Each month, we like to feature one of our attorneys to help you get to know our team better. We sat down with one of our Houston attorneys, Alex Abston, to talk about her background in the legal field and what she is currently working on.
What led you to a legal career?
I have wanted to be an attorney since elementary school. At a young age, I recognized that attorneys were able to help people through extremely challenging situations, which really resonated with me. High school speech and debate solidified my love for advocacy. During my time as a nationally ranked extemporaneous speaker, I learned the importance of thinking creatively about problems and their solutions.
I also discovered my passion for hearing people’s stories — a passion that continues to be a central part of my legal career. Throughout college and law school, I witnessed some incredible litigators who acted as a megaphone for their clients by amplifying and elevating stories that desperately needed to be heard. Each of these experiences confirmed my childhood career dream, and I am so grateful to now be an advocate for our courageous clients.
What has been your most interesting or memorable case and why?
My most memorable case thus far stems from the federal and state opioid litigations. I was first introduced to the opioid epidemic while working during law school. Last year, my opioid-related work came full circle when I joined the LLF trial team to assist in the preparation of one of the first federal opioid multidistrict litigation bellwether trials, located in Cleveland, Ohio.
I am honored to be part of the team that reached a settlement before trial, which allowed two of the most devastated counties to begin addressing the havoc inflicted upon their communities. I will never forget the bravery of the Ohio community members and leaders. Every day, these heroes fight alongside those battling opioid-related addiction, relapse and recovery. As the opioid epidemic continues, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, I anxiously await the day we can help other American communities finally receive the healing and justice they deserve.
What litigation are you currently working on?
Presently, I am focused on multiple federal and state opioid-related litigations. I am also involved in the class action and MDL litigation surrounding Mylan’s EpiPen injectors, as well as advocating for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their asbestos-related suits against Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products.
What are one or two things about you that most people don’t know?
In college, I would skip class to go watch the DePuy Pinnacle Hip bellwether trials. Also, I’m a loyal Houston sports fan!
