Robert P . Fitzsimmons
Attorney , Fitzsimmons Law Firm
Photo by Rebecca Kiger .
SAMANTHA CART
“ THE LEGAL PROFESSION allows you to teach yourself about any and all aspects of life . It preserves and protects the quality of life among all humans and is literally the greatest profession in the world .”
When Bob Fitzsimmons was growing up , he dreamed of becoming a U . S . president . While he eventually took a different path , his passion for the practice of law demonstrates the same characteristics as someone who dreamed of one day leading their country : compassion , advocacy , dedication and justice . These traits have been evident in the many cases he has litigated over the last 40 years .
“ Lawyers and our judiciary have taught me to be an advocate and protectorate of all other humans ,” says Fitzsimmons .
“ The lessons I have learned from other members of the legal profession have helped me become a better person and gave me the tools and gifts to help others .”
The son of a pipefitter , Fitzsimmons grew up in Warwood , WV , with five siblings . In 1978 , he graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law with highest honors and was inducted into the Heusler Honor Society .
Fitzsimmons opened Fitzsimmons Law Firm as a sole practitioner in his hometown immediately after graduation and has worked there ever since . Owning his own firm has given him the chance to build a close-knit team of friends and family .
“ After 25 years as a sole practitioner , my two sons and one of their best friends became attorneys and joined the firm ,” he says . “ Also , my nephew and two of my closest friends decided on career changes and joined the firm . We recently hired a wonderful West Virginia University ( WVU ) College of Law graduate , and we are now eight attorneys deep . It is much different practicing law with multiple attorneys , but it also provides me with ideas and strategies from some great minds . Being able to work with your family and friends is the best .”
Fitzsimmons has tried more than 100 trials and achieved more than 150 verdicts and settlements in excess of $ 1 million . He credits his success to his determination , dedication and hard work .
During the course of his career , he has worked on multiple high-profile cases . In 1996 , Fitzsimmons was hired to represent Michael Webster , four-time Super Bowl winner and Pro Hall of Fame football player . Through a series of legal proceedings , Fitzsimmons was able to prove that playing football was a cause of major head injuries that led to chronic traumatic encephalopathy ( CTE ), symptoms of which include dementia , delusions and paranoia , for the athlete . This was the first court case that found repetitive trauma from football could cause permanent brain damage . While Webster unfortunately passed away in 2012 at the age of 50 , this legal precedent and its aftermath helped create changes in the sport , making it safer for players of all ages .
One of the most impactful cases Fitzsimmons has handled was the Steubenville High School rape case in 2013 .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE