This year’s Great Legal Storyteller was renowned personal injury attorney Michael Haggard, who delivered his storyteller presentation to an overflow crowd in the Ceremonial Courtroom. He captivated the audience with the story of his successful years long battle – both in the courts and the Congress - to secure justice for victims of suction entrapment incidents in pools across America.
Attorney Haggard detailed the devastating impact of dangerous and defective pool drains, recounting the number of children killed, disemboweled, and severely injured and described his successful years-long battle to persuade congress to pass a law to require automatic shut-off mechanisms on pool drains nationwide. He discussed, in depth, his role in securing a $104 million verdict on behalf of a young boy who was rendered quadriplegic as a result of a defective drain. Ultimately, following the tragic death of the daughter of former Secretary of State James Baker, Congress enacted the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act. Notably, there have been no reported suction entrapment deaths since the passage of this legislation.
Professor H.T. Smith, Director of the Trial Advocacy Program, said, “Attorney Michael Haggard showed our students how lawyers can secure justice for clients inside and outside the courtroom. He made me proud to be a member of the legal profession”.
The program was well-attended by distinguished members of the bench and bar, including United States Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett and her husband Attorney Ariel Lett; County Court Judge Miesha Darrough; County Court Judge Kevin Hellman; respected trial attorneys Larry Handfield, Todd Michaels, Neal Roth, and Roberto Martinez.
Interim Dean Michelle Mason welcomed attendees and highlighted the continued success of the Trial Advocacy Program. During the program, a $1,500 scholarship was awarded to Rachel Cross in recognition of her exceptional leadership, selfless service, and outstanding competition achievements as a member of the Trial Team. The scholarship was generously sponsored by distinguished trial attorney Tomas Gamba, who has been a longstanding supporter of the Trial Advocacy Program.
Following his formal presentation, Attorney Haggard engaged in a dynamic question and answer session with members of the Trial Team.