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 .
MICHELLE TUEGEL The Simpson Tuegel Law Firm • Dallas , Texas
What was the first job you had ? My first job was as a professional slalom water skier and coach . I had skied in my first professional event at 15 years old , and up until I started law school I traveled the world competing on the World Cup Tour and was a sponsored athlete by MasterCraft Boats . During that same time frame , I also coached athletes in skiing and worked in a surf and ski shop . My first job outside of skiing was at a large civil defense firm as a law clerk , where I quickly learned that defense work is not my passion .
What ’ s your proudest moment as a trial lawyer ? A recent moment that stands out is obtaining a landmark $ 44.6 million dollar jury verdict last year against Hilton Hotels on behalf of a sexual assault survivor .
What is your most notable verdict or settlement ? I would say my most notable work has been representing gymnasts , including National Team members and Olympians , who were abused by Larry Nassar and other abusers in the sport of gymnastics . I
8 x The Trial Lawyer worked on their behalf to help obtain the $ 380 million dollar settlement against USA Gymnastics and the U . S . Olympic Committee as well as the $ 500 million settlement against Michigan State University .
What is your fantasy job ? I truly love my current job in which I get to fight every day for my clients and the causes I believe in and do work that has enormous impact . Owning my own firm is in many ways a dream come true , and it allows me to use my voice , my legal skills , and my resources to shape and change the law both in and outside of the courtroom , particularly for women and children .
Ideally , I would love to put even more of my time towards lobbying and public advocacy on the issues I care about — protecting and expanding the rights for survivors of sexual violence , women ’ s rights , ending racial discrimination , criminal justice reform , and gun legislation reform .
What is your guilty pleasure ? I love candy . Some of my closest friends who know me well have brought me bags of candy in the middle of a trial — they know the way to my heart .
What ’ s one word that describes you ? Driven .
What advice would you give a young attorney ? Choose a path where you can develop your skills , and then make yourself indispensable to those around you . For me , that meant choosing criminal defense as my first path to get me into the courtroom trying cases . I started doing court-appointed misdemeanors that seemed small but were huge to the people I represented . I eventually tried multiple death penalty cases in Texas and then started representing victims in civil lawsuits . I am very grateful for my years in Central Texas in criminal defense and for my mentor , Russ Hunt , Sr ., who taught me a lot about being a trial lawyer and owning a law firm . I gained tremendous experience in the courtroom during those years and learned how to represent and truly be with clients and families in crisis .