HarrisMartin's Midwest Asbestos Litigation Conference Speaker Profiles

Shareholder Amy Garrett brings more than 15 years of litigation experience to her leadership role on the asbestos management team at Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC. Her work has helped secure millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of individuals and families suffering from asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.

Amy joined the firm in 2003. She became an asbestos trial team leader and was promoted to shareholder in 2009. A veteran litigator, Amy oversees the firm’s Madison County docket. She also helps manage the firm’s intake process and client relations department.

“Even though we are a large firm, I pride myself on the personal attention I give to each and every client’s case that crosses my desk,” Amy said. “Our size is an advantage for our clients because we have vast collective legal experience helping people harmed by asbestos exposure.”

Amy worked on the litigation team in Simpkins, et al. v CSX Transportation, which succeeded on appeal in front of the Illinois Supreme Court. The case set an important precedent in Illinois for people injured by second-hand asbestos exposure, establishing that companies have a duty to warn employees’ family members about the dangers of asbestos.

“I have a genuine interest in every person’s story and feel like it’s my job to give my clients the power to fight for themselves and their families,” Amy said.

Brenda G. Baum focuses her practice in the toxic tort area including products liability asbestos lawsuits, representing both product manufacturers and premises defendants.

Ms. Baum represents clients in Illinois and Missouri, with an emphasis on Madison County, Illinois.