my vision .
What is your most notable verdict or settlement ? Ingham , et al . v . Johnson & Johnson , et al ., where the Supreme Court of the United States let stand our $ 2.5 billion dollar verdict for 20 women whose cancer was caused by asbestos in talcum powder .
What is your fantasy job ? I often say I want to die and come back as a mass tort vendor . But seriously , I have my fantasy job already . There ’ s nothing else I want to do other than what I am doing now .
What is your guilty pleasure ? Re-runs of He-Haw and homemade pie .
What do you like to do in your time off ? Reading , traveling , hanging out with family and friends , hiking , swimming , snow skiing , snow shoeing , snow mobiles , boating , fishing , and golf are a few things that come to mind .
What ’ s your favorite hobby ? Skiing .
What ’ s one word that describes you ? Focused .
What keeps you awake at night ? Being in trial , otherwise , I sleep like a baby .
What newspaper do you generally read daily ? St . Louis Post-Dispatch , my configured Google news feed , and the Financial Times .
What advice would you give a young attorney ? Happiness is a choice , work ethic will outperform ability throughout your career , and you must form and foster strategic alliances with like-minded colleagues as this work requires hunting in packs .
How do you relax ? Dinner and a show with my wife .
What ’ s your most embarrassing moment in life ? Too many to count , but I always remember to laugh at myself when they happen .
8 x The Trial Lawyer