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 New York attorneys, Cristina Delise, to talk about her background in the legal field and what she is currently working on.
What led you to a legal career?
As a child I had a severe speech impediment that required nearly ten years of speech therapy. As part of my speech therapy, I participated in children’s public speaking competitions. The first few years were rough, and I often placed last, but I eventually found my voice and learned not only how to speak for myself, but how to advocate for others. Public speaking soon became my favorite thing to do and before I knew it, I was winning the very competitions where I had placed last. These competitions gave me tremendous confidence and sparked a love for oral advocacy. This love has, most certainly, followed me into my adult life. I was ranked 8th in the nation for Speech and Debate in high school and was a national Moot Court champion in law school.
Each of these experiences solidified my unending desire to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. I work each and every day to advocate for my clients and give a voice to those who have fell victim to dangerous drugs and medical devices.
What has been your most interesting or memorable case and why?
The last (almost) five years at the firm have been a wild ride and I have been given the opportunity to work on some truly fascinating cases. My most memorable case has to be my first. I was a member of the trial team representing San Antonio’s Harlandale Independent School District in litigation charging that HVAC equipment installed in school buildings created a hazardous mold problem. Harlandale will always hold a special place in my heart because that is the case that taught me what it means to be a lawyer.
I joined The Lanier Law Firm immediately upon graduating from law school and was assigned to the Harlandale trial team on my very first day. I was not even admitted yet but had the amazing opportunity to learn directly from Mark Lanier and understand all that goes into litigating a claim. The case favorably settled before trial. The client was happy, and I was so proud to be part of the team to right this wrong.
What litigation are you currently working on?
I am honored to represent U.S. Military service members and veterans who suffer from hearing loss and tinnitus as the result of the 3M Company’s defective Combat Arms Earplug Version 2 (CAEv2). In addition, it is my pleasure to represent EpiPen purchasers who were overcharged for life-saving medication in a nation-wide antitrust lawsuit.
What are one or two things about you that most people don’t know?
Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. I have a great love for special effects makeup, and I use every Halloween as an opportunity to challenge myself and hone my skill. Dressing up for Halloween is an amazing creative outlet and something I look forward to all year long!
