Forty-two years ago, I eagerly joined Locks Law Firm (initially as a law student taking victims to medical appointments, and two years later as an attorney), excited to learn from Gene Locks. In law school, I had studied asbestos and could see the long-term complexity of the cases. Gene and others in the firm mentored me, teaching me about asbestos medicine, expert testimony, and courtroom arguments. The first cases I tried on my own before a jury ended with my two clients securing a combined award of over $152 million. I caught the bug for being a trial attorney. For the next four decades, the team at Locks grew. In 2002, I was named Managing Partner, now sharing responsibility for the future of the firm. It is an amazing place to learn all of the areas of law, but most importantly, the art of a trial.
Benzene is the next major litigation that will transform an industry. Just as Gene trained me in asbestos and other cases, we now have a rising star in Andrew DuPont. Having studied asbestos and Agent Orange litigation as it unfolded in law school, DuPont, now 20 years later, has found his career-defining call to action in one of the most powerful industries in the world—the oil industry. I am proud to watch him advocate for those exposed to benzene, an additive in gasoline that has been reported to increase cancer risk. DuPont recently led a Pennsylvania mechanic to a historic $725 million victory against ExxonMobil. With cases lined up throughout 2025, I am pleased to see our firm’s legacy continuing.
As I celebrate my 40th year as a lawyer with Locks Law Firm, I continue to strive towards a better future for those in need, as the justice I’ve brought to victims around the world reflects the vision of the wide-eyed 26-year-old I was when I joined this firm. Today, I am proud to witness and continue to be a key player in our firm’s legacy as the preeminent mass tort practice in the United States.