On December 18, 2025, James Campbell moderated a distinguished panel for the Chicago Bar Association’s Trial Practice Committee entitled “Mass Tort and Asbestos Trials in Cook County.” The hybrid event, held at CBA headquarters and broadcast via live webcast, brought together leading voices in Cook County asbestos litigation: Judge Maura Slattery Boyle of the Circuit Court of Cook County, retired Judge Patrick J. Sherlock of ADR Systems, defense attorney Demetra Arapakis Christos of Foley Mansfield, and plaintiff’s attorney Eric S. Poplonski. The program offered Illinois Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) credit for attorneys and drew practitioners from across the country seeking insights into one of the nation’s most active asbestos litigation dockets.
Key Insights on Asbestos Trial Practice in Cook County
The panel explored both the substantive and strategic dimensions of asbestos trial practice in Cook County. Discussions ranged from technical trial skills—including direct and cross-examination techniques and the tactical importance of calling live witnesses—to broader considerations of settlement strategy in mass tort cases. A recurring theme throughout the program was the exceptional culture of professionalism and collegiality that defines Cook County’s asbestos bar.
As The Lanier Law Firm’s Senior Attorney, James Campbell observed during the discussion: “I agree with your points about the professionalism we see in Cook County, particularly in the asbestos bar, and kudos to Judge Boyle, Judge Sherlock, and Judge McWilliams, and the judges that preceded her as well. That’s a cultural thing. You don’t see that everywhere.”
The Lanier Law Firm’s Commitment to Professional Excellence in Asbestos Litigation
The program underscored The Lanier Law Firm’s commitment to professional excellence and leadership within the legal community.
Campbell, who serves as CBA Trial Practice Committee Chair, joined the Lanier Law Firm in August 2025 after thirteen years representing asbestos victims at another national law firm. His moderation of this CLE program reflects the firm’s dedication to advancing trial advocacy skills and fostering the professional standards that benefit both practitioners and the clients they serve.
About The Lanier Law Firm’s Specialized Mesothelioma Practice
For over 30 years, The Lanier Law Firm has been a leader in asbestos and mesothelioma litigation, fighting for victims who have suffered from exposure to asbestos. With a dedicated team of attorneys, the firm has secured significant victories in complex asbestos cases, holding companies accountable for their negligence and advocating for the rights of those harmed by asbestos exposure. The firm proudly represents clients in all 50 states, including offering specialized legal services for Illinois mesothelioma victims.
Recognized as an Elite Trial Law Firm by The National Law Journal, The Lanier Law Firm continues its mission of advocacy and justice, with offices in Houston, New York, and Los Angeles.